Bikes on trains should do it. The train gets you within a few miles, the last part can be done with your bike. All the efficiency of a train for long distance, all the flexibility for short distance.
With pedal assisted cargo bikes people can even haul a surprising amount of stuff. People here are already using those pedal assist bucket bikes for getting toddlers to school.
You can store most bicycles on trains, where I’m from people have fold-up bicycles that will fit under a seat even just for last-mile transport. Cargo bikes won’t fit on a train though, they’ll block aisles and standing room. I doubt hauling a whole-ass train car just for bicycles is cost effective.
Bikes on trains should do it. The train gets you within a few miles, the last part can be done with your bike. All the efficiency of a train for long distance, all the flexibility for short distance.
With pedal assisted cargo bikes people can even haul a surprising amount of stuff. People here are already using those pedal assist bucket bikes for getting toddlers to school.
You can store most bicycles on trains, where I’m from people have fold-up bicycles that will fit under a seat even just for last-mile transport. Cargo bikes won’t fit on a train though, they’ll block aisles and standing room. I doubt hauling a whole-ass train car just for bicycles is cost effective.