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.
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Five projects are moving the United States forward on so-called “higher-speed” rail.
US, Japan Governments Express Support for Texas HSR
A proposed high-speed rail project would link Houston and Dallas using Japanese Shinkansen technology.
TOD Opportunities Around America's First True High-Speed Rail Line
Brightline West hopes to break ground, in anticipation of a 2027 opening. Cities in the Inland Empire and High Desert areas of Southern California are looking to take advantage.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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