Challenges and Prospects for High-Speed Rail in the U.S.: 2025 Conference

In a nation known for its vast landscapes and love for cars, the prospect of a transformative high-speed rail network is stirring anticipation and apprehension. As industry leaders gathered in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. High Speed Rail Association's (USHSR) 2025 conference, the conversation revolved around the United States' potential breakthrough in high-speed rail, reminiscent of networks in China, Japan, and Europe.

Driving Momentum Towards a Rail Revolution

The former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who served under President Obama, expressed confidence that the completion of any ongoing high-speed rail line would vindicate its popularity and galvanize national support. However, he cautioned that achieving this vision would demand crucial reforms in permitting processes and increased federal backing.

The Trump administration's stance on high-speed rail has been a point of contention. Notably, funding for a prospective Dallas-Houston line has been revoked, while the future of the California High Speed Rail project, linking Los Angeles and San Francisco, remains uncertain with potential federal funding cuts. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy recently declared that California's rail project lacks a "viable path" for timely and budget-friendly completion.

Current Status of U.S. High-Speed Rail

The U.S. currently lacks operational high-speed rail, defined by the International Union of Railways (UIC) as trains traveling at least 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour) on specially constructed tracks. In stark contrast, countries like Spain, Japan, and France have extensive networks, with China leading the way, expanding from minimal to nearly 30,000 miles of track over two decades.

Construction is ongoing for the Brightline West line connecting Las Vegas to Southern California, and the California High Speed Rail from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Proposed projects could further link major cities in the Northeast, Texas, and Illinois.

Challenges Faced

Experts cite significant hurdles such as complex permitting, financing challenges, and fragmented political support as barriers to advancing U.S. high-speed rail. The California project has faced scrutiny as its costs soared from $34 billion to over $128 billion, with completion dates delayed.

Terry Hynes, an attorney in rail infrastructure, is exploring ways to expedite the U.S. permitting process. "The review period takes so long, the cost goes up," he said. "Nobody's going to invest in that." He highlighted the need for streamlined processes to attract private investment, given the vast infrastructure funds waiting in private markets.

Brandon Wheeler from the North Central Texas Council of Governments stressed the absence of a national leadership vision akin to the interstate highway system. "We don't have a national single point of leadership," he remarked, emphasizing the need for unified goals to propel the U.S. forward.

A Vision for the Future

Reaping the benefits of successful projects like the Brightline in Florida, LaHood believes U.S. adoption of new rail systems could lead to widespread industry success. "If you build it, they will come," he stated, citing the positive reception Brightline has received. He anticipates similar enthusiasm for lines linking Las Vegas to L.A. and San Francisco to L.A.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson advocates for a "Cascadia" high-speed line, linking cities like Seattle and Vancouver. "High-speed rail would move us forward and get us competing again with the world," he noted.

A Financial Vision: The Trust Fund Concept

Industry insiders suggest that a federal trust fund could energize U.S. high-speed rail development. Jim Derwinski, of Chicago's Metra rail system, supports a bipartisan national trust fund to ensure stable backing across administrations.

Arthur Sohikian, leading the High Desert Corridor project, echoed the need for a federal trust fund, pointing out diminishing Highway Trust Fund revenues. "We have to invest in this infrastructure as a nation," he asserted, urging collective national efforts.

The U.S. High Speed Rail Association covered travel and accommodation for Newsweek reporter James Bickerton at the 2025 conference.