Former President Trump's August 2024 Comments Underscore US High-Speed Rail Lag, Citing Japan's 199 MPH Bullet Trains
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Former President Donald Trump expressed bewilderment in August 2024 regarding the United States' lack of advanced high-speed rail systems, contrasting it sharply with Japan's renowned bullet trains. During a live audio conversation with Elon Musk on X, Trump lamented the disparity, stating, "We don’t have anything like that in this country, not even close, and it doesn’t make sense that we don’t. Doesn’t make sense." His remarks highlighted a long-standing debate about infrastructure development in the U.S.
This sentiment, however, stands in contrast to actions taken during his previous administration. In 2019, the Trump administration canceled a significant $929 million federal grant earmarked for California's high-speed rail project, a decision reversed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Critics have pointed to this past move as hindering the very progress Trump now appears to advocate.
Japan's Shinkansen, or bullet trains, are capable of reaching speeds up to 199 miles per hour, offering a benchmark for high-speed travel. In comparison, the fastest passenger trains in the U.S., such as the current Amtrak Acela, are designed for speeds up to 150 mph on specific sections of track. While the U.S. has seen recent progress with projects like Brightline West, which broke ground in April 2024 to connect the Los Angeles area with Las Vegas, and new Acela trains undergoing testing, a comprehensive high-speed rail network remains largely aspirational.
The development of high-speed rail in the United States continues to face substantial challenges, including funding complexities and political divisions. Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who served under President Barack Obama, has suggested that a second Trump presidency could pose a significant threat to high-speed rail initiatives. Republican skepticism towards such projects, often favoring investment in roads and bridges, further complicates the path toward a robust national high-speed rail system.