Why High-Speed Rail Is Not Feasible in the United States

High-speed rail is an enticing proposition for many countries looking to improve transportation and connectivity. However, the United States has struggled to implement a high-speed rail system, and one prime example is the California High-Speed Rail project. In this article, we will explore the reasons why high-speed rail in the U.S. is not feasible and the challenges that need to be addressed.

The California High-Speed Rail Project

The idea of connecting Los Angeles (LA) to San Francisco by high-speed rail appears to be a sound concept at first glance. Considering the time it takes to travel by air—from airport security lines to in-flight delays and baggage pickup—it is conceivable that a high-speed train could compete effectively with air travel over moderate distances. Furthermore, much of the route through the Central Valley is relatively flat, which could be favorable for high-speed rail development.

Despite this initial appeal, the California High-Speed Rail project has faced significant challenges. It is currently over budget and has proceeded much more slowly than originally anticipated. At present, the project does not even reach LA or San Francisco in their entirety. This indicates that financial feasibility and project management are crucial factors in the success of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Engineers vs. Politicians and Lawyers

In the United States, large-scale engineering projects are often designed by politicians and lawyers, rather than engineers. This can lead to a disconnect between practical engineering challenges and political goals. Historically, politicians and lawyers are not always adept at handling complex engineering tasks, while engineers may lack the necessary political and legal acumen.

The role of engineers and political/legal professionals in project management is crucial. It's often proposed that we allow politicians and lawyers to focus on legislative and legal frameworks, while leaving the technical aspects of large-scale engineering projects to engineers. This division of labor could potentially lead to more successful and efficient projects.

The Challenges of High-Speed Rail in the U.S.

The implementation of a high-speed rail system in the U.S. faces several significant challenges:

Geographical Size and Terrain: The U.S. is a vast country with a large mountain range in its center, which presents a significant obstacle for rail construction. The varied terrain and landscape make it more challenging to establish a continuous and efficient rail network. Population Distribution: A large part of the U.S. population is concentrated along both the East and West coasts. Developing a high-speed rail system that covers these regions would be exceptionally challenging due to existing urban infrastructure, such as cities, towns, and buildings. The existing rail lines may not be straight enough or of the appropriate standard required for high-speed rail. Cost and Budget: High-speed rail projects often face substantial financial constraints. The California project exemplifies this issue, as it has significantly exceeded its initial budget estimates and faced delays. Ensuring financial stability and effective budget management are critical for the success of such projects.

Examples of Limited High-Speed Rail in the U.S.

Currently, the U.S. has only the Acela Express, which operates between Boston and New York City. While it might be an improvement over many other long-distance train systems, its limited range and slow speeds (compared to air travel) make it insignificant for broader usage.

Even in Europe, high-speed rail systems have been more successful. For instance, when a friend visited Barcelona and then went to Portugal, the total distance was approximately 900 kilometers. Although air travel was comparably priced, it was significantly faster than train travel, highlighting the importance of speed and efficiency in high-speed rail.

To address these challenges, the U.S. needs to develop a more comprehensive strategy for high-speed rail. This would require a different approach in project design and implementation, focusing on engineering excellence and effective collaboration between technical and political stakeholders.