High-speed rail construction since 2008

BUT

AT

WHAT

COST

????!!!??!!

Eh, the thing is a large majority of their limes are unprofitable for being largely underused
Why did the Chinese take incredible amount of debt on to fund these lines that do not connect major population centers? Prob for that chart
- This chart is a good example of what happens when transport infrastructure is judged through a purely economic lens versus what happens when affordable travel is seen as a necessary feature of a civilised society. (Not to mention the jobs created and the carbon saved.)
- Perhaps you could enlighten us with a map of profitable highways?
- I know this might blow your mind but it is possible to build things in advance of demand and without a profit incentive
- Exactly. And as we all know, population stays the same over time. So it's truly a waste.
- large majority of their limes are unprofitable
  Waiting to hear this about the NYC MTA once Mamdani zeros out fares.
- Most of the lines are used fairly well. Overall ridership of the network was 3.2billion trips last year. It is still growing.
  As for the economics, it is infrastructure, which is going to last for a century or more. It obviously requires upgrades, but having a fast reliable, green form of transport between a countries large cities has a lot of advantages. Not the least are indirect economic advantages. Like for example making business trips easier, but also tourism. That is why Japan, South Korea and Western European countries built hsr as well.
  That also means taking on debt is somewhat sensible, as long as economic growth from the better connections is bigger then the cost of the debt. That is honestly just running the country like a business.

Do these guys not count because Florida? I know it's not as impressive as China's efforts, but it's something.

Looks like it's because it's labeled as a Higher-Speed Rail rather than High-speed.
- Wow, talk about something intentionally named to be confusing and misleading.
- I'm gonna call it "sparkling regional train".
- Next we'll have Highest speed rail! Take that chINA
200 km/h does not HSR make. You gotta crack at least 250 for that

lol the comment section is atrocious, Americans have no answers.

Shouldn't the blue bar be shown in miles?

Mostly no, because they should be on the same scale. Not that it matters here.

Joke's on you! If the chart was in miles it would be the other way around!

This is blatantly false, California has built high speed rail in that time.

no they havnt, its been hold for almost 10years due to musk and trump meddling both in his first term.
- Hundreds of miles have been constructed since 2008. The project just hasn’t been finished yet. This graph and you are wrong.

Really, none? Is there a source for this OP?

Cars <---> Fascism

I am going to regret asking, but could you elaborate?
- Cars are opposed to fascism? Are they saying you need cars and car-dependent infrastructure to fight fascism? Or to prevent fascism. Clearly working very well in the US. Totally not fascist ICE arresting people off the street. Nothing to see here folks!

thanks Elon I guess

Is there any comment content out there that isn't just US-China dick measuring. Just get a room.