A recently released Amtrak plan doesn't envision high-speed rail servicing the Northeast Corridor until 2040. Paul Nussbaum looks at whether an incremental approach might bring increased speed and amenities to passengers sooner.
If you don't live in California's Central Valley, that probably means true high-speed rail isn't in your city's immediate future. But, according the "international manufacturers who are touting the prospects of smooth,
quiet, luxurious rides for American passengers", that doesn't mean you can't have a European- or Japanese-style high-speed rail "experience" at speeds well below 220-m.p.h., writes Nussbaum.
"'Higher-speed'
trains with many of the same aerodynamic features and interior
amenities of France's TGV or Japan's Shinkansen may be the American
stepping-stone to true high-speed rail, as the United States looks for
affordable improvements to its old-fashioned, slow passenger rail
network."
And apparently, these manufacturers are bullish on the prospects for America adopting an incremental approach: "Foreign-based high-speed train-builders, such as Alstom (France),
Siemens (Germany), and Talgo (Spain), have opened American factories to
make modern trains that can run on conventional tracks in the United
States, with hopes of eventually winning high-speed contracts, as well."
FULL STORY: ‘Higher-speed' trains to precede true high-speed rail in U.S.
Tracking U.S. ‘Higher-Speed’ Rail Progress
Five projects are moving the United States forward on so-called “higher-speed” rail.
USDOT Targets Transit, High-Speed Rail, Sustainable Transportation for Cuts
High-profile projects like New York City congestion pricing, California high-speed rail, and major transit agencies face drastic federal funding cuts.
Federal Funding for California High-Speed Rail Under Review
USDOT says it will evaluate the funding currently committed to the construction of California’s high-speed rail project, which has run years behind schedule and billions over its projected budget.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How Community Science Connects People, Parks, and Biodiversity
Community science engages people of all backgrounds in documenting local biodiversity, strengthening connections to nature, and contributing to global efforts like the City Nature Challenge to build a more inclusive and resilient future.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”
Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service