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Modern High-Speed Rail: The Future Of U.S. Rail Travel

Published: January 6, 2025

By: Adam Burns

High-speed rail (HSR) systems, classified as any corridor which can sustain speeds of at least 150 mph (241.5 km/h), represent one of the most significant advancements in global transportation. They offer a cleaner, faster, and more efficient means of moving people across vast distances.

Despite the success of HSR in countries around the world, the United States has yet to truly embrace this transformative technology.  The national intercity passenger network, operated by Amtrak, maintains only a very small stretch of true HSR.  In addition, outside of the Northeast it relies almost solely on diesel power for its trains.

This article will explore some of the most advanced high-speed rail systems globally and discuss the potential benefits and challenges of implementing a similar network in the United States.

Amtrak Acela power car #2006 leads train #2163 through the station at Old Saybrook, Connecticut on November 30, 2007. On the next track over Providence & Worcester NR-2 works in the siding. Doug Kroll photo.

Global Pioneers

Japan: The Shinkansen

Japan's Shinkansen, or "bullet train," was the world's first high-speed rail system, debuting in 1964. Over the decades, it has become a symbol of advanced engineering, with lines crisscrossing the country, linking major cities across significant distances at impressive speeds. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph), the Shinkansen exemplifies safety, punctuality, and efficiency.

France: The TGV

France followed Japan's lead with the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) in the early 1980s. Known for its distinctive design and speeds exceeding 300 km/h (186 mph), the TGV network connects Paris with other major French cities and extends to neighboring countries. The success of the TGV has positioned France as a leader in European rail travel, demonstrating the potential of HSR in regional and international contexts.

China: Expansive and Rapid Growth

In recent years, China's investment in high-speed rail has been extraordinary. With over 38,000 kilometers (about 23,600 miles) of operational track, China's HSR network is the largest globally, connecting more than 550 cities.

"Fuxing" and "Harmony" trains routinely travel at speeds of up to 400 km/h (248.5 mph), drastically reducing travel times across the country. China's commitment to expanding its rail infrastructure highlights the economic and social benefits associated with HSR.

Spain: AVE's High-Speed Revolution

Spain's AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) system has reshaped travel within the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish government invested heavily in connecting its regions, turning AVE into one of the most extensive high-speed rail networks in Europe. By facilitating faster travel between cultural and economic hubs, AVE has stimulated both domestic tourism and regional development.

Other Notable Systems

Other countries, including Germany, Italy, and South Korea, have successfully adopted high-speed rail systems. These networks provide efficient links between cities, encourage economic growth, and reduce the carbon footprint of national transportation systems.

Amtrak's ACS-64 Veterans' heritage unit, #642, starts over the Susquehanna River bridge at Havre de Grace, Maryland with train #88 on June 30, 2018. Doug Kroll photo.

Developing High-Speed Rail in the U.S.

Current State of U.S. Rail Infrastructure

The U.S. rail system is primarily freight-focused, with Amtrak's passenger services offering limited high-speed options, such as the Acela Express operating in the Northeast Corridor.

While this train reaches speeds of up to 150 mph (along just 50 miles of the 457-mile corridor), overall, U.S. passenger rail speeds remain significantly slower than in Europe or Asia. Furthermore, the country's dependency on cars and planes for long-distance travel underscores the need for an upgraded transit solution.

Benefits of U.S. High-Speed Rail

1. **Environmental Impact**: High-speed rail operates on electricity, offering a more environmentally-friendly alternative to car and air travel. Reducing carbon emissions is critical in addressing climate change, and HSR can play a vital role in greening transportation networks.

2. **Economic Growth**: High-speed rail encourages economic development by linking metropolitan areas, creating new business opportunities, and promoting regional tourism. Construction and ongoing operation of HSR lines would generate jobs, boost local economies, and increase property values.

3. **Reduced Traffic Congestion**: By providing a viable alternative to car travel, HSR could help alleviate traffic congestion on highways, leading to shorter travel times and reduced wear and tear on road infrastructure.

4. **Convenient and Fast Travel**: High-speed trains offer consistent and rapid commuting options, reducing travel times between major urban areas and providing a comfortable alternative to air travel, with less time spent during check-in and security procedures.

5. **Health and Quality of Life Improvements**: With reduced traffic-related pollution and stress from long commutes, Americans could experience significant health benefits. High-speed rail could contribute to a better quality of life, particularly for individuals from lower-income communities, by improving access to jobs and services.

Challenges and Considerations

1. **Cost and Funding**: Constructing high-speed rail infrastructure is capital-intensive, requiring significant upfront investment for tracks, stations, trainsets, and maintenance facilities. Public-private partnerships might alleviate some financial burdens, but funding remains a considerable challenge.

2. **Geographical and Urban Planning Issues**: The United States' vast geography and dispersed city layouts are less conducive to high-speed rail than Europe or Japan. Carefully identifying viable routes and integrating them into existing transportation systems will be crucial to any successful HSR project.

Major corridors outside of the NEC should be the focus on such electirifed line instead of long distance routes Amtrak currently hosts; such as Chicago-Twin Cities, Miami-Jacksonville, San Diego-Los Angeles-San Francisco, Portland-Tacoma-Seattle, and Atlanta-Charlotte-Raleigh/Durham to name a few.

3. **Political and Public Will**: Implementing HSR requires overcoming political hurdles and gaining public support. Diverse stakeholders with differing priorities can complicate planning and decision-making processes. Successful implementation necessitates finding common ground and demonstrating clear benefits to taxpayers.

To truly implement HSR would require billions in constructing dedicated rights-of-way for passenger rail operations only.  Until this occurs the U.S. will never have such infrastructure as freight railroads will not only not allow it but also were never built for such purposes.

4. **Technological and Safety Concerns**: Ensuring the technological robustness and safety of HSR systems is paramount. Projects must adhere to high safety standards, employ cutting-edge technology, and integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructures.

Proposed U.S. High-Speed Rail Projects

California High-Speed Rail

The California High-Speed Rail project aims to connect major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego with passenger trains traveling at speeds of up to 220 mph. Despite facing criticisms over budget overruns and delays, the project represents a pivotal step towards the wider adoption of HSR in the U.S.

Texas Central Railway

This planned railway would connect Dallas and Houston along a 240-mile corridor using Japanese Shinkansen technology. The proposal envisions significantly reducing the travel time between these cities and offering an attractive alternative to highway or air travel.

Northeast Corridor (NEC) Improvements

Improvements to the NEC - which dates back to the 19th century as the Pennsylvania Railroad's main line between Washington, D.C. and New York - includes potential expansion of existing Acela services and construction of additional infrastructure, promise improved connections between Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Investments in this corridor are critical to fostering regional economic vitality.

Amtrak ACS-64 #653 slows for the New London, Connecticut station stop with northbound train #86 on June 8, 2018. Doug Kroll photo.

Conclusion

The global success of high-speed rail systems serves as an inspiration and a model for what is possible. As urbanization and concerns about sustainability continue to grow, high-speed rail offers a compelling solution for efficient and environmentally-friendly transportation.

For the United States, investing in high-speed rail represents an opportunity to rejuvenate national infrastructure, reduce environmental impact, and enhance quality of life.

By overcoming financial, political, and geographic challenges, the U.S. can develop a high-speed rail network that stands to benefit millions and secure a greener and more connected future.