I am glad to know that Philip is an enthusiastic supporter of utilizing maglev technology for Goa in order to better serve the needs of Goa's expats and tourists. I must commend Philip for having the insight to realize the importance of the tourist sector to Goa's economy and its connection to aviation facilities. Without this basic infrastructure and without the tourists and expat goans who use it, Goa would effectively cease to function, or perhaps even exist.
Since Goa has plenty of schools, but does not have a proper airport and an intra airport link, I think it would make sense for the government to cut off/reduce funding for public education (anyway, which Goan expat would ever think to sending their child to a public school!!). This money could be then be utilized to build up the maglev line between Dabolim and the new airport. The 50km line would cost around 2-3 billion dollars, which while expensive, would definately be appreciated by tourists and expats. Additional money could be raised by having a toll of say Rs 100 per vehicle every time they cross a major bridge such as those at the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. Likewise, it also makes sense for the Goa to eliminate all goverment funding for pubic transportation (excluding the maglev line of course). Whenever I have gone to Goa, I have rarely ever seen expat Goans or tourists use the buses. Perhaps it is the sight of the overloaded, half tilted "Pink Panther" bus that plys the Panjim-Dona Paula route that has discouraged the use of pubic transportation amongst the tourists. Regardless, the money saved could be used to purchase a fleet of the latest Boeing 777-200LR long range jets (~$90 million apiece) that would enable true 17+ hour non-stop flights from Goa to as far as San Francisco (happens to be where I live!). Again, pretty pricy, but something that a person in my situation would very much appreciate. I also appreciate the fact that the cuts in funding for public transportation may not be sufficient to fund the purchase and creation of Goa's own airline. Other creative means of funding this would be to impose taxes on food items, such as those sold in Goa's markets that are mostly frequented by the locals. This would ensure that the prices of food at Goa's markets better match the rates at Goa's premium hotels, and thus end the unfair and highly discriminatory two tier pricing system currently in place. It is truly unacceptable that the expats and tourists should have to subsidize the locals. Thank you for your attention. Marlon --- Philip Thomas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > <The point I am making is the amount of time that > has passed from an initial > idea becoming a working commercial concept> [Dave > Futers, Mar 6] > > If magnetic levitation is 7 decades old, then it > took over 30 years just to > reach the point you spoke about. It has taken over > 30 years since then to > where first-mover China is now with the technology. > Soon maybe the rapid > growth phase will kick in with maglev routes > sprouting up "all over the > place". Interesting. > > > *********************************************************************** * G * O * A * N * E * T *** C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * *********************************************************************** Greet your loved ones in Goa with flowers! http://www.goa-world.com/goa/expressions/ EXPRESSIONS - The Flower Shop. World famous all over Goa! ***********************************************************************
