Why The U.S. Doesn't Get High-speed Rail

High-speed rail works well in Europe and Japan, so why can't the United States get it right?

1 minute read

January 16, 2003, 8:00 AM PST

What is it about high-speed rail that the U.S. doesn't get? An online publication of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Spectrum, explores why in the Northeastern corridor, "the very place that could and should be one of its greatest success stories of all, high-speed rail remains a disappointment." The article details the problems with Amtrak's high-speed Acela train and the shortcomings of the Northeast corridor. "High-speed rail should be designed and built as a system, with a dedicated right-of-way that has the alignment and trackage with the limited curvature and superelevation (raised outer curves enhance both safety and passenger comfort) demanded by high-speed operation," the article points out. "And it needs compatible rolling stock," none of which are present in the Northeast. Nevertheless, the author concludes that high-speed rail's time is coming in North America.

Thanks to Dateline APA

FULL STORY: Running off the Rails

Wednesday, January 15, 2003 in IEEE Spectrum

Transportation United States

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

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.