If only the U.S. had a solid high-speed train system. Right now, many flight delays can be traced back to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers who are calling out due to a partial government shutdown. Over a third of TSA staff at JFK Airport were absent recently because they haven’t been paid for over a month. This isn’t just a local problem; it’s happening across the country.
The impact is clear. Long lines at airports are becoming the norm, leaving travelers frustrated and waiting for hours. Meanwhile, because Amtrak is often viewed as a less appealing choice, there’s little chance for a smooth alternative.
Jim Mathews, CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, pointed out that every time there’s a crisis, more people flock to Amtrak. However, the system simply can’t handle the added capacity. The U.S. lags behind other countries in rail infrastructure. For example, in China, a train can take you from Beijing to Shanghai—about the same distance as New York to Chicago—in just four hours. In France, the train from Strasbourg to Paris covers almost 300 miles in under two hours.
In contrast, the U.S. lacks high-speed rail entirely. True high-speed trains travel over 200 mph, while the fastest Amtrak trains top out at about 160 mph. In fact, many Amtrak routes are slower than they were 60 years ago.
The absence of high-speed rail isn’t just an inconvenience; it affects how travelers choose to move between cities. A fast train journey would save time compared to flying, particularly since passengers wouldn’t need to endure long TSA lines or additional travel to airports. Yet, many still prefer the airport chaos over the sluggish pace of Amtrak.
Cost is another issue. In the Northeast, riding Amtrak can often be more expensive than flying. This is largely due to federal policies that restrict subsidies for Amtrak, pushing prices up to cover operational costs. As Mathews explained, we are effectively pricing many travelers out of train travel.
“We need to make a national choice to invest in train travel,” Mathews emphasized. “In the long run, the benefits would be substantial.”
Looking at the big picture, many experts believe better train infrastructure could lead to reduced congestion on the roads and at airports. In fact, a recent study suggested that if the U.S. implemented more high-speed rail solutions, it could decrease air travel demand by up to 20%. This could ease overburdened airports and improve travel efficiency across the board.
Curious Commuter
Question from Brian in Manhattan:
Why do subway conductors tell riders to “use all available doors”? What are they hoping to achieve?
Answer:
During busy times, people tend to cluster near the train entrances, leading to some cars getting overcrowded. This can delay trains. The MTA is looking into ways to solve this problem. They’re planning to install digital signs that show capacity levels in each train car so that riders know where there’s space.
