Today, Explained: America’s High-Speed Rail Fail

Vox Media Podcast Network | Episode Release Date: August 3, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Today, Explained, hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King delve into the intricate history and current state of passenger rail in the United States. Titled "America’s High-Speed Rail Fail," the episode explores why the U.S. has struggled to develop a robust high-speed rail system compared to other parts of the world, examines significant projects like California’s high-speed rail initiative and Brightline, and discusses the contrasting success of freight rail in America.

The Golden Age of American Railroads

The discussion begins with a historical overview of American railroads, highlighting their pivotal role in the nation's growth.

Michael Hiltzik, a columnist at the LA Times and author of Iron Robber Barons, Railroads, and the Making of Modern America, provides insight into the railroad boom:

“The railroads were dominant in America in a region that was very heavily populated and also was the industrial heart of the country, and that was the Northeast and into the Midwest. There was a lot of business to be done, there were a lot of passengers going on...”
(03:18)

Hiltzik emphasizes the transformative impact of the transcontinental railroad, completed in 1869, which connected the East and West coasts and spurred economic growth:

“The American economy could simply not have developed as fast or as powerfully as it did without the railroads.”
(05:02)

He draws parallels between the railroads of the late 19th century and modern big tech companies, noting their similar roles as economic drivers:

“They were the big tech of the time. They were drivers of technology.”
(06:43)

The Decline of Passenger Rail in the U.S.

Transitioning into the decline, the episode explores the factors that led to the waning prominence of passenger rail in the United States.

Hiltzik explains how competition from automobiles and airplanes, especially after World War I, eroded the dominance of railroads:

“We began to see competition really showing its effects early in the 20th century.”
(07:21)

This competition, coupled with financial struggles and deteriorating infrastructure, led to a significant downturn in passenger rail services. The government’s attempts to consolidate the fragmented railroad system into entities like Amtrak and Conrail were only partially successful:

“Amtrak and Conrail... were necessary to consolidate what was left of the American railroad system into something that could operate profitably.”
(08:05)

International High-Speed Rail: A Comparative Perspective

The hosts and guests draw comparisons between the U.S. and other countries excelling in high-speed rail.

Michael Kimmelman, editor at large of Headway (a team at the New York Times focusing on progress), underscores the stark differences:

“High speed rail exists all around the world, in China and in Europe and Japan, and has for decades. But the United States has consistently failed to build high speed rail.”
(13:07)

He highlights successful implementations in China, Japan’s Shinkansen, and extensive networks across Western Europe, contrasting them with the U.S.’s struggles:

“In Europe, it's perfectly normal...to get on a train that will take you at 200 miles an hour to another city.”
(15:03)

California’s High-Speed Rail Project: A Case Study

A significant portion of the episode focuses on California’s ambitious high-speed rail project, which has become emblematic of the challenges facing passenger rail in the U.S.

Kimmelman recounts the project's inception under Governor Jerry Brown in the 1980s and its trajectory through the decades:

“By 1996, California had... approved a measure... which set aside about $10 billion to construct a high speed rail... connecting LA and San Francisco.”
(16:06)

However, the project has been plagued by escalating costs and delays:

“The cost estimates doubled, more than doubled. They would ultimately triple.”
(17:06)

Recent developments include the revocation of $4 billion in federal funding by the Trump administration and uncertainty under subsequent administrations:

“The estimated completion date would be sometime in the 2030s perhaps, and at a cost of well over $110 billion.”
(17:23)

This debacle has been cited as a symbol of broader political and infrastructural challenges, as discussed in Ezra Klein’s book Abundance Co.

Brightline: The Lone Star on the Rails

Shifting focus to existing high-speed rail endeavors, the episode examines Brightline, the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger rail service in the U.S.

Kimmelman discusses Brightline’s potential and pitfalls:

“They didn't have to go through a million of these approval processes and they kind of already owned the route.”
(19:58)

While Brightline is pioneering in its approach, it faces serious safety concerns:

“Brightline trains have killed 182 people since they've been in operation and failed to make critical safety updates to prevent accidents.”
(20:42)

These safety issues underscore the complexities of managing passenger rail independently, without the extensive regulatory frameworks seen in other countries.

The Dominance and Future of Freight Rail

Contrasting passenger rail's struggles, the episode highlights the robust state of freight rail in the U.S., featuring insights from Chris Holland, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore.

Holland emphasizes the essential role of freight rail:

“Almost 2 billion metric tons of freight cross the country each year. So when I meet people and they'll tell me, 'Oh, I don't take the train. I always say, well, everything you own and use does.'"
(24:22)

She discusses the impending merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which aims to create the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S.:

“They would literally be able to go from California all the way over to Georgia on one company.”
(26:58)

Looking ahead, Holland is optimistic about innovations in the freight sector, planning an innovation hall for the 200th anniversary of American railroads in 2027.

Balancing Freight and Passenger Rail: Challenges and Opportunities

The episode concludes by exploring the divergent priorities between freight and passenger rail systems in the U.S. and Europe.

Holland explains the focus on freight in America versus passenger priority in Europe:

“In Europe the railroads are really more government owned and they're prioritized for passengers.”
(25:25)

She underscores the efficiency and environmental benefits of freight rail, which handle massive volumes of goods with minimal environmental impact compared to road transport.

However, the limitation lies in infrastructure constraints, making the expansion of passenger rail a logistical challenge.

Looking Forward: The Path to High-Speed Rail Success

Both Kimmelman and Holland express cautious optimism about the future of high-speed rail in America. While acknowledging significant obstacles—such as regulatory hurdles, funding issues, and safety concerns—they believe that technological advancements and changing societal needs could pave the way for a resurgence in passenger rail.

Kimmelman shares his hope for high-speed rail’s potential to transform commuting and connectivity:

“I do think the transportation system is going to continue to modernize. ... It really was the Internet of its time.”
(28:20)

Holland envisions a modernized rail system that integrates safety, speed, and efficiency, drawing lessons from both historical successes and contemporary innovations.

Conclusion

"America’s High-Speed Rail Fail" offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical rise and subsequent decline of passenger rail in the United States. Through expert insights and detailed case studies, the episode sheds light on the multifaceted challenges that have hindered the development of a high-speed rail network comparable to those in other parts of the world. While freight rail remains a testament to effective rail management, the path forward for passenger rail requires overcoming significant regulatory, financial, and infrastructural barriers. The episode leaves listeners contemplating whether America can rekindle its railroading legacy to meet the modern demands of connectivity and sustainability.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Hiltzik: “They were the big tech of the time. They were drivers of technology.” (06:43)
• Michael Kimmelman: “High speed rail exists all around the world, in China and in Europe and Japan, and has for decades. But the United States has consistently failed to build high speed rail.” (13:07)
• Chris Holland: “Everything you own and use... does [use freight rail].” (24:22)

Produced and Conducted by Devin Schwartz. Edited by Nerene Khan with Fact Checking by Melissa Hirsch and Engineering by Patrick Boyd.