6 chapters across the catalog
China is in talks to finance high-speed rail from Vienna to the Black Sea. Meanwhile, a new direct TGV rail link opens between Paris and Barcelona. Adam Curry describes the TGV experience in Southern France as "boring" because the tracks are often set in pits, obscuring the countryside.
California High-Speed Rail, Siemens Contracts, and European Train Failures
The California legislature approves a multi-billion dollar high-speed rail project connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco, a move supported by Governor Jerry Brown and the Obama administration. Skepticism is raised regarding the project's profitability and the involvement of Siemens, a company previously linked to bribery scandals in Greece. Comparisons are drawn to underperforming rail systems in the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden.
TGV Safety Records, Gouda Station Train Collision
The safety record of the French TGV and Thales rail systems is discussed, noting that 1.2 billion passengers have traveled without a casualty. However, the hosts mention specific accidents, including a 2008 collision at Gouda Station in the Netherlands and a 1998 fatal truck strike. They anticipate that safety statistics will be a major selling point for the U.S. high-speed rail push.
Gitmo Nation West, San Francisco Fog, and High-Speed Rail
Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the session from San Francisco, noting the heavy fog and local "Spare the Air" restrictions on wood-burning fires. They discuss a Wired article regarding a proposed 14-level underground bus station and high-speed rail hub. The hosts express skepticism regarding the feasibility of French TGV or German ICE style trains operating on existing local tracks.
High-Speed Rail, European Trains and the Grapevine Mountain Range
The feasibility of high-speed rail between San Francisco and Los Angeles is questioned due to the geography of the Grapevine mountains. Dvorak describes the experience of riding European high-speed trains like the TGV to Bordeaux, noting that while fast, the views are often obscured by concrete walls designed to prevent accidents.
German High-Speed Train Derailment, Sheep, and French Tunnels
A German Intercity Express (ICE) train derailed in a tunnel after striking a flock of sheep, resulting in several injuries. The hosts compare the design of German high-speed trains with the French TGV, noting that French tracks are often built in trenches for aerodynamics. The vulnerability of high-speed rail to track obstructions is highlighted.
