Obama Announces Planned High Speed Rail System

When compared to countries such as Japan and the UK, the US is way behind when it comes to high speed rail systems. Amtrak is the leader in train travel in the US, but cross country trips still takes more than 24 hours to complete. Recently, President Barack Obama announced that the US government would be spending $8 billion in order to revitalize the train industry. The plan, which will take several years to complete, will enable commuters to get to their destinations much faster. In addition, travelers will have a viable alternative to air travel. Although many have responded positively to the news, key members of the airline industry are not happy.

Interstate travel is typically the area that train and bus companies dominate, while regional and national travel is done almost exclusively by way of air travel. If a modern, fast and efficient inter-state rail system is completed in the US, airline carriers will have steep competition. Airline companies will no longer be able to increase fares without fear of retribution. On the other hand, it may take awhile before high speed rail travel catches on.

Prominent political figures such as Vice President Joe Biden have been lobbying for a better rail system in the US for many years, and it appears that his wish will finally come true. The new rail system is being based on technologies currently being used in Asia and Europe. The US Transportation Department plans on using a combination of existing train routes and new layouts in order to accommodate the upcoming changes.