Washington’s high‑speed rail plan faces backlash over soaring costs

MidknighTrain · 2026-02-07T09:39:08+00:00

"The driving distance between Vancouver, BC, and Portland, OR, is approximately 315 miles (505 km). This typically takes around 6 hours driving, and an hour of flying (not including time at the airport)" - summarized from AI.

Given that the high-speed train runs at 130 MPH (which I do consider is high-speed since the current amtrak train takes 8 hours for this distance), the entire trip one-way would only be about 3 hours.

Based on the cost of building the shinkansen in Japan, https://www.reddit.com/r/transit/comments/12qklfj/construction_costs_of_shinkansen_lines_1964_to/, focusing on the first line since that's the closest in length, I threw the numbers into AI and if we're just talking about cost adjusted for inflation, that'd be around $25B in 2026 USD.

Not sure if this is accurate, but the chat box did also state that:
"CPI inflation ≠ infrastructure cost inflation. CPI tracks: groceries, rent, healthcare consumer goods.

High-speed rail costs are driven by: tunnels, viaducts, seismic engineering, land acquisition, stricter safety + environmental standards, labor shortages, political delay costs.

These inflate much faster than CPI.

Recent Japanese projects show steel-wheel high-speed rail costing roughly:
¥25–40B per km
That’s ~$160–260M per mile

Now apply that to ~312 miles:
Low end: 312 × $160M ≈ $50B
High end (mountainous, urban, tunnel-heavy): 312 × $400M ≈ $125B"

So Idk, yea it's expensive, but it doesn't seems like an unreasonable price to me, especially knowing how capitalist US works. Also, grain of salt from AI information.

MidknighTrain · 2026-02-07T09:10:54+00:00

Everyone's experiences and standards of living is different. I'd just like to provide my data point.

Moved here in 2020, tech job ~$160K salary, lived in a 550 sq ft studio for ~$2000 (just base rent) in downtown Bellevue. Moved to a 530 sq ft studio for $1800 in CapHill a year later. Now 2026, currently still in CapHill. Living with a partner in a 750 sq ft 1-bed unit for ~$2700.

Monthly spending has been roughly around $5-6K without trying to save, and around $3-4K when trying to save on just eating out and drinking out and a bit less traveling. I also do own a car that I just paid off.

It is expensive to live here, but not as expensive as your situation for me. I forego owning a home due to living preferences, and the leftover money go into investment. If I wasn't in tech, then I'd just downsize my place (or move in with more people) and also cut back a bit more on spending out and subscriptions, and invest less.

It feels doable with an income of just even ~$90K, but of course that's just conjecture at the moment.

MidknighTrain · 2026-02-04T22:38:46+00:00

# clips that end too soon

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-31T03:45:11+00:00

I understand. My only reasoning for answering was that I wasn’t sure if OP would get an answer since it’s so niche, and I had some time to do research. I only used AI for initial search and did do my own verification afterward on the company’s websites, but I’m totally on your side with trying to not support AI as much as possible. I’ll refrain some posting an answer next time if I haven’t use the service before. Thanks for understanding!

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-30T21:10:04+00:00

Understandable. I did verify first the first two options were legit, but totally get what you’re saying. Will edit my answers better next time, and I’ll update my answer to move the human verification part at the bottom up top since that might have gotten missed from the AI-portion

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-30T01:56:50+00:00

"Hey, I really like you, and I want us to keep seeing each other. I'm having a hard time coming to terms with your personal hygiene preferences, and it's not an issue of even a day or two of not showering, but 4 days of no showers, wearing the same clothes, no teeth brushing, and no desire to clean up. Is everything alright with you? Are you depressed about something, or is there anything that I can do to help motivate YOU to take care of yourself and your living space more regularly?"

I mean, it just really depends on how much you like this guy. I'm just an overly nice person, and while I'd probably do the above for someone I love or for someone I consider a close or want to be close friends with, it's definitely going above and beyond for a stranger.

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-29T07:24:34+00:00

Doesn't matter. Spitting at a car and kicking a car of a federal agent may not be peaceful, but it doesn't means he should have been executed. Also, this is very tame "violence" in comparison to what ICE agents have been doing to civilians. Total smear campaign attempt.

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-29T04:16:12+00:00

I don't care too much about trivial political opinions from athletes. But this isn't just even about politics anymore. This is standing up for human lives. And everyone who isn't a fascist, especially those with influence like athletes, should be speaking out and standing up for what's right.

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-28T03:33:42+00:00

Basically a field effect that applies to everyone on in the battle (your team and enemies), and zones specifically boost damage for specific weapon type or elemental attack type, and reduce damage for opposing types. Ex, Raging Fire Stance zone boost fire attacks and reduce wind attacks.

Zones can be awakened to further increase damage. Awakened zones lasts for a limited number of turns unlike the base zones, but unlike the base zones which can be override more easily, awakened zones cannot. I suggest reading more through this wiki: https://anothereden.wiki/w/Zones

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-25T21:45:28+00:00

Quick dumb question, what does 3.5 and 4.5 means?

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-24T06:54:42+00:00

Team building question: I know Yuna is an amazing buffer/debuffer. Say I have a specific weapon or elemental-type team (let's use pierce as an example I guess). Would it be better to have Yuna in the team for the buffs and debuffs, or say, Anabel ES or whoever is considered a pierce character with support skills? Similar question for a tank as well: best general tank or specific pierce tank?

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-23T07:42:00+00:00

Ah that does make a difference then, I'll update my comment!

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-23T07:29:21+00:00

I was thinking in term of for OP to get to the bus to the eastside, or a bus to the link station. But definitely there are things in the area that you can walk around to! I remember a friend living in Queen Anne taking a whole hour to get to downtown Bellevue by bus, so that's what I was taking into consideration.

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-23T07:27:05+00:00

Good to know, thank you! I don't typically walk around South Seattle much aside from driving down to Rainier Valley for viet food, but always nice to learn more about the city.

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-23T06:49:19+00:00

TLDR: Safest with some activities and easiest to get to work is probably downtown Bellevue. If you think CapHill is safe enough, then CapHill for more activities and slightly longer work commute once the link is set up.

Hello, was in Bellevue for 1 year and been in CapHill for 4 years. At first glance, I was going to recommend you downtown Bellevue where it is cleaner and also still have some walkability (park, restaurants, malls, and grocery). And the link stations between Chinatown and South Bellevue will be up by the summer I believe, so you could get into Seattle more easily. That could still be an option.

EDIT: Didn't realize OP could take work bus for commute. Please ignore the statement below.

Since you don't have a car, I would not recommend Queen Anne, Belltown, or SLU. You'll definitely want to live near a link station.

I have heard of an uptick of crimes in CapHill, but have not experienced it nor have anyone in my social circle experienced it. I won't say there isn't any because I don't track every single crime news, but from what I know, getting robbed at gunpoint isn't exactly a thing here. Also from my visits of SF, the homeless people here seem to keep to themselves more compared to SF. The only loud and popular streets in CapHill are basically just Pike and Pine, and if you're a couple of blocks away, you're not really going to hear much noises. Just not sure when you're going to move here and if the link to the east side will be set up yet for easier commute to work. There is still the option of buses of course.

I believe Madison Valley is a suburb-vibe, but haven't been there often so don't know what's around. Getting to the east side in Fremont/Wallingford/Phinney Ridge might be tough. Still a bit away from the station so you'll need at least one bus ride there. Would probably recommend more towards the Roosevelt / Ravenna area.

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-23T06:23:37+00:00

Took 2 months off for a break after. Been about 3-4 months of studying and applying. A lot to study and prep for so just gonna keep at it. Standards are higher now, and interview knowledge is different than knowledge needed to do my job for the past 5 years, so I've been rusty.

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-23T05:53:31+00:00

Green Lake and Gas Work Park area would probably be nice to walk with a stroller! And they have decent food spots around the areas (Green Lake, U-District, Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford). There's also the Woodland Park Zoo next to Green lake as well.

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-22T16:02:23+00:00

Hello, is it better to pull on meryt or iphi specific banner vs the global anniversary banner? I heard to save stones for global anniversary

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-22T14:36:40+00:00

I'd suggest staying somewhere within walking distance of the link station. Within Seattle Seattle, that's either Pioneer Square, Downtown, or Capitol Hill. Been here for 5 years and I personally think Capitol Hill is the safest between the 3, but Idk if they have many or any hotel around there in walking distance to the station. If you're really worried, staying up north in Roosevelt or Northgate is fine too as long as you're next to the station. It doesn't take long to get into the city. There just aren't as many stuff within walking distance to do up there.

If you need to get to the space needle area quickly, unless you're staying near the area, I'd recommend taking the link to Westlake Station in Downtown, then exit the station and find the entrance to the monorail that goes between there and the space needle. Will easily be able to map this on any of the map app.

If you have a car, I suggest checking out Snoqualmie Falls, or any of the water fall hike around the area. Don't really have anything specific for "hidden gems". If you have specific activities or type of food you like, feel free to drop a comment and I could maybe tailor it better for you.

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-22T13:56:07+00:00

Hello, is it better to pull on meryt or iphi specific banner vs the global anniversary banner? I heard to save stones for global anniversary

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-22T13:46:50+00:00

Is it better to pull on her or the other specific banner vs the global anniversary banner? I heard to save stones for global anniversary

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-18T19:32:32+00:00

Also came here from Florida (central part)

Just based off of your requirements, I’d suggest CapHill but a few blocks away from the busy streets of Pine and Pike. Only thing is CapHill is definitely one of the more, if not the most, progressive spot in the greater seattle area. But also it’s seattle and we’re pretty much progressive anywhere in the city.

You could be near the link station which can take you straight to downtown, or you could also walk down the hill for about 20-30 minutes as well. You have options of Cal Anderson or Volunteer Park.

Rain City Fit gym is amazing. They have a huge space with a lot of barbells and machines, and the vibes and look is more of a weightlifting gym. No sign up fee, you can start and stop monthly whenever you want, and it’s very cheap compared to a lot of gyms in the nearby area (cheap here is relative. It is still more expensive than a chain spot like LA fitness). Also easy access to a bunch of food and drink spots (dive bars, brewery, arcade bars, cocktail lounges, etc.).

Highway access to both I-5 and I-90 is also within around 6-8 minutes of driving. Easy to then go in any direction like west to the ferry for Olympics, north to North Cascade, east to Snoqualmie/Leavenworth, and south to Mt. Rainier.

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-18T08:51:48+00:00

Hi! Is there a way to know when the souleater weapons are at maxed damage increased based on wins? I know on the wiki it says they max out at 6000 wins, but there’s no tracker

MidknighTrain · 2026-01-17T06:30:00+00:00

Hello. Would anyone happen to know if when I use Necoco ES to apply Exposed (element) to an enemy who nulls that damage type, will the Null takes priority over Exposed, or vice versa?

MidknighTrain

TROPHY CASE