A lot of things make the United States an awesome place to live. When it comes to high-speed trains, though, America doesn’t even come close to matching the dedication of Europe and Asia. Thanks to federal money devoted to high-speed rail, though, people in the U.S. could have access to a wider range of travel options in the near future.

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Today’s High Speed Rail

Currently, the U.S. only has one high speed rail line. It operates between Washington, D.C. and Boston. Unfortunately, the high-speed trail shares its tracks with regular freight and commuter trains, so it has a maximum travel speed of 68 mph in most areas. It can, however, reach 150 in limited areas.

California’s High Speed Train

California will probably have the country’s next high-speed train. The state has scheduled construction on a line that will run between Anaheim and San Francisco. It would also serve Los Angeles, San Jose and some other others, making it much easier for travelers to move up and down the coast without confronting horrendous traffic jams. This train system will have its own rail, which means it can move at 150 mph. Even in the best of auto traveling circumstances, this will cut commuting time in half.

Other Plans for High Speed Trains in the U.S.

Other plans for high-speed trains include systems in Florida, Texas, Illinois and New York State. These projects, however, rely on federal funding that might not survive budget cuts. A planned rail in Ohio has already been dropped by that state.

If a high-speed train were available near you, would you use, or would you prefer to drive your car regardless of traffic conditions?