We have ferries. What if we could combine the efficiency of train and the convenience of ferries? People could just drive their own car on a train car of some kind and be shuttled to a destination and then drive off?

[–] Knuschberkeks@feddit.de 3 points 6 months ago (1 children)

that's been done in europe since I think the 1930s

[–] KillerTofu@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago

I’m sure the idea is suppressed on over in Merica. Glad it’s not an original thought!

[–] Wirlocke@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

I've seen those trucks with a bunch of cars packed on top, something like that (minus truck) could totally fit in a train cargo container.

[–] grue@lemmy.world 9 points 6 months ago (2 children)

Auto-trains are already a thing.

[–] mkwt@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago

The loading and unloading is a pain.

[–] KillerTofu@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Without looking deeper it’s probably cost prohibitive. Looking at long train rides cost a thousand dollars and takes 3-4 days, might as well just fly at that point.

[–] zalgotext@sh.itjust.works 1 points 6 months ago

Yeah putting cars on trains is the opposite of a solution lol. All that cargo space used on a car probably just ends up driving the cost of the train ticket up for everyone. If you really need a car, rent one at your destination, like you would when flying.