
Today, Explained Why we can’t have nice trains
Jul 20, 2021
Jonathan English, a transit expert at the NYU Marron Institute, and Jerusalem Dempsis, a policy reporter for Vox.com, dive into the complexities of high-speed rail in America. They discuss the historical context and obstacles like bureaucracy and funding that hinder progress. The conversation highlights California's ambitious initiatives while contrasting them with successful international models. They also touch on the high costs of construction, caused by legal delays and regulatory issues, ultimately calling for better policies to improve public transit amidst growing urban challenges.
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California High-Speed Rail Struggles
- Inspired by France, the US revisited high-speed rail with the California High-Speed Rail project.
- However, escalating costs continue to plague the project.
Outdated US Rail Regulations
- US rail regulations, stuck in the 1950s, mandate heavy train designs, unlike modern, lighter European trains.
- The French even nicknamed the Acela "le cochon" (the pig) for its weight.
US Hubris in Rail Design
- The US exhibits hubris in its approach to high-speed rail, clinging to outdated designs while other countries advance.
- This resistance to change contributes to project failures.


