Last year, Elon Musk’s Boring Company revealed the Las Vegas Loop. Consisting of a series of underground roads wherein passengers board Teslas which go directly to and from points in the city, the Loop was described as an innovative way of getting around major cities. Immediately, it was pointed out that what Musk and co had invented was pretty much slower, smaller, more expensive and less convenient subways.
All of this to say: Americans, particularly on the west coast, are largely unfamiliar with trains. But this is about to change. Network Rail, the owner of most of Britain's railways, has won a contract to help develop a brand-new high-speed railway between LA and San Francisco.
The new train will get passengers across the 380-mile distance in less than three hours. For comparison, a similar journey in Britain would be Glasgow to London, which currently takes just under five hours at its fastest.
The project hopes to be completed within the decade and Network Rail, or more specifically their international subsidiary, Network Rail Consulting Inc, has signed on until at least 2029.
Nigel Ash, the consulting branch’s Global managing director, said: ‘Having [been involved] since 2019, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to continue our support to the California High-Speed Rail Authority to help deliver this important investment that is poised to be one of the most transformative infrastructure programs in US history.’
Once the initial route has completed construction, the plan is to continue to expand the railway to San Diego and Sacramento. But considering the fact that it will be at least another six years before that plan is put into action, we would advise that locals to those areas not to hold their breath.
Perhaps this project will set in motion others similar to it, and with Joe Biden pledging a whopping $8.2 billion to railway infrastructure in the country, US citizens might not have to wait that long. Until then, however, they’ll have to make do with Elon's ingenious Tesla metros. Our thoughts are with you all.
Curious about railways back here at home?
You’re in the right place. We regularly report on the latest in UK train news, such as the fact that this Welsh town is getting a brand-new train service, or letting you know about Edinburgh’s new £2 billion tram service. We also keep you up to date with latest information about strikes.
Did you see that Birmingham is getting an Ozzy Osborne musuem?
Plus: seven English counties will soon get ‘lightning fast’ broadband, thanks to a £5 billion project.
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