How Will High Speed Rail Improve My Life?

Freedom, For Starters

They’re a fast, easy, and affordable way to get around. But that’s just the most obvious payoff. High-speed rail delivers three more big wins.

Better Travel

High-speed trains are fun and relaxing—like a mini-vacation.

They free up time that you would spend driving (or sitting in a stuffed airplane) for the things that you actually love about travel. You can socialize, have a meal, read, and enjoy watching people and the passing scenery. And you can do these things while getting where you need to go—quickly and safely. It’s a totally different experience than any other kind of travel.

Travel By High-Speed Rail

dad and kids on train
Pleasant small town suburban street.

Connected Communities

High-speed trains are nonstop engines of prosperity.

While recent housing and development trends separate us from each other and hollow out city centers, high-speed trains bring us together. Which means they build capital of all kinds. They create vibrant economies, increase property values, and foster strong relationships between people and institutions.

Learn How Trains Strengthen Communities

Lower Carbon Emissions

Federal policies prioritize new highway lanes and cheap greenfield development, which creates more traffic and spikes greenhouse gas emissions.

We can no longer afford that paradigm. Electrified high-speed trains can run on 100 percent renewable energy. They also cut greenhouse gasses by incentivizing smarter, denser development. The effects ripple out and ratchet down carbon emissions across whole communities.

Learn More About Reducing Carbon Emissions

CA HSR Rendering Central Valley

The Latest from HSRA

Our Latest Blog Posts

Check out the latest news, updates, and high speed rail insights from our blog!

Newsletter 3/22/24: Amtrak Cascades and Japan HSR

Newsletter 3/22/24: Amtrak Cascades and Japan HSR

Amtrak Cascades path to Increasing Speed and Frequency The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) released a Preliminary Service Development Plan (SDP) for the Amtrak Cascades route, a step towards creating a blueprint for improving the route over the...

Japan Extends High Speed Rail Network

Japan Extends High Speed Rail Network

On March 16, Japan opened a new high-speed line connecting Tsuruga with the rest of Japan’s high-speed rail network at Kanazawa, and allowing for direct service to Tokyo. The new line is called the Hokuriku extension and it includes six new train stations, serving the...

Amtrak Cascades Path to Increasing Speed and Frequency

Amtrak Cascades Path to Increasing Speed and Frequency

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) released a Preliminary Service Development Plan (SDP) for the Amtrak Cascades route, a step towards creating a blueprint for improving the route over the next twenty years.  The Amtrak Cascades service, which...

A New Path to Chicago-Milwaukee Regional Rail

A New Path to Chicago-Milwaukee Regional Rail

Thanks to Corridor ID funding from the Federal Railroad Administration, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is initiating planning that will set the stage for service over the next decade or two. It is urgent that local elected and business leaders advocate for...