Two years ago, France’s parliament officially passed the bill to ban short-haul flights where alternative train routes of 2.5 hours or less already exist.
The bill, considered a world first, was a step in the right direction and a “strong symbol in the policy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Clement Beaune, France’s transport minister.
As transportation evolves, travelers and commuters are becoming more conscious of their carbon footprint. This is especially true in the Northeast Corridor, which accounts for approximately 30% of all U.S. air travel and more than 750,000 rail passengers daily.
But when it comes to choosing between traffic, tracks, or tarmac, how do planes compare to trains for regional travel? Let’s explore how choosing a train can be better for both our busy schedules and our environment.
Intercity Travel Means More Efficient Commutes
Like Elaine Glusac wrote for the New York Times, there are a number of ways to travel 300 miles from Chicago to St. Louis–a distance about two-thirds the length of the Northeast Corridor.
“Why trade a roughly 75-minute flight for a 320-minute train?” Glusac asks, and answers: “Conversely, time.”
On paper, short-haul flights seem much faster than rail travel. But once you factor in the long and often tedious procedures associated with taking a plane, like long security lines, boarding delays, and baggage claim, longer train trips are far more comparable in practice.
Think of a journey not just as the distance from airport to airport, but the total length of time it takes to get from door to door. It’s much easier for passengers to simply board the train, meaning a 2-hour train ride might beat a 1-hour flight when factoring in airport transit and wait times—and you get to keep your shoes on.
Furthermore, airports are often located far away from urban hubs because they need significant land for runways, parking, safety, and other facilities. Meanwhile, train stations are commonly found in busy city centers, so travelers can start and end their journeys closer to their final destination.
Flying from Washington, DC to New York City takes about one hour and 30 minutes in the air. This doesn’t even factor in security, boarding, deplaning, or catching a cab or train from LaGuardia into Manhattan.
Now imagine a future with high-speed rail in the Northeast Corridor, where travelers can get from DC to NYC in just one hour. Thanks to SCMAGLEV, operating at speeds up to 311 miles per hour, Northeast Maglev can make that future a reality.
Green Energy: Benefitting the Environment
According to the European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E), emissions from aviation are growing faster than any other mode of transport.
Airplanes emit around 100 times more CO2 per hour than a shared bus or train ride. Global aviation emissions total around 1 billion tons of CO2 per year, ahead of entire countries like Germany and South Korea.
Furthermore, aircraft engines emit other gases, like nitrous oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), water (H2O), and particulate matter in the form of soot. These emissions contribute to a net global warming effect by changing the properties of the earth’s atmosphere.
Taking off also uses more fuel than cruising. For shorter flights, this accounts for a larger proportion of the journey, says BBC.
The SCMAGLEV is expected to significantly decrease vehicle miles traveled in the region. Teamed with renewable energy, the SCMAGLEV could transport millions of people without any emissions. By reducing auto and air trips, the SCMAGLEV will also reduce highway congestion, noise pollution, pavement maintenance costs, and provide a host of additional environmental benefits.
To Conclude…
Which is better: planes or trains? Well, it honestly depends on your circumstances. Factors include the exact distance you’re traveling, the date and time of your travel, and the cost you’re willing to pay for the trip.
But along interconnected cities like the Northeast Corridor, rail is a convenient, comfortable, and environmentally-friendly option. High-speed rail would truly revolutionize travel.
The future of travel is electric, efficient, and on the ground – not in traffic or on a tarmac. Eager to get on board? Learn more about our vision and join the journey today!