Explain It to Me America’s high-speed rail fail
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Aug 3, 2025 Michael Kimmelman, Editor-at-large at Headway, and Chris Holen, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum, explore the decline of American passenger rail. They compare U.S. challenges with successful international systems, dissecting the historical rise and fall of railroads. The discussion highlights California's high-speed rail difficulties and envisions future connections between major cities. They also delve into freight rail's dominance, uncovering its environmental advantages and examining the crucial need for improved passenger infrastructure in the U.S.
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Railroads Powered America's Growth
- Railroads were the backbone of America's economy and expansion in the 19th century.
- They enabled rapid development from the Northeast to the West Coast by connecting major cities.
Early 20th Century Rail Decline
- Competition from trucks and airplanes began eroding railroads’ dominance in the early 20th century.
- This competition led to financial struggles and declining infrastructure for passenger rail.
Train Ride From Moscow to Petersburg
- Michael Hiltzik shared a travel experience on a Russian train advising passengers to secure their cabins from marauders.
- The trip was memorable but also a bit frightening due to safety concerns.
