High-Speed Rail for the US, Finally!

California

California is receiving a total of $2.344 billion. This is for approximately 1,955 miles of new (800 miles), upgraded (880 miles), or planned (275 miles) track!

As the White House reports, California has invested a lot in rail recently, and with 5.5 million people (per year) riding on its 3 intercity corridors now, its routes are only second to the Northeast in ridership. Its plans for the future are even bigger.

“The long-term vision for passenger rail in California is among the most ambitious in the nation.”

Train speeds are expected to reach as high 220 mph and should cut travel time between Los Angeles and San Francisco to under 2 hours and 40 minutes (compared to 6 hours by car).

With a more ambitious plan, the time frame for California is also longer. “Phase I calls for a 520-mile system connecting Anaheim and Los Angeles through the Central Valley to San Francisco by 2020; Phase II would extend the system north to Sacramento and south to San Diego by 2026.”

Image Credit: The White House