High Speed Rail

A 'String' Theory for High Speed Rail

This post from Gizmag looks at Anatoly Unitsky's String Transport Systems, which are trains that operate on above-ground rails at speeds of up to 300 miles per hour -- in theory.

June 6, 2010 - Gizmag

Saudi Arabia Looks to Build Major Rail Hub in Capital

Officials in the Saudi capital of Riyadh are planning to build a central rail hub with an annual passenger capacity of more than 800,000. The station is expected to be complete by 2013.

May 27, 2010 - Building

High Speed, High Price

As China Expands its high speed rail system, some of the country's rural poor have criticized the trains for being too expensive.

May 22, 2010 - Global Times

LaHood Rides MagLev

The line may only be 12 miles, but the train speeds at 312 mph. The Secretary of Transportation was in Japan as part of the effort to bring high speed rail to the U.S. though it's not clear whether he is in fact considering the maglev technology.

May 17, 2010 - The New York Times - Global Business

A Possible Dead End for High Speed Rail

Despite what seemed to be a gung-ho Federal government, high speed rail could flop in the U.S., according to this piece from The Infrastructurist.

May 16, 2010 - The Infrastructurist

Rail Cuts Chinese Trip From 11 Hours to 90 Minutes

A new high speed rail link has opened in China, connecting the cities of Fuzhou and Xiamen. The new rail line will cut travel time between the two cities from nearly 11 hours to just 90 minutes.

April 27, 2010 - What's On Xiamen

Should Amtrak Get its Hands on High Speed Rail?

The Infrastructurist's Melissa Lafsky is a guest on Fox Business News to discuss what role, if any, Amtrak will play in the U/S/ high speed rail network.

April 7, 2010 - The Infrastructurist

High Speed Rail Sprawl

Some planners are warning that high speed rail could spur exurban growth and sprawl.

March 18, 2010 - Wired

Spain's High Speed Rail Uses Luxury to Lure

Spain's high speed rail system is consistently beating out airlines for inter-city travel. But it's not through low prices.

March 17, 2010 - The New York Times

Three High Speed Rail Lines Announced in UK

The three new high speed rail lines are being called the biggest advancement of the United Kingdom's public transit system in more than 50 years.

March 15, 2010 - The Mirror

China's Cross-Continental Rail Plan

China has announced plans to extend its high speed rail network Wetsward across the continent, connecting its eastern shores to Europe.

March 12, 2010 - the transport politic

Wide Web of High Speed Rail Could Boost Congressional Spending

The projects receiving funding through the federal government's roughly $8 billion high speed rail investment travel through more than 40% of congressional districts. Analysts predict this will encourage more legislators to push for related funds.

February 15, 2010 - The New York Times

High Speed Rail Spurring Economic Growth in China

A large-scale program of high speed rail projects is creating a huge economic impact in China. The fast timeline for these rail projects and the jobs they are creating have American officials looking on jealously.

February 14, 2010 - The New York Times

American High Speed Rail: Transportation and Jobs

The Infrastructurist's Melissa Lafsky is on Fox Business to discuss the prospect of high speed rail in America -- both in terms of transportation and jobs.

February 4, 2010 - Fox Business

Was High-Speed Rail Investment Worthwhile?

National Journal asks its panel of transportation experts whether the Obama Administration's recent announcement of high-speed rail funding projects is really a wise investment.

February 3, 2010 - National Journal

High Speed Rail Needs High Class Stations

Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin argues that America's foray into high speed rail should also focus on the rail stations and user experience in addition to the speed.

February 2, 2010 - Chicago Tribune

Projects Picked for U.S. High Speed Rail Funding

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are in Florida today to announce a funding package for a variety of high speed rail projects. In total, $7.9 billion in funding is being announced.

January 28, 2010 - The New York Times

London Airport Seen as Ideal Hub for Proposed High Speed Rail

A conservative think tank in the UK is calling for London's Heathrow Airport to become a new high speed rail hub. However, the group warns that increased traffic would necessitate the construction of a third runway.

January 21, 2010 - The Times

America's Spanish High Speed Rail Envy

Spain has rapidly developed high speed rail system, leaving many U.S. politicians -- including President Obama -- wondering how the U.S. can catch up. This article and video from PBS looks at the Spanish model.

January 18, 2010 - PBS

Indonesian High-Speed Rail May Be Too Good to Be True

Private investors are claiming that they can build a $3 billion, 220-mile high speed rail system in Indonesia by the end of 2011. But the plan may be too ambitious to pull off -- or just not a good idea in the first place.

January 10, 2010 - The Infrastructurist

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