by The United States has long lagged behind other countries when it comes to passenger rail, with trains being viewed as old-fashioned, slow, infrequent, and often non-existent. However, President Joe Biden’s administration is aiming to change that by unveiling major investments in the US rail system. One of the key projects is the construction of the United States’ first high-speed train between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, scheduled to be completed by 2028. This initiative is part of a larger ambition to double passenger numbers on America’s railways by 2040.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the significance of railroads in shaping the United States, and expressed the need to catch up with other nations in terms of passenger rail. To boost this sector, the Biden administration allocated $66 billion for passenger trains, marking the largest sum dedicated to this purpose since the establishment of Amtrak in 1971. Amtrak, the quasi-public company responsible for inter-city rail lines across the country, aims to usher in a transformative era of passenger rail with this additional funding, according to Laura Mason, Amtrak’s executive vice-president in charge of renovation works.
Numerous projects will benefit from the new funding, including the creation of new lines and extensions of existing ones. In addition to the Los Angeles-Las Vegas line, another high-speed train project is in progress between San Francisco and Los Angeles, each receiving approximately $3 billion in funding. The frequency of services will be increased, aging stations will be renovated, and plans for new, faster, and more comfortable trains are in place. Furthermore, the reopening of the New Orleans, Louisiana to Mobile, Alabama line, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina almost 20 years ago, is on the horizon. The Amtrak station in Baltimore, Maryland is also being refurbished to facilitate more trains, and a new tunnel will be constructed nearby to improve traffic speed.
Jim Mathews, the head of the US Rail Passengers Association, explained that while trains played a crucial role in the country’s expansion in the 19th century, the current network is skeletal, resulting in limited travel options. However, he expressed optimism about the future, stating that new trains and upgraded infrastructure will soon lead to faster journey times. Currently, traveling from the east coast to the west coast takes between two and two-and-a-half days, involving a train change in Chicago and advanced booking for a sleeping compartment.
Rejuvenating the US rail system goes beyond repairing tracks and building new trains. It also involves encouraging a shift in people’s transportation choices. Amtrak’s Laura Mason emphasized the need to move away from cars and airplanes and onto trains, highlighting the favorable context for train travel, including growing passenger numbers. Some individuals choose train travel due to environmental concerns, while others appreciate the tranquility, convenience for work, and the overall experience it provides.
In Washington’s Union Station, passengers expressed their support for train travel. Alan Beaubien, a frequent train traveler, emphasized the convenience and reliability of trains, particularly in the northeast region. However, he acknowledged that options are more limited in the Midwest and the West. Another passenger, Chukwuemeka Chuks-Okeke, praised trains for their relaxing nature and called for reducing carbon footprints by opting for this mode of transport.
President Biden views the $66 billion in funding as just the beginning, highlighting the possibility of doing much more. He referenced China’s high-speed rail system, which operates at speeds of up to 210 miles per hour, suggesting that the United States has the potential to match or surpass such advancements. With these efforts, the US rail system is set to undergo a much-needed transformation, offering faster, more efficient, and more sustainable transportation options for passengers across the country.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
