Crews in California have been working on the state’s first ever bullet train since June of this year. The proposed plan will build a train that spans from San Francisco to Los Angeles with the trip taking merely 2 ½ hours. As with any major projects, there have been a few snafus. Here is the actual cost of what the trains and a few other facts you may not know.

Cost of the Bullet Train

Since the idea’s conception, there have been several estimates as to what it might cost. It ranges from $105 to $83 million dollars and the current estimate of $86 million dollars is the cheapest of any fast train ever built.
But how much will fare cost? Since the project is not yet complete, there has not been any information on that front. We can expect to learn of costs when it becomes closer to the date of completion. It makes sense that it is one aspect of the project that will be mulled over since it will affect millions of travelers.

Expected Ease of the Train

The Los Angeles Times has estimated that 10.7 million people have flown back and forth between Los Angeles and the Bay area. With the addition of the train, we might see a decline in traffic at LAX and Bay area airports simply due to the convenience. Why would you want to head to the airport earlier when you can simply hop onto the train?
For those who like to travel via car, you can now get the experience of seeing the sights as you would from a car without having to put wear and tear onto your vehicle as well. The cost might be less but it remains to be seen.

Los Angeles Railroad Contractors

Completion of the project is expected to be in the year 2028. It is going to be exciting to see this major project unfold before our eyes.
If your rail business is in need of a railroad contractor, look to Sharp & Fellow Inc. for all of your needs. We have been in business since 1877, you can rest assured that we have the knowledge for any project. Peruse our site for more information.

Transportation and Economics

Efficiency is a key component in order to develop a strong economy. Supply and demand means nothing when the products cannot reach those who want it and in a timely manner. That is why the railroad and trucking industry are vital to today’s economic structure. Intersecting networks and the affect it has on the market is an interesting subject and one we will dive into today.

The Role of Transportation in Economic Development

The ability to transport goods can be an improvement or a hindrance to a business. If you have a great transportation system then your business will flourish. A strong network will link various transportations together to ensure a failsafe plan to get your products where they need to go. Airplanes, trucking, and trains are constantly intersecting to create such a network.
Due to these various forms of transportation working together, you are able to expand your business from an international level to a global one. Production, distribution, and consumption are open to a wider market and increases your economic growth.
A great transportation network will increase your business reputation in terms of reliability. When consumers receive their goods on time or even ahead of schedule, the happier they will be. This builds a great client-customer relationship and can lead to reoccurring business.
With the boost to your business comes the need to increase your productivity. Transportation can work in reverse by bringing you all the necessary supplies you need to complete your assembly. Which will in turn increase performance. The reduction of time it takes while increasing productivity means a decrease in cost since you are shipping bigger quantities thus saving on shipping.

Railroad Track Consultant in Los Angeles

Railroads were a game changer when they were established. They continue to be a vital part of today’s economy since they are used daily to transport goods across the country. Which is why we at Sharp & Fellows Inc. are dedicated to maintaining and improving the railroad systems in Los Angeles. What city is more deserving of a great transportation system than one that is home to many great businesses in need of transportation for shipping their goods?
If you are in need of railroad services, contact us at (310)323-7784.

Countries with the Longest Railways

From the United States to Brazil, you will find a railway system in nearly every country. The larger the country, the bigger the railway system will be. This is due to these countries knowing that their people need efficient transportation and they cannot survive on car alone. Here is a list of the longest railway systems all over the world.

Longest Railways around the World

The United States is home to the longest rail system in the world. The operating length is 250,000 km, about 80% of the line is dedicated to freight lines and the remaining 20% devoted to passenger lines. Among the lines are 538 railroads operated by private organizations. Amtrak, the passenger railway, has more than 30 routes that connects 46 states. The railway network is not set to stop there since there are plans to add 27,000 km of high speed railways by 2030.

Not to be left behind is China’s rail network whose route length expands over 100,000 km. Second biggest in the world, their network is ran by the China Railway Corporation. It is the principal mode of transportation in China carrying 2.08 billion passengers. There are 90,000 km of standard passenger railways and 10,000 km of high speed railways. It is also an invaluable asset when it comes to shipping freight as it carries 3.22 billion tons of it. As with the United States, there is plans to expand the rail network to over 270,000 by 2050.

Comin in third is Russia’s rail network at 85,000km. That does not mean it is not as nearly impressive as the U.S. and China’s rail system. Carrying 1.08 billion passengers and 1.2 billion tons of freight, Russia’s railway system can hold its own. Run by state-owned Russian Railways, their lines connect to many European and Asian national railways such as Finland, France, China, and Mongolia. There are plans to renovate their high speed rails since they proved inefficient due to sharing lines with low-speed trains.

Railroad Construction in Anaheim

The common thread amongst the railways mentioned above is expansion of the railway networks. Since railroads are relied upon for more than passenger commutes, countries still rely on them for the shipment of goods across the country. Especially in big metropolises such as Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

At Sharp & Fellows Inc. we provide our expertise to and skills to rail networks when they need to expand their lines. For more information, visit our site or contact us at (310)323-7784.

Traveling by Rail

When a commuter thinks of getting around Los Angeles and their mind head directly to thoughts of bumper-to-bumper traffic on the freeways. There is one form or transportation that has not only been around for years but continues to thrive: trains. The heart of Los Angeles train rides is located in Union Station but spreads out all across the city.

The Past, Present, and Future of the Los Angeles Railway

The Metro railway has recently celebrated their 25 anniversary on July 14th. The rail started out as a single line, the Blue line that spanned 22 miles and only 22 stops.  It has now expanded into various lines that stop at 80 rail stations covering 87 miles of rail. Since its inception, the Metro Rail has become an integral part of the Los Angeles transportation system. Commuters are now able to travel from Los Angeles to Orange County and Riverside with greater ease than in a vehicle.

Just because the Metro Rail has made excellent strides in the past 25 years does not mean they are finished just yet. Currently, they are planning a high-speed rail which will leave from Union Station to San Francisco in a matter of 2 hours and 40 minutes. There is also plans to construct a line that travels from Crenshaw to LAX, which would be extremely convenient for those who need to get to and from the airport without much hassle. Rather than be satisfied with the status quo of current lines, they are expanding the Expo and Gold Lines. Due to these latter upgrades, the rail system will now span over 113 miles across Los Angeles County.

Railroad Track Construction in Los Angeles

The Metro Rail has not been this successful on pure luck. It takes a considerable amount of time and planning to create an effective system. As a railroad contractor, the associates at Sharp & Fellows Inc. have the expertise and experience required for your rail service needs. Whether you need a new design or in need of an inspection, we have the services for you. For additional information, view our projects online.

Getting to Work on Time

If there is anything Los Angeles residents can appreciate the most is not being stuck in traffic to and from work. Many of us know that those occurrences are few and far between. For those who have to travel a good hour or more for work can appreciate any form of transportation that can get you there faster and aggravation free, which is what the train offers to its riders.

Benefits to Taking the Train to Work

Taking the train, which was once the norm, has never really left and has seen a resurgence of the railroad commuter. Here are some many wonderful benefits of ditching your car in favor of this classic mode of transportation.

While being completely safe, the average train travels top speed at 150 MPH, when compared to the 60 to 70 miles one might travel on the given freeway, this is more than double the speed. Meaning that you can get to your destination much faster. Especially when you factor in that most of the time spent in standstill traffic, the train is a straight shot from station to station.

Being on the train also gives you the luxury of sitting back and mentally preparing for your day ahead. Now that you no longer have to worry about jumping over lanes to get your exit, you can refocus that energy to prepping for a big meeting or enjoy a cup of coffee. After work commutes can be the perfect time to shake off the work day to be fully present when you get home.

In times when gas prices soar and car maintenance is expensive, you can save money on both front by investing in a monthly pass. You will be glad when you do not have to shell out the same amount of money per week at the pump that equals a month of train rides.

Los Angeles Railroad Construction

Another great benefit of taking the train can partake in a mode of transportation that many commuters have used for decades. At Sharp & Fellows, we ensure that the trains continue to run with ease for commuters. Our services include track construction and maintenance along with design. We have over 130 years of expertise to serve your needs. For additional information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at (310)3237784.