Originally Posted by
wphamilton
Alternatives produce greater elasticity of demand. I think here, with the high speed rails, the price of automobiles isn't really a factor. The rail is not going to replace cars, but will replace trips.
Originally Posted by
tandempower
What substitute for automobile ownership exists for most people? I.e. how many people seriously consider cycling or transit as a substitute for auto ownership? ...
In the case of high speed rail between cities, the rail will be as substitute for trips, not car ownership.
I don't think you'd seriously expect proponents to say that one high speed rail could replace car ownership?