High-Speed Rail Gains Momentum Globally, But the U.S. Lags Behind
For half a century, high-speed trains have demonstrated their value worldwide, not only by cutting travel times but also by boosting economies, generating jobs, and connecting communities. Leading the charge are China, Japan, and Europe. Yet, the United States remains without a comparable high-speed rail network. This absence is increasingly hard to justify for a nation of over 300 million people, many of whom live in urban areas.
Japan's Shinkansen, introduced in 1964, set the stage, but it was France's TGV in the early 1980s that truly ignited the global high-speed train movement. Despite this, the U.S. has largely missed out, with Americans still relying heavily on crowded highways and an often chaotic air travel system.
Since 2008, China has constructed approximately 26,000 miles of high-speed rail, with plans to expand to 43,000 miles by 2035. In contrast, the U.S. has only 375 miles of track capable of supporting speeds over 100 mph. Many Americans remain unfamiliar with high-speed rail and its benefits, clinging instead to cars and planes.
William C. Vantuono, editor-in-chief of Railway Age, notes that Americans are stuck in a highway and airline mindset, unable to appreciate the potential of high-speed rail. Since the 1950s, cars and planes have dominated U.S. travel, overshadowing once-famous passenger trains. By the early 1970s, many iconic railroads were bankrupt, leaving Amtrak to take over passenger services.
While U.S. freight rail has thrived, passenger rail has been neglected. Strong lobbying by the airline, oil, and automotive industries has maintained this status quo, though environmental concerns and traffic congestion are challenging their dominance.
President Joe Biden's $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan includes $170 billion for rail improvements, with some funds earmarked for Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. There are also plans to reintroduce passenger trains to more cities, offering sustainable travel options.
The privately funded Brightline project in Florida is set to build a high-speed link between Los Angeles and Las Vegas by 2027. Other initiatives in California, Texas, and the proposed Cascadia route show the U.S. might finally be on the brink of a rail revolution.
Scott Sherin of Alstom's U.S. division highlights the need to better communicate the advantages of high-speed rail, such as job creation and economic growth. While not a cure-all, high-speed rail has its place in the transportation landscape.
Currently, only Amtrak's Northeast Corridor offers speeds comparable to international standards, with plans to introduce faster Avelia Liberty trains. These new trains, featuring advanced technology from Alstom, promise to enhance travel efficiency.
In March, Brightline announced a high-speed line between Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas, expected to cut travel time to just over an hour. This project is anticipated to inject significant economic benefits into the region.
Meanwhile, California's high-speed rail project, though fraught with challenges, aims to connect major cities and reduce congestion and pollution. Despite its high cost, it offers a more sustainable solution for the state's growing population.
Brightline West and California's projects could serve as models for future high-speed rail expansion in the U.S., focusing on city pairs that are too close for air travel but too far for driving.
Sherin believes the U.S. is ready to embrace high-speed rail, as congestion worsens and alternatives become necessary. However, Vantuono remains skeptical, citing political and financial hurdles.
Globally, rail transport is seen as key to reducing emissions, with electric trains already prevalent. Yet, the U.S. lags in electrification, with only a small fraction of its rail network powered this way.
While a nationwide high-speed network may not be feasible, there are many shorter routes where high-speed rail could offer a competitive alternative to air and road travel.