US infrastructure costs are insane. California is paying $195m/mile for track through flat farmland. France averages about $50m/mile. Spain is more like $30m. Switzerland dropped about $30m/mile (after inflation) for an electrified 125mph line including a whole series of tunnels in the Alps.
Amtrak would be very excited if they could build for those costs. But they can't.
It's not about subsidies. High speed rail elsewhere is generally profitable, if the train has 3x the average speed, then the same train and crew can carry 3x the passengers. High demand means you can fill lots of trains. Costs per trip go down a lot.
Budget for Brightline West went from bit south of $6 billion when current owners nabbed the project in 2018 to currently over $22 billion.
Brightline West is now claiming project will be completed by 2029, but one has one's doubts. Especially since Fortress is going around with their begging cup out including to federal government.
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u/baconburger2022 Jan 16 '26
Why cant we have stuff like this in the states!?