Day 34: We need more trains

I apologize in advance for the odd and potentially short posts this coming week. I’m doing some travelling, so my schedule will be very unpredictable. I considered taking a hiatus from writing for the week, but decided against it. Gotta show up every day.

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Remember how I said I didn’t have many things I can say I’m passionate about? Well, I found one thing that I’ll always advocate for.

The world, and especially the US, needs more high speed rail. I took a train today down the Northeast Corridor. It’s a heavily trafficked rail route that connects some of the most well known US cities like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. Though there is a high speed option down the corridor, the Acela, its average speed is a measly 70.3 mph (113 kph). That speed pales in comparison to the average speeds of real high speed systems that reach an average of 120 mph (193 kph).

These infrastructure changes need governmental impetus behind them. It takes billions of dollars, coordination among states, land acquisition battles, and tons of planning to achieve. The results, though, can be magical. Affordable high speed rail in places like Asia and Europe bring countries closer together and strengthen the connection among cities.

It’s funny to think how prior to the interstate highway system, rail travel in America was a norm. We need to bring that norm back.

Why did I decide to write about this today? No clue. Hope I didn’t bore you too much. I just want to get from NYC to the rest of the country faster.