If built, regional high-speed rail networks could provide an alternative to uncomfortable air travel and prevent travelers from becoming stranded at airports during extreme weather.
A high-speed rail network could be the solution to the vast disruptions in travel caused by canceled flights and poor weather every year, argues Owen Pickford. A proposal from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) shows what a hub-and-spoke Midwest rail network could look like. According to Pickford, "Much of it is not really a high-speed rail network, more like 'higher' speed. Only on 'Core Express' corridors will train speeds exceed 125 mph, while the 'Regional' sections will be in the 90 mph to 125 mph range under the FRA plan." Late last year, Amtrak's St. Louis-to-Chicago trains started reaching top speeds of 90 miles per hour, with an ultimate goal of traveling at 110 miles per hour.
True high-speed rail, Pickford argues, would make trips across the Midwest faster and more climate-friendly while reducing operating costs and bringing economic benefits to cities without adequate air service. Meanwhile, in the Pacific Northwest, the proposed Cascadia Rail system would have provided an alternate transportation option for travelers from Sea-Tac Airport during recent winter storms. Comprehensive rail systems could also put pressure on airlines and reduce their lobbying power, forcing them to provide better service.
FULL STORY: High Speed Rail Is a Solution for Terrible Airlines
Federal Grants for Passenger Rail Top $8 Billion
The Federal Railroad Administration announced the grants to dozens of projects for expanding or building new rail corridors.
L.A.-Las Vegas High Speed Rail Could Break Ground Next Year
The privately funded train would shuttle passengers between Los Angeles and Las Vegas in half the time it takes to drive and could take 3 million vehicles off the road.
Proposed Rail Project Would Bring Trains from L.A. to Coachella Valley
Riverside County's transportation commission is moving forward with a proposal to bring passenger rail from Los Angeles to Indio.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions