As I see it, there are 2 main ways to use our (many) rail systems.

1. AFK/long term transportation (needs to be automatic, seamless, can take a bit longer, scenery shouldn't be a concern)
2. Scenic transportation (can be less auto, should be shorter, but overland and incorporated into build designs, interesting views etc.)

I suggest a focus on implementing rail systems targeted at the above 2 goals next rev. If survival can try new things, we certainly can. My suggestion:

1. Underground CARBON for AFK railers.

• Much faster to build than CARTS.
• Fewer issues with it going through already-built builds at the start of rev if built underground
• Decor isn't an issue when redstone and rails are underground
• Goal: for AFK/long-distance railers. Connects the major cities/places of interest and allows for one-stop transportation around the map.

2. Above-ground overland rails for scenic and shorter transportation.

• Convenient to jump on/off, especially when they parallel the road
• Easy and non-intimidating hookups for new city and town builders that don't know CARTS/CARBON
• Really easy to build and modify
• Gives nice views of surroundings and allows more flexibility in designing, incorporating into/under/around builds for decor purposes.
• Goals: 1. scenic travel 2. connecting nearby smaller towns and places of interest to major travel hubs (CARBON Stations, portals)

I welcome discussion, disagreement and general rail-planning. I'd like to see some compromise aimed at focusing on 1 or 2 rail systems to start the new rev with (for instance, I am not personally a fan of CARBON, but its benefits outweigh CARTS here IMHO.)

It's faster than a speeding horse! More controversial than forum vs. reddit vs. mumble debates! It's rails!