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David and Marc,
I reckon this is exactly what we need in this country. Like you say, no mucking around at airports, waiting on the tarmac to take off, waiting to collect your bags etc etc. The train can take you straight to the city centre. The Shinkansen run on time to the second, you can get up and comfortably walk around, they have a decent sized toilet, even a trough for the boys, there's a lady that comes around with a trolly with food and drink, beer, scotch etc. Grab a drink and sit back and watch the world wizing past.
The problem with Aus is the vast distances, huge investment required with infrastructure, and the population isn't here to make it viable. We have 20 or so million, just Tokyo has close to that. If the Fed government ever go ahead with the Syd, Can, Mel route, I'm sure the ticket cost would be far more expensive than flying with the ridiculously cheap flights at the moment, the first years of a train service would be pricey to use. They are not cheap in Japan either, but driving is expensive in Japan with toll roads EVERYWHERE. It works there because of the population, they run the network very well, it's convenient, and cheaper and faster than driving and flying in a small country like JP.
If they create a bullet train network in Aus, I for one will be using them even if they are more expensive.
Cheers,
Paul
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