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I hear this all the time. I heard that NYC was able to build its vast network because of the huge supply of immigrants who were willing to do dangerous work and that it couldn't be built today. I'm sure there are plenty of people in this world today from poorer nations will accept that kind of work just like the poor European immigrants of that time. So why doesn't the government encourage them to come? Is because of protectionism and regulations? Who loses in this situation? If people are willing to do the work, let them do it.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Cheap labor today would only be a small help, but your idea would never fly due to the government worker unions and the requirements for contractors to pay prevailing wage. Another economic factor is the cost of acquiring the land, even a tunnel underground requires access on the surface, and parking for the riders. Another is the cost of litigation to fight all of the lawsuits that start the day someone proposes such a project.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,570 posts, read 81,167,557 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sstsunami55
Why are they so much cheaper in western Europe, which is also developed? Why can't the US do what they do?
The cost of subways is not cheaper in Europe, they just have more tax money. Gas in London is $8.17/gallon, Germany $8.35. In the UK gas prices include a hydrocarbon oil duty, and value added tax. Some cities such as London include a "congestion charge". We could probably afford more transit including subways if we added another $5-6 per gallon tax to the price of gas.
"A huge part of the problem is that agencies can’t keep their private contractors in check."
"Design should be focused on the needs of the users,” he wrote, “rather than on architectural beauty or exotic materials, and never on the name of the architect.”
"Melis praised quick execution as necessary for an efficient, affordable project. (Compare this with multigenerational projects, such as California’s high-speed rail and New York’s Second Avenue subway.)"
The cost of subways is not cheaper in Europe, they just have more tax money. Gas in London is $8.17/gallon, Germany $8.35. In the UK gas prices include a hydrocarbon oil duty, and value added tax. Some cities such as London include a "congestion charge". We could probably afford more transit including subways if we added another $5-6 per gallon tax to the price of gas.
There would be riots in the streets before that ever happens.
I hear this all the time. I heard that NYC was able to build its vast network because of the huge supply of immigrants who were willing to do dangerous work and that it couldn't be built today. I'm sure there are plenty of people in this world today from poorer nations will accept that kind of work just like the poor European immigrants of that time. So why doesn't the government encourage them to come? Is because of protectionism and regulations? Who loses in this situation? If people are willing to do the work, let them do it.
The reason the government doesn't encourage immigrant labor to come and build a subway in New York is pretty simple: New York already has a subway. It doesn't need to be built now, because it already exists. It was built a long time ago.
If you're wondering why the government doesn't encourage immigrant labor to descend on Valdosta, GA, to build a subway there, the answer is similarly straightforward: Valdosta doesn't need a subway.
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There's a rather large gap. Could look up more later.
