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High-speed rail — environmentally friendly and popular worldwide — has a hard time in the U.S.

Dec 8, 2023
The Biden administration's pouring billions into it, but that's a drop in the bucket compared to the total cost.
Though high-speed rail is common in Europe and Asia, most Americans lack access to it.
Bastien Inzaurralde/AFP via Getty Images

More private companies are investing in passenger rail — here's why

Aug 28, 2023
Passenger rail needs a public subsidy to work, experts say.
Private company Brightline planned to extend its passenger rail line in Florida, but this extension has been delayed.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Companies reroute cargo away from Russian rail network

Mar 16, 2022
It could put extra pressure on global shipping and force companies to raise prices.
Some goods with high price margins, like computers and car parts, typically travel between China and Europe by rail. Above, a freight train rolls through a forest in Poland.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

U.K.’s Crossrail delay threatens small businesses along the line

Nov 25, 2019
The delayed arrival of Europe’s biggest infrastructure project — an east-west rail line across London — has hit small businesses located along the route.
A worker looks along a train tunnel at the Canary Wharf Crossrail station in London in 2017.
Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images

Can art triumph over developers in this coastal city?

Jun 2, 2016
Los Angeles hopes to solve its traffic jams with a new rail, but what about Santa Monica's art?
A view of a light-rail station in Santa Monica, California.
Lisa Napoli

Freight rail is king in U.S.

Mar 20, 2015
U.S. freight rail is profitable, and it's attracting international attention.

Kenyan rail project could be a boon to several African nations

Nov 29, 2013
A massive rail project could have a major impact on the economies of five African countries.

For public good, not for profit.

Britain's government wants fast trains; some say they're not worth it

Jun 25, 2013
Britain's government wants to spend billions on a high-speed rail system. HS2 -- as it's called -- could cut some journey times in half but critics say it would harm the countryside and trains are yesterday's technology.

California's high-speed rail meets opposition over eminent domain

May 28, 2013
Residents of California's Central Valley are trying to stop a high-speed rail system that would connect San Francisco to Los Angeles from cutting through their land.

BNSF Railway to test natural gas locomotives

Mar 6, 2013
BNSF Railway is announcing this morning that it’s trying a new experiment. The railway is going to try running some of its locomotives on natural gas this year, instead of diesel.