Show HN: Trains.fyi – a live map of passenger trains in the US and Canada (trains.fyi)

Article summary

Trains.fyi is a live map of passenger trains in the US and Canada, allowing users to track any train in real-time. The app is free to download and use, with optional premium features. It covers over 60 networks across 5 continents and is available on various platforms. The project was built out of frustration with delayed trains and aims to provide a comprehensive train tracking service.

Main themes

• train tracking
• high-speed rail
• US rail network
• transportation infrastructure
• government funding
• alternative methods

What commenters say

• The US has a poor high-speed rail network compared to other developed countries.
• The main issue with US rail is not speed, but rather reliability and frequency of delays.
• High-speed rail is only economically viable in densely populated areas like the Northeast.
• The cost of building and maintaining high-speed rail lines is prohibitively expensive.
• Trains are often slower and less convenient than air travel for long-distance trips in the US.
• Investing in high-speed rail could have numerous benefits, including reducing traffic and pollution.
• The government's priorities and budget allocation are a major obstacle to developing a comprehensive rail network.
• Alternative methods, such as using cell towers to estimate train location, could be explored to improve train tracking accuracy.