We should consider comfort for the passengers though. Too often people only think of how many people can fit, they don’t think if those same people should fit though.
A train ride will always be more comfortable than being stuck in traffic.
Yeah, some parts of the world, overcrowded trains are a huge problem.
I used to ride commuter rail in Boston. 363 days out of the year it wouldn’t be terribly crowded. Maybe standing-room-only for the first couple stops during rush hour.
But those other two days…that’s when the pats and the Sox have their victory parades. May god have mercy on the souls of regular commuters who aren’t sports fans.
The toilets in some Indian trains is a trip within themselves too. At least, in the one I took to northern India, so perhaps more rural.
Anyway, it was a literal hole in the floor of the train with bare tracks whizzing by your ass. Gotta say, that was an adventure I hadn’t thought about in a long time.
Yes, you are defecating on the train tracks. Along those same tracks, some people were living their lives in little huts made from trash. Speaks for itself.
This was around 2008, I hope something improved, it broke my heart.
The seats are not as comfortable. Wearing ear buds is not as comfortable, crowds or standing, not being in a private space, carrying everything and keeping track of it against thieves, Also, this fantasy train goes directly to your workplace? I don’t know I think there will be some disagreement even from people who like trains. Quicker commute is important.
That’s a valid point, which is keeping some people from using public transit, wether we like it or not.
Some rail providers require you to reserve a seat when booking a ticket (French TGV, maybe?).
And another perspective: We might consider comfort for non-passengers, too. I’d rather cross a few tracks than a highway.