USA Today's traveler reporter asks, "Should the U.S. invest in High-Speed Rail?" (readers check their answer and results are available). He cites the usual critics but also notes the challenges it must face in order to build a successful line.
Citing the example of Amtrak's Acela Express that has the capabiity of traveling at 150 mph but averages much lower speeds, Billy McGee questions continued investment in high speed rail in the U.S., wondering if perhaps those funds would best be spent on roads and runways.
"When it comes to high-speed rail, advanced technologies often need to work within the confines of existing infrastructure. The United States could begin building the world's fastest trains tomorrow, but until we develop new systems, in many cases those trains would still be operating on aged rails, switches, bridges and tunnels, and fighting for space with freight trains and slower passenger trains. [See HSR News: Freight Rail Sabotaging High-Speed Plans].
The challenge for America will be rebuilding railroad infrastructure that in some areas has not been fundamentally upgraded for nearly a century.
Travelers, do you think the U.S. should continue to invest in high-speed rail? Or would you prefer transportation funds go to "Roads and Runways?" Please post your comments below." [USA Today Log-in required to post comments, but not necessary to answer survey question on left side].
Thanks to John Hartz
FULL STORY: Is high-speed rail on track in the U.S.?
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.
Tracking U.S. ‘Higher-Speed’ Rail Progress
Five projects are moving the United States forward on so-called “higher-speed” rail.
Brightline Opening to Central Florida Delayed
The high-speed rail connection between West Palm Beach and Orlando will not open on time for the holiday weekend as originally planned.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents
The city has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for trash pickup at encampment sites, and eliminated a program that provided mobile showers and toilets.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie