NEWSLETTER

Get the latest updates, news, and insights right in your inbox!
Greater Collinwood Logo Greater Collinwood Logo 2
Search
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Money
  • Technology
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Life Style
  • Travel
Reading: Charting a Path: Will High-Speed Rail Transform U.S. Transportation?
Share
Font ResizerAa
Greater CollinwoodGreater Collinwood
  • News
  • Politics
  • World
  • Business
  • Money
  • Technology
  • Sports
Search
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Money
  • Technology
  • Sports
  • Life Style
  • Culture
  • Education
  • Health
  • Travel
Follow US
© 2024 Greater Collinwood | All Rights Reserved |
Greater Collinwood > Blog > Culture > Charting a Path: Will High-Speed Rail Transform U.S. Transportation?

Charting a Path: Will High-Speed Rail Transform U.S. Transportation?

Jason Flack
Share

The Future of High-Speed Rail in the U.S.

The United States, home to over 340 million citizens, boasts an extensive network of interstate highways and thousands of public airports but lacks a high-speed rail (HSR) system. Despite this, efforts are underway with two HSR projects currently under construction and a few more in planning stages. Could these developments finally align the U.S. with the advanced rail systems of countries like China, Japan, and those across Europe?

Current Projects

Rick Harnish, executive director of the High Speed Rail Alliance, expressed optimism regarding the construction of major HSR routes. “The first project connects San Francisco and Los Angeles, a challenging venture given California’s mountainous terrain,” he explained. “The second line, from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, benefits from relatively flat land, making its construction easier.”

Plans are also in motion for a rail line connecting Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington, and eventually Vancouver, Canada, along with a route from Dallas to Houston. However, Harnish cautions that progress in these initiatives has been sluggish. The Dallas-Houston connection, in particular, faced setbacks when former President Trump’s administration canceled a significant federal grant.

Global Contrast in High-Speed Rail

By comparison, China’s HSR network is set to surpass 50,000 kilometers (approximately 31,000 miles) this year alone, while the European Union operates 8,556 kilometers of HSR tracks, with Spain leading at 3,190 kilometers. The UK’s High Speed 1 connects London to the Channel Tunnel, while High Speed 2 is presently under construction despite budgetary challenges.

While definitions of high-speed rail vary, the International Union of Railways stipulates speeds above 250 km/h (155 mph) for trains to qualify. According to rail industry journalist Will Doig, the U.S. lags behind its global counterparts due to a cultural mindset favoring car travel and a lack of strong governmental support for rail investment. “Many people believe we don’t even need this infrastructure,” Doig noted.

Amtrak and Future Prospects

Amtrak, the government-owned passenger train service, recently witnessed the resignation of its president, Stephen Gardner, amid alleged pressures from the White House. Currently, Amtrak does not operate any HSR trains, but plans are to introduce 28 NextGen Acela trains capable of reaching 160 mph on the Northeast Corridor. However, only about 50 miles of this 457-mile stretch allows speeds over 150 mph.

Interestingly, the California High-Speed Rail project is state-led, with completion expected by 2033, while the Brightline West project from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is privately funded, anticipated to open in 2028.

The Global HSR Landscape

As of now, 23 countries have operational HSR systems, according to Harnish’s organization, which advocates for high-speed rail in the U.S. Building a safe and efficient HSR system in the U.S. involves overcoming significant logistical challenges, including preventing train-highway crossings and maintaining a straight, sealed corridor for the trains.

China continues to expand its HSR network aggressively, with projections indicating it could stretch to around 60,000 kilometers by 2030. Notably, Chinese cities connected by HSR have seen economic growth rates of approximately 14.2%.

Country HSR Length
China 50,000+ km
European Union 8,556 km
Spain 3,190 km
UK 68 miles (n/a in km)
United States None operational

As the debate surrounding high-speed rail progresses, both Doig and Harnish emphasize the need for a cultural shift towards embracing public transport. They argue that clarity on the future of the nation’s transportation system is crucial for fostering governmental support and securing the necessary investments for these ambitious projects.

Share This Article
Facebook
ByJason Flack
Jason Flack is a dedicated news blogger with a passion for storytelling and a commitment to keeping readers informed. With years of experience in the world of journalism, Jason's writing combines a keen eye for detail with a knack for making complex topics accessible to a broad audience. As a storyteller, Jason seeks to uncover the stories that matter most, whether they're about local events, global developments, or human-interest pieces. His writing aims to provide insight, spark discussions, and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us. Jason's dedication to the truth and his craft makes him a reliable source for news and a trusted voice in the blogging community. Join him on his journey of discovery and stay informed with his thought-provoking and insightful articles.
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MOST POPULAR

Best Accessible Vacation Destinations to Visit

Best Accessible Vacation Destinations to Visit

The US Journey Towards High-Speed Rail: Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects

US High-Speed Rail Initiatives: Progress and Challenges The United States, home to 340 million inhabitants,…

WYSL’s Bob Savage Responds to Pennysaver Vent

Geneseo, NY—Bob Savage, owner of WYSL Radio, recently issued a detailed response to criticism published…

Bucci and His Horse, Honorable Dillon, Have Sights Set on the Kentucky Derby

John Bucci and his prized horse, Honorable Dillon, prepare for a shot at the Kentucky…

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

What Is The Weather Like In South Carolina? Find Out Here!

South Carolina’s weather is as diverse as its landscapes, ranging from the coastal breezes of Charleston to the mountainous cool…

The Impact of Weather Conditions on Track Performance – How Technology Can Help

The weather plays an important role when planning outdoor events, and athletics is one sport that can be significantly impacted…

The Evolution of Vani Hari: From Food Activist to Polarizing Figure in the MAHA Movement

The Rise of "Food Babe" in the "MAHA" Movement The recent gathering at the unveiling of the "Make America Healthy…

Enhance Your Accuracy with Advanced Target Detection in Night Vision Scopes 

The way humans perceive and function in low light conditions has been completely transformed by night vision technologies. Improved target…

Greater Collinwood Logo 2

Greater Collinwood is the dynamic hub where community engagement meets information. Your ultimate destination for news, business updates, financial insights, technology trends, sports highlights, health information, and beyond. Our commitment extends beyond news reporting—we strive to empower and connect residents, businesses, and stakeholders. Join us in building a vibrant and informed Greater Collinwood community for a brighter future.

Contact Us: info@greatercollinwood.org

Quick Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Explore More

  • News
  • Politics
  • World
  • Culture
  • Health
  • Culture
  • Education
  • Travel

Trending

The US Journey Towards High-Speed Rail: Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects
BBC Travel | Discovering Unique Experiences and Transformative Journeys Across the Globe
All Nippon Airways Flight Diverted to Seattle Due to Passenger Attempting to Open Exit Door Mid-Flight

 © 2024 Greater Collinwood | All Rights Reserved |

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?