For many people, train travel may conjure up romantic images of the Old West or the Orient Express. But not many Americans think about taking a train when they actually need to go somewhere. When traveling in the United States, taking the train is rarely a viable option. This is a problem because passenger trains are usually the greenest mode of transportation between two cities. A quick look at carbon data and rail systems around the world shows that rail travel is more than just a nostalgic trip.
in spite of historical images Traveling by train is one of the most sustainable ways to get around, as sweaty workers shovel coal to power trains that spew smoke across the landscape.Americans have the world's largest carbon footprint, mainly because driving habits.Most of us earn more miles commuting to work than we do to work. road tripBut when it comes to regional travel, cars are only rivaled by: Flight Because of carbon inefficiency.
by comparison, standard diesel train operation produces one-fourth the emissions of a single-occupant vehicle. And if the power source is low-carbon, trains will emit only a fraction of the emissions of diesel locomotives. eurostarCombining operational efficiency with an ever-increasing share of wind energy, a journey from London to Paris produces just 2.4 kg of CO2 per person. carbon 4g per kilometer per passenger.
Train condition
Americans tend to think of rail travel as: slow travel, no need to mess up your schedule.introduced by Japan High-speed rail to the world In 1964, the Shinkansen bullet train was built to connect Tokyo and Kyoto. The country continues to set the gold standard for rail travel, with a network of „bullet train“ lines that carry nearly 500,000 passengers daily between 22 cities. In his 50 years of operation, the train, which now reaches speeds of 200 miles per hour, has never caused a fatality or injury to a passenger.
High-speed rail is developing rapidly in other parts of Asia. China's high-speed rail currently carries more than twice as many passengers as domestic airlines and has completely replaced some short-haul airline routes. The line, which connects Beijing and Shanghai, currently generates more than $1 billion in annual profits.Although the main focus is on cargo, China's Belt and Road Initiative High-speed rail export To business partners. A new passenger route linking Yunnan province with the capital of Laos has recently opened, and routes to the capitals of Thailand and Cambodia are also planned.
The European Union has set the following goals Doubling high-speed rail Making travel impossible by 2030 will require major infrastructure investments and difficult regulatory changes.train tickets are common more expensive Train travel is more convenient than plane tickets in Europe. better travel experiencegenerally have more comfortable seats, lower baggage fees, better accommodations for pets and children, and centralized stations.
get on track
In contrast, the United States does not have a single high-speed rail line or many cities. I don't even have access rights on a passenger train.first completion transcontinental railroad It was a pivotal moment in American history. But just a few decades later, the United States became obsessed with automobiles, which derailed rail travel for nearly a century. Currently, the United States is just beginning to consider the benefits of high-speed rail that other countries have enjoyed for decades.
America's most advanced high-speed rail project is california high speed railThis will eventually connect cities from Sacramento to San Diego with up to 24 stations and service speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour.of project It was approved in 2008 and construction began in 2015. The first section of high-speed rail is scheduled to open in 2030, from Bakersfield to Merced.
Traditional passenger trains, which are slow, have some problems. railway renaissanceThanks to an influx of $66 billion in federal funds through Infrastructure investment and employment law.Amtrak is announced plans By 2025, we plan to triple our annual investment in infrastructure and add new intercity services.
departure progress
If you live in an area served by one of our six nearby locations. Regional high-speed rail project We appreciate your support for projects currently under consideration or planning.your state and member of parliament We know you need access to high-speed rail services.
In the meantime, consider taking the train for domestic travel. Improvements in the current rail system provide better connectivity between large cities less than 300 miles apart. When traveling internationally, always consider taking the train for intercity travel at your destination. It's not just about making your own. Travel more sustainablybut you can also do save money. Even if it's a little more expensive, train travel is a cultural experience that enriches your journey and definitely offers more interesting views than an aisle seat on a short-haul flight.