High-speed train in the USA?

 

This would be unseen in a country where long-haul passenger railroad is underdeveloped. Indeed, the American prefer to travel by car or by plane (for long distances)… at least until the crisis. Will future high oil prices coupled with a fall of the purchasing power promote the development of high-speed train, as it is already the case in Europe and some Asian countries?

Coincidence or not, the Obama administration is studying this solution, until now relegated to the closet because of financial and technical barriers, in addition to the lack of  political support.

Today, there is only one long-haul passenger railroad company in the USA: Amtrak.

Is it a market to explore closely for French companies like Alstom or the SNCF? Would U.S. citizens be ready to "abandon" their cars for the train?

Joe

Map source: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/state/docs/prwg-exec-sum.pdf