Public transportation in the United States is about to get a major overhaul.
In fact, we're already in the era of new high-speed train routes in various states, and even a potential floating train connecting New York and Boston in a record-breaking 40 minutes.
Still, many gains have to be made in order to catch up with train travel internationally. And the White House is on it. On December 8, President Biden announced a new $8.2 billion in funding for upcoming high-speed railroad projects and more ways to expand train travel, which is both more energy-efficient and cost-effective for Americans.
Over 35 projects are named in the bill, including major rail routes such as a 218-mile railroad between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, high-speed service connecting Dallas and Houston, an updated route on a dormant track between Scranton and New York City, increased service between Chicago and Indianapolis, a new route between the Twin Cities and Duluth, plus improved service in Alaska, Maine, Montana and beyond.
“Today, the Biden-Harris Administration takes another historic step to deliver the passenger rail system that Americans have been calling for—with $8.2 billion for faster, more reliable, expanded train service across the country,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “With this funding, we’ll deliver America’s first high-speed rail on a route between Southern California and Las Vegas, complete major upgrades for riders in Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maine, Montana, and Alaska, and announce a comprehensive plan that makes it easier to expand passenger rail lines in 44 states.”
To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced nearly $30 billion in investments for America's rail system. Now Americans just have to wait and see when the work will take place before riding the rails nationwide.