“I just returned from a trip to Europe, and really enjoyed riding the high-speed Eurostar and TGV. Why can’t we have something like that here in the U.S.?” So asked a reader, and the fundamental answer is simple: The United States, as a nation, does not and will not enjoy a robust passenger rail system because, as a nation, it doesn’t have the will to develop and operate one.
Other places do have the will. Between 2003 and 2013, China built more than 6,000 miles of new true high-speed rail lines. Japan and Spain now have almost 1,600 high-speed miles, with more being built or planned. In two years, Switzerland will open a 35-mile tunnel through the heart of the Alps, and the British are digging a new line across all of London. Other countries in Africa and Asia are building or adding to their systems.
Read the complete story at the Chicago Tribune.
Related News
- Andrew Fudge Wins SMART-TD Endorsement in Oregon House Race
- Federal Court Upholds 2-PC
- The fearmongering, speculation, and rhetoric stop now
- Preliminary Injunction Issued To SMART-TD Members On CSXT To Refrain From Self-Help
- He Never Asked for Help. That’s Why We Need to Show Up.
- Stand Beside Brother Dennis Mullen as He Fights for His Life
- Honoring Scott “Shoe” Shoemaker’s Legacy
- Moving Forward Together: A New Chapter for SMART Communications
- Should Truckers Speak for Railroaders?
- Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Celebrates 20 Years With 20 Benelli M2 Shotguns