Improved rail is key to a sustainable future
In North America, the primary way we get around the continent is by using planes and cars. According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, over 90 million passengers (over twice the population of California) traveled to the Tri-State region domestically through airports. While air travel has revolutionized our ability to traverse vast distances, it comes at a significant environmental cost. The carbon footprint millions of air travel passengers leave annually is a pressing concern, contributing to the ongoing climate crisis. In a world increasingly conscious of sustainable practices, envisioning an alternative means of transportation becomes imperative. An improved rail system presents a visionary solution, promising efficient interconnectivity between major cities while significantly reducing carbon emissions. By seamlessly linking urban centers via a sophisticated land-based rail network, we foster economic and cultural exchange and take a substantial step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
As the statistics from the US Travel Association reveal, Americans exhibit a robust inclination toward domestic travel, with leisure and hospitality employment witnessing a substantial 4.3 percent increase since September 2022—the most significant surge since January. This surge is mirrored in credit card spending, showing a notable uptick of 3.5 percent on airlines and cruise lines compared to the previous year. While air travel demand surged by 10 percent in September relative to the same month in the preceding year, it's crucial to note the incremental slowing observed from June and July.
Despite the evident enthusiasm for domestic travel, the heavy reliance on air transportation raises concerns about its long-term sustainability. The environmental toll of frequent air travel, coupled with its contribution to climate change, necessitates a reevaluation of our transportation systems. A high-quality global rail system emerges as an attractive alternative, offering the potential to seamlessly connect major cities while significantly mitigating the ecological impact associated with air travel. This shift not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by our current travel patterns but also enhances our transportation infrastructure's overall efficiency and sustainability.
Knowing that we need to make a change, what do we do? America already has a domestic rail system known as Amtrak. But why don't Americans use it? Different from the extensive network of flights offered by airlines, Amtrak's options are notably limited, making it less appealing for those seeking diverse destinations. The inflexibility of schedules further hinders its attractiveness as a viable mode of transportation. Unlike the frequent departures and arrivals of flights, Amtrak schedules often lack the convenience and flexibility that modern travelers crave.
Additionally, the cost associated with Amtrak travel poses a significant barrier. Ticket prices are frequently perceived as prohibitively expensive, especially compared to budget airline options. As a result, the premier rail service in America falls short of providing a competitive, accessible, and cost-effective alternative to air travel. Recognizing these limitations in our current rail infrastructure is crucial in paving the way for a more comprehensive and efficient global rail system that meets the evolving needs of the contemporary traveler.
Amtrak, the national passenger railroad service in the United States, connects some of the country's most iconic cities. Notably, Amtrak's top 10 stations are situated in cities that grew before the widespread use of cars, emphasizing the historical significance of these urban centers. However, amidst this lineup, Los Angeles stands out as an exception, grappling with the challenges of urban sprawl and a deficient public transit system. Unlike the extensive and well-connected public transportation systems in cities like New York, Washington DC, and Boston, LA's Metrolink system is relatively weak and confined, failing to address the city's sprawling nature. A promising solution lies in emulating the success of cities with robust transit systems, such as expanding and enhancing the Metrolink network to cover a more extensive area, akin to the comprehensive reach of the New York City subway. Additionally, encouraging a shift away from car dependency through incentives for alternative transportation modes could mitigate congestion and foster a more sustainable and efficient urban mobility landscape in Los Angeles and other metroplexes with enormous suburban sprawl.
A multifaceted approach is essential to address the current limitations of America's rail system. One pivotal aspect lies in the technological advancement of the trains themselves. Compared to the high-speed trains employed in other countries, Amtrak's trains are notably slower, contributing to longer travel times. Investing in faster, more efficient trains reduces the time spent en route and increases the overall capacity to ferry passengers within a given timeframe. This improvement is cost-effective and enhances the attractiveness of rail travel by providing a competitive alternative to air transportation.
Furthermore, the deployment of faster trains opens up a spectrum of departure and arrival times, offering passengers greater flexibility in planning their journeys. The increased variety in schedules addresses one of the primary drawbacks of the current rail system and aligns more closely with the convenience that modern travelers seek.
However, these improvements are contingent on heightened public awareness and support. Increased advocacy for enhanced rail infrastructure will translate into more significant investments, fostering technological advancements and operational improvements. Transforming America's rail system into a premier global network requires a collective recognition of its benefits—environmental sustainability, reduced travel times, and increased accessibility. By fostering a public understanding of the long-term advantages, we can pave the way for a rail system that competes with air travel and surpasses it in efficiency, affordability, and overall appeal.
The move to invest in rail infrastructure seems unnecessary on the surface, but upon closer examination of the sustainability of rail, we see why it's essential. Trains stand as an environmentally superior mode of transportation, offering a compelling alternative to traditional air travel. Unlike airplanes emitting substantial amounts of greenhouse gases during takeoff and flight, trains operate with significantly lower carbon emissions per passenger mile. The efficiency of electric or hybrid-powered locomotives further reduces their environmental impact, mainly when powered by renewable energy sources. Additionally, the inherent nature of rail travel, with its fixed routes and larger passenger capacity, minimizes congestion and promotes energy efficiency. Trains represent a greener choice, contributing to reduced air pollution, lower carbon footprints, and a more sustainable transportation future, aligning seamlessly with the growing global emphasis on environmentally conscious practices.
The imperative for an improved rail system is underscored by the undeniable environmental toll of frequent air travel and its contribution to the ongoing climate crisis. The limitations of America's current premier rail service, Amtrak, highlight the urgent need for transformative changes. Investing in faster, more efficient trains and addressing issues of limited routes and inflexible schedules can position rail travel as a competitive alternative to air transportation. The benefits extend beyond convenience and cost-effectiveness; they encompass a crucial step toward environmental sustainability, reduced travel times, and increased accessibility. However, realizing these improvements relies heavily on public awareness and support. To bring about this transformative shift, individuals need to voice their advocacy. Please contact your congressional representatives, emphasizing the importance of investing in and enhancing our rail infrastructure. By fostering widespread understanding and support, we can collectively pave the way for a more sustainable, efficient, and interconnected future of transportation.
Editor's note: This article addresses CNU’s Strategic Plan goal of advancing design strategies that help communities adapt to climate change and mitigate its future impact.
