The United States is making significant strides toward the realization of high-speed rail networks thanks to a recent allocation of $8.2 billion in funding for several key rail projects. These projects, which are part of President Joe Biden’s “Investing in America” Agenda, include a Las Vegas to Los Angeles corridor, a route from Raleigh, North Carolina to Richmond, Virginia, expanded service in California’s central valley, and more.
Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, expressed his admiration for Japan’s advanced train infrastructure during his attendance at the G7 Hiroshima Summit earlier in the year. He noted that the U.S. has lagged behind in developing high-speed rail compared to countries like Japan, North Africa, and the Middle East. However, there is a renewed commitment to reversing this trend, and travelers can expect to see improvements in rail service within a few years.
The lack of investment in rail services over recent decades is being addressed, and the government plans to lay out a comprehensive vision for a future rail network, with funding allocated to develop these routes. The aim is to provide Americans with excellent choices for passenger rail travel, similar to the nation’s leadership in aviation and other forms of transportation.
The funding provided for these rail projects is a significant step toward fulfilling the long-standing desire for high-speed rail in the U.S. It’s possible that the Las Vegas to Los Angeles route could be completed in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Some of the key rail projects covered by the funding include:
Las Vegas to the Los Angeles metro area: This 218-mile route would offer a two-hour journey via high-speed train and is expected to serve 11 million passengers annually.
Dallas to Houston: This new high-speed service will connect Texas’ two most populous cities.
Raleigh to Richmond: This new route will save passengers approximately 90 minutes in travel time.
New York City to Scranton, Pennsylvania: An existing dormant track will be updated to provide easier access to New York City.
Fort Collins, Colorado to Pueblo, Colorado: This new rail route will connect parts of Colorado previously unserved by rail.
These projects aim to provide travelers with safe, comfortable, and environmentally friendly transportation alternatives. The goal is to offer downtown-to-downtown connections without the need for airport security or personal vehicles, making high-speed rail a more accessible and convenient option for Americans.