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The United States, home to over 340 million people, boasts an extensive network of 71 interstate highways and over 5,000 airports but still lacks operational high-speed rail (HSR) systems. Despite ongoing projects and proposals, the nation is lagging far behind countries like China, Japan, and those in Europe in terms of fast train development. Although some progress is being made with two HSR projects under construction, the U.S. faces challenges in building a comprehensive rail network.

Challenges Facing U.S. High-Speed Rail Projects

The U.S. has only two active HSR projects currently underway, yet the nation’s road to high-speed rail is slow. One line is connecting San Francisco to Los Angeles, crossing challenging mountain ranges. Another connects Las Vegas and Los Angeles, benefiting from the flatter terrain. Despite these efforts, further expansions have been limited by political hurdles and funding issues. Proposals include a corridor from Portland, Oregon, to Vancouver, Canada, and another between Dallas and Houston. However, federal cancellations of funding for specific routes, like the $63.9 million grant for the Pacific Northwest project, have raised doubts about future progress.

Global Leaders in High-Speed Rail

China, a global leader in high-speed rail, is set to surpass 50,000 kilometers (31,000 miles) of high-speed tracks by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the European Union operates 8,556 kilometers, with Spain leading the continent. The UK, while having limited service, runs the Channel Tunnel to London’s St. Pancras, and a second line from London to Birmingham is under construction. The International Union of Railways defines high-speed rail as services with trains operating at over 250 km/h (155 mph). This puts the U.S. significantly behind in terms of rail infrastructure.

Why the U.S. Lags Behind

The U.S. has a strong preference for automobiles, with a car-centric culture deeply embedded in society. Many Americans oppose new rail investments or resist the idea of high-speed trains in their neighborhoods. Politically, rail funding has been inconsistent, with several proposed rail ventures being defunded or delayed. As journalist and rail author Will Doig notes, the American political system prioritizes car infrastructure over public transport, which impedes the development of rail projects.

Funding Challenges and Political Barriers

Amtrak, the nation’s primary train operator, has faced its own challenges in the high-speed rail race. Recently, Amtrak’s CEO Stephen Gardner resigned amid reports of pressure from the White House. While Amtrak plans to introduce 28 new NextGen Acela trains capable of reaching 160 mph, these trains will only operate on a portion of the 457-mile Northeast Corridor, where speeds above 150 mph will be possible on only 50 miles of track.

The California High-Speed Rail project, which is slated to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco, is set for completion by 2033. Another private initiative, Brightline West, plans to open a high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and Las Vegas by 2028. Despite these projects, the absence of strong federal involvement leaves the U.S. struggling to build a competitive HSR network.

China’s Expanding Network and Economic Growth

While the U.S. stalls, China’s high-speed rail network continues to expand rapidly. The country’s HSR network will reach 60,000 kilometers by 2030, and research from 21st Europe, a think tank based in Denmark, highlights a 14.2% economic boost for cities connected to China’s rail lines. China’s expansion is not just domestic; Chinese companies are also building HSR lines across Southeast Asia, including in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. These global investments in high-speed rail further solidify China’s dominance in the industry.

Europe’s Continued Investment in High-Speed Rail

Europe’s dedication to investing in public infrastructure continues to set a high standard. Kaave Pour of 21st Europe praises the continent’s consistent commitment to high-speed rail, with ongoing projects aimed at linking most major cities across the EU and UK. However, Pour argues that the U.S. must undergo a cultural shift to embrace high-speed rail as part of its broader transportation strategy. This includes rethinking national priorities and shifting toward more sustainable, public transport options.

The Role of Federal Leadership in High-Speed Rail Development

For the U.S. to successfully develop a high-speed rail network, strong federal leadership will be required, argues Rick Harnish of the High-Speed Rail Alliance. However, the federal government recently withdrew funding from the proposed Houston-Dallas line, citing fiscal concerns. Scott Sherin, an executive at Alstom, a company supplying Amtrak’s high-speed trains, believes that the U.S. lacks the political will to prioritize rail spending over other transportation needs. Additionally, cities like Dallas and Houston face challenges in terms of urban density, making the construction of downtown rail access difficult.

The Potential for U.S.-China Cooperation

While political tensions between the U.S. and China complicate any potential collaboration on rail projects, rail experts like Will Doig are open to the idea of Chinese involvement in U.S. rail initiatives. He notes that if U.S.-China relations were less strained, their combined efforts could produce remarkable results for American rail infrastructure. However, current political realities make such partnerships unlikely, and the U.S. may need to find its own path forward.

The road to high-speed rail in the U.S. remains long and winding. While there is some progress, especially with projects like California’s High-Speed Rail and Brightline West, the nation continues to trail far behind global leaders. To catch up, the U.S. will need political will, strong leadership, and a cultural shift toward public transport. As other countries, particularly China, expand their networks rapidly, the U.S. must decide whether it’s willing to embrace high-speed rail as a core component of its future transportation infrastructure.