Consider the technological successes of America since its founding: grounded in a free-market capitalist society, American innovators have developed revolutionary technologies ranging from the telephone and television to atomic energy, computers, and the Internet. But for a country that prides itself in technological progress, the United States has done surprisingly little in the realm of passenger rail over the past several decades.

Nationally, it was faster to take trains in the 1960s than today. In fact, the American rail speed record is still held by an ordinary train car strapped with jet engines on top, set almost exactly sixty years ago. Today, America does not have any true high speed rail (HSR): although the latest Avelia Liberty trainsets ordered by Amtrak are rated for 186 mph, they can only operate at 160 mph due to infrastructure limitations.

These sobering facts are no accident, but the story is still being written. Instead of lamenting the past, let’s start by understanding high speed rail‘s success in other parts of the world.

The High Speed Rail Alliance defines high speed rail as trains that can reach up to 220 mph and have a dedicated right of way. Consistently high speeds means trains are competitive with air travel and often quicker than driving. Dedicated rights-of-way prevent unauthorized track access, greatly reducing instances of impatient drivers skirting crossing gates or suicide attempts and safer transport for passengers, drivers, and pedestrians alike.

Japan pioneered high speed rail back in 1964, just in time for the Tokyo Olympics. The Japanese gamble on building expensive rail infrastructure paid off in part thanks to the latest imported American train technology, just as America was spending billions on highway and airport subsidies. While shifting funding priorities have left America with a lackluster passenger rail network, countries around the world have proven that building high speed rail is possible given the resources and political will.

The High Speed Rail Alliance also found that taking the train reduces carbon dioxide emissions ninety-four and ninety-six percent versus driving and flying, respectively on the roughly five hundred miles between Paris and Marseille. The superiority of trains in this respect is due in part due to its electrification, enabling trains to decarbonize with the overall grid. In an age where sustainability is paramount, HSR makes investing in train travel all the more critical.

Italy is perfect proof that HSR can provide better transport and sustainability benefits, especially for routes of a few hundred miles. Alitalia, Italy’s former state airline, ended operations in 2021 due to intense competition from low cost airlines and the Italian high speed rail network that debuted in 2008. Served by both state-owned Trenitalia and private operator Italo, tourists and residents now have seamless and sustainable access to Italy and greater Europe. Alitalia’s downfall is just one example of how HSR can scale both efficient transport and environmental benefits.

American passenger rail has languished long enough. It’s time to bring the benefits of high speed rail home for all Americans.