High-speed rail moves millions throughout the world every day – but in the US, high cost and low use make its future bumpy

By: Stephen Mattingly, University of Texas at Arlington, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 2, 2025

Words: 1,102

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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By Stephen Mattingly, University of Texas at Arlington

High-speed rail systems are found all over the globe. Japan’s bullet train began operating in 1964. China will have 31,000 miles (50,000 kilometers) of high-speed track by the end of 2025. The fastest train in Europe goes almost 200 mph (320 kph). Yet high-speed rail remains absent from most of the U.S.

Stephen Mattingly, a civil engineering professor at the University of …

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