The United States is one of the world’s largest countries. It has over 340 million people, 71 interstate highways, and more than 5,000 public airports. But it still has no working high-speed rail lines. That’s finally starting to change.
Two major high-speed rail (HSR) projects are now under construction. Many see them as the first real step for America to catch up with other countries like China, Japan, and nations in Europe.
Two Major Projects Finally Begin
Rick Harnish from the High Speed Rail Alliance says it’s good news that tracks are finally being built. One line is the California High-Speed Rail. It plans to connect San Francisco to Los Angeles by 2033. This route is hard to build due to mountains, tunnels, and seismic risks.
The second line is Brightline West. This will connect Las Vegas to Los Angeles by 2028. Since this route crosses flat desert land, it is easier and cheaper to build.
Other Routes Are Still in Planning
More HSR routes are being talked about. One would connect Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver. Another one would link Dallas and Houston. But both have issues.
The Pacific Northwest route is moving slowly. And the Texas line lost a $63.9 million federal grant under the last administration. That setback has left its future uncertain.
How the World Is Surging Ahead
While the U.S. is just starting, other countries are far ahead.
China plans to have over 50,000 km of high-speed rail by the end of this year. It wants to reach 60,000 km by 2030. These trains travel at speeds of over 155 mph and help grow the local economy.
The European Union already has 8,556 km of high-speed lines. Spain leads the way with 3,190 km. The United Kingdom has one working line and another under construction. But even in the UK, the second line faces money problems.
Even in Southeast Asia, China is building rail lines in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Experts say China uses these projects to grow its influence.
Why the U.S. Is So Far Behind
There is no one answer, but there are several reasons. Will Doig, who wrote a book on global rail, says Americans prefer to drive. Many people don’t see the need for high-speed trains. Others don’t want them built near their homes.
He also points to a big issue—lack of federal support. Unlike roads and airports, train projects often don’t get enough government money.
In fact, Amtrak doesn’t run any true high-speed trains. It plans to add 28 new Acela trains that can reach 160 mph. But most of the tracks from Boston to Washington D.C. can’t support those speeds. Only 50 out of 457 miles are fit for that kind of travel.
Amtrak’s CEO, Stephen Gardner, stepped down last month under pressure from the government. The current HSR projects in California and Nevada are not run by Amtrak. One is led by the state, and the other by private investors.
What Needs to Change?
Harnish says the U.S. must build straight, sealed rail lines with no road crossings. That’s how high-speed rail stays safe and fast.
Scott Sherin, an executive at Alstom, says cities like Dallas and Houston are too spread out. There’s not enough space in the center for trains. His company is building new Amtrak trains, but he wonders if the U.S. will ever spend enough to catch up with other countries.
Kaave Pour from 21st Europe says Europe got ahead by investing early. He believes the U.S. needs a mindset shift. Americans must start seeing trains as a serious option, not just cars or planes.
Will China Join In?
Doig says it would be smart for the U.S. to work with China on future rail projects. But he doubts it will happen soon. The political tension between the two countries makes it hard to cooperate. Still, he believes a U.S.–China rail partnership could be powerful if both sides agreed.
The Road (or Rail) Ahead
High-speed rail has clear benefits. It is faster, cleaner, and often safer than cars or planes. But in the U.S., building it still faces many hurdles—money, politics, and public opinion.
Harnish says 23 countries already use high-speed trains. He hopes the U.S. won’t be the last. He believes that once people see how well it works, they’ll want more of it.
Until then, the world keeps moving forward—at 155 miles per hour.