Two major train projects, two different countries. Country #1 invented the first train in the world and established one of the first rail networks. It has a GDP of $41,600.
Country #2 failed to keep up its early passenger rail and all the tracks fell out of use—until now. It has a GDP of $17,900. (2020 stats)
You’d think Country #1 would be the leader in this, and you’d be completely wrong. Country #1, I’m sad to say, is the United Kingdom, with its failing HS2 rail project. Country #2 is Mexico. Its ‘Tren Maya’ is due to open in December. Here’s the route map:
The route connects the major cities, airports and archaeological sites of Southeastern Mexico, bringing economic benefits to the neglected south of the country. It cruises at 130 Km/h (80 mph). Nobody wants anything faster than that—it is a tourist train after all.
There are no less than three choices of passenger train service: Xiinbal, Janal, and P'atal.
Xiinbal is the standard passenger train with two class options. First class offers spacious seating with three seats per row, full panoramic windows, and more room, while economy class has four seats per row but is still comfortable. Both have onboard cafeterias.
Janal provides a unique culinary experience with restaurant cars featuring tables for two or four guests. Five regional chefs curate meals from the regions the train visits, accompanied by live music entertainment.
P'atal is designed for long-haul journeys, offering private cabins with couches that convert into beds. Some cabins have in-room bathrooms with showers, and like Xiinbal, P'atal also has onboard cafeterias, ensuring passengers are well-rested and refreshed upon arrival at their destination.
The Tren Maya project began in June 2020 and so will have taken a little more than three years to complete its 1,525 Km (948 mile) track and facilities.
© Daily Mail
Meanwhile, the jobsworths in the UK have been struggling to build the HS2 rail project. Originally intended to ‘level up’ the north of England by providing high-speed rail to Birmingham and Manchester, it looks certain that the Manchester link will be cancelled, and the whole project may even be thrown in the bin at this late stage.
On 15 April 2020, formal approval was given to construction companies to start work on the project. So both Tren Maya and HS2 have been under way for three years. One is almost complete, and the other is almost abandoned. I would put an actual image of HS2 but it doesn’t exist.
$27 billion has already been spent but there appears no end to the bottomless money pit. Completion is now estimated to be somewhere north of $98 billion. It’s hard to imagine how anyone could afford to buy a ticket for it.
Comparison:
Tren Maya cost: 16,700 $Mn. HS2 (est): 120,000 $Mn.
Route length, Tren Maya: 1,554 Km. HS2: 225 Km.
Cost /Km: Tren Maya $10,750 HS2: $533,000
In other words, HS2 is costing FIFTY TIMES AS MUCH as Tren Maya. And it’s not even likely to be finished.
What a national disgrace. The Conservatives have been in power for 13 years now. All this is down to them.
