It’s the question that rail enthusiasts have posed for years: When might U.S. train travel start to more closely resemble that of Europe and Asia? When you travel overseas, it becomes only natural to ask. In recent visits to Europe, I’ve seen the ease of the continent’s train travel firsthand. There’s the convenience of traveling from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to the Tube via the Gatwick Express — a similar concept, itself, to the Heathrow Express that connects London travelers to Heathrow Airport (LHR).
Europe and Asia have long been known for their efficient and extensive rail networks, offering high-speed trains, frequent departures, and seamless connectivity between cities. In contrast, the U.S. has faced numerous challenges in developing its rail infrastructure. From the failed California bullet train project to operational and financial issues at Amtrak, as well as aging infrastructure in the Northeast Corridor, there have been plenty of reasons to be pessimistic about the future of train travel in the U.S.
However, recent developments suggest that a renaissance of American train travel may be on the horizon. The boost in federal funding for rail, spearheaded by President Joe Biden, is a significant step towards improving the nation’s rail system. The bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021 allocated $66 billion for rail, including a substantial amount for Amtrak, the federally funded rail company. This funding is greater than the total amount Amtrak had previously received in its half-century of existence.
The effects of this funding are already starting to be seen. The White House recently announced more than $16 billion in grants aimed at transforming the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak’s busiest rail route. This includes support for the construction of new tunnels under the Hudson River and a new tunnel in Baltimore, which will alleviate congestion and increase train speeds. Additional grants will fund improvements and expansion of the New York subway system, as well as new bridges in Maryland.
Amtrak itself is also investing billions to replace aging trains and cars, with a focus on improving passenger comfort. The introduction of new Acela trains, once they are in service, is expected to be a significant improvement for travelers. In addition, private operators like Brightline are making strides in expanding their fast rail services, connecting South Florida with Orlando International Airport and planning future expansions to Tampa and Las Vegas.
Despite these positive developments, there are still hurdles to overcome. The ultimate benefits of the infrastructure investments will take time to materialize, and much of the funding is focused on bringing existing infrastructure up to date. Delays and challenges in major capital projects, like the Acela trains, highlight the complexities of implementing large-scale improvements. Additionally, Amtrak’s long-term success will depend on continued funding from year to year.
Nevertheless, the future of U.S. train travel looks promising. The recovery from the pandemic has already seen an increase in rail travel, particularly among leisure travelers. The Northeast Corridor, in particular, has seen a significant uptick in passengers. There is also growing interest in developing more rail systems similar to Brightline in other parts of the country.
While the U.S. may not reach the same level of rail infrastructure as Europe and Asia, there is a renewed focus on improving and expanding train travel in the country. With continued investment and support, it is possible that U.S. train travel could become more efficient, convenient, and popular in the years to come.