The United States is betting on fast trains

When thinking of fast, comfortable and efficient trains with an extensive network of connections, the mind inevitably turns to Europe, Japan and, in recent years, to China, which has expanded its high-speed services from one end of the country to the other. in an amazing way.

But the United States, which for the past century and a half has been a world leader in railroad development with trains connecting the country from east to west coast and continuing to maintain freight services, has not evolved toward high-speed passenger services. He has devoted himself to conquering the sky, with an infinite number of airlines, without giving space to bullet trains, which are more environmentally friendly than air transportation. But things seem to be slowly changing with new ventures not only thinking of planes and chartered cars to move around the country efficiently.

The bright line is synonymous with change. from Miami The express train will cross the Florida Peninsula and arrive at a new, modern three-story station at Terminal C at Orlando Airport.

The first section of the project has been running for a few years, from Miami to West Palm Beach, with stops at Aventura Mall, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. In the third phase, the route will extend to Tampa, which will be the final destination.

Orlando’s most anticipated stretch It is estimated that it will open in early July, although the date for the first flight has not yet been confirmed. In fact, the tests began last month, and they continue today and are exciting with even higher speeds: the trains reached speeds of 209 kilometers per hour, improving the company’s record in previous tests; Anyway, as reported, you won’t reach that speed with passengers. “Our mission is to change rail travel in America,” says Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline Rail, America’s only privately owned and operated system, on a repeat basis.

The trip to Orlando will take three hours (less than an hour’s drive) and will cost from $80 in the cheapest class, Smart. Premium class, from $160, will get you free drinks and snacks. Throughout the train, there will be free Wi-Fi and USB connections in the seats.

California, full throttle

next to the train in florida, Bright Line has set its sights in California with the Bright West, The project that will connect 420 kilometers between Las Vegas (at the Las Vegas Boulevard station, located between the Warm Springs and Blue Diamond highways) and Los Angeles (the planned stop will be Rancho Cucamonga).

One hundred percent electric train can reach 290 kilometers per hour and can make the trip in two and a quarter hours. Work is expected to start this year and finish in early 2028. Brightline, as reported on its website, plans to build other stations in Hesperia and the Apple Valley.

In California, the comings and goings also continued for more than a decade during a project A high-speed train that allows travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco at speeds of up to 354 kilometers per hour; The journey takes two hours and 40 minutes, compared to the six hours it takes to travel by car.

Of course, we’ll have to wait a long time and be hopeful: postponements happen year after year, and now they estimate they’ll start in 2030, but only phase one, the Merced-Bakersfield division. Increased initial costs, lack of funding, frequent project changes, estimates that reduce potential users by 25%, and political battles threaten its construction.

Another project he hopes to start is Texas Central Railroad. Investors want to build a new high-speed line between Dallas and Houston. The $20 billion project has successfully completed environmental reviews. It plans to use technology similar to that used by Japan Central Railways and trains based on the N700S Shinkansen series, which can reach speeds of 330 kilometers per hour.

for his part, amracThe US government rail network is renovating its units with better seats and large windows to take in the panoramic views. New Airo TrainsSet for launch in 2026 on roads across the country, it will feature USB ports, onboard Wi-Fi, a redesigned cafeteria car and more spacious seating. It will also be faster as it will operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour and will have contactless bathroom controls and improved lighting.

It seems that the trains will finally write a new history in the United States.