US Rail Travel to Get a Boost: New ‘Momentum’ Framework Could Revitalize Northeast and Midwest Routes, Offering Faster Alternatives

Published on May 2, 2025

The quest for high-speed rail in the United States has long been considered one of the most ambitious goals for transportation advocates, particularly those seeking more sustainable and efficient travel alternatives. For years, discussions about bullet trains capable of reaching speeds above 200 miles per hour have inspired excitement and anticipation. While there have been significant developments in high-speed rail projects in states like California, Nevada, and Texas, these projects have faced considerable challenges. The cost of building entirely new rail systems from scratch in areas that often lack the necessary infrastructure has proved to be both expensive and politically contentious. Despite these hurdles, there is a growing sense of optimism among transport advocates that progress is possible.

However, a critical realization has emerged in recent years: building new high-speed rail lines is not the only way to improve rail travel. In regions of the United States that already have a well-established rail network, such as the Northeast and the Midwest, existing rail infrastructure holds untapped potential for faster, more efficient travel. A recent report from the New York University (NYU) Marron Institute, authored by Nolan Hicks, highlights how targeted improvements to current rail systems could deliver much of the speed and efficiency promised by high-speed rail — but at a fraction of the cost.

The Challenges of High-Speed Rail in the United States

Building new high-speed rail systems in the United States, particularly in sparsely populated regions, is an expensive and politically complex endeavor. These areas often lack the necessary infrastructure, and the costs associated with creating brand-new systems can skyrocket. This is especially true in regions like the American West, where development projects face the added challenge of geography, regulatory hurdles, and the need for significant investment in new technologies and infrastructure.

Even in more densely populated areas, the road to high-speed rail has been rocky. While there has been significant momentum in projects such as the California High-Speed Rail, which aims to connect cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, the project has faced delays, budget overruns, and opposition. Political challenges, funding uncertainties, and questions about the environmental impact of new rail systems have slowed progress. In this context, the idea of utilizing existing infrastructure to deliver faster rail services has gained traction as a more practical and cost-effective solution.

The Momentum Framework: A New Approach

The NYU Marron Institute’s report introduces a concept that could significantly alter the landscape of rail travel in the United States. The “Momentum” framework, developed by research fellow Nolan Hicks, focuses on making targeted improvements to existing rail systems rather than starting from scratch. Hicks argues that by modernizing and optimizing current rail infrastructure, substantial improvements in speed and efficiency can be achieved — and at a much lower cost than constructing entirely new high-speed rail lines.

The report points out that there are vast opportunities for improvement on middle-distance intercity Amtrak routes and large city commuter rail lines, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. These regions already have rail systems in place, and with a few key upgrades, they could experience a significant boost in speed and efficiency. According to Hicks, these targeted improvements could increase travel times by as much as 30%, making rail travel a competitive alternative to driving or flying for many people. In fact, in some of the busiest corridors, such as New York to Albany, the travel time could be reduced by up to 30 minutes, making it possible to reach the destination in under two hours.

Potential Improvements in Travel Times

The “Momentum” framework is based on improving rail infrastructure in ways that do not require new systems or technologies but rather optimize existing resources. This could include things like upgrading tracks, implementing modern signaling systems, and improving train scheduling. The report provides examples of how such improvements could impact key routes:

• New York to Albany: Currently, this route takes over two hours to complete, but with the proposed improvements, travel time could be reduced to under two hours, saving passengers 30 minutes.
• Chicago to St. Louis: The trip currently takes over four hours, but with improvements to the rail system, travel time could be reduced by 40 minutes, making the journey much quicker and more convenient for commuters and travelers alike.

These relatively small changes in travel time may seem modest, but in practice, they can have a significant impact on the appeal of rail travel compared to other modes of transportation. By making the rail experience faster and more efficient, the “Momentum” framework could help boost ridership and provide a strong alternative to cars and airplanes.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

One of the key advantages of the “Momentum” framework is that it could provide significant economic and environmental benefits. For one, it would require far less investment than building new high-speed rail lines. By focusing on upgrading existing infrastructure, the costs of the project could be significantly lower, allowing for more projects to be completed with available funding. Additionally, upgrading current systems could reduce the environmental impact of transportation, as more passengers would be encouraged to travel by rail instead of cars or airplanes, both of which contribute to higher levels of carbon emissions.

This approach aligns with the growing focus on sustainability in transportation. Rail travel, particularly in regions with strong rail networks, is already a more environmentally friendly option compared to cars and planes. By making these systems more efficient and accessible, it is possible to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation while also improving the convenience and accessibility of public transit.

The Role of Federal Funding and Political Challenges

The timing of the “Momentum” report is crucial, as it comes at a moment when passenger rail in the United States is experiencing something of a renaissance. Ridership on Amtrak has reached new highs in 2024, and federal funds authorized during the Biden Administration are helping to pay for a range of improvements to the nation’s rail systems. However, political challenges remain, particularly given the more transit-skeptical stance of the previous Trump Administration.

The Biden Administration’s commitment to expanding and improving rail service across the country has provided a critical source of funding for infrastructure upgrades. But there is no guarantee that this momentum will continue, especially given the shifting political landscape in Washington. Advocates for rail travel must work to ensure that funding remains stable and that investments are made in projects that will benefit the largest number of passengers.

The Impact on the Travel Industry

The proposed improvements in the “Momentum” framework could have a profound impact on the travel industry. If implemented, these upgrades would make rail travel a more competitive option for passengers in the United States. For one, rail could become a more appealing option for short- to middle-distance travel, offering a quicker and more convenient alternative to driving or flying. In many parts of the country, travelers often choose to drive long distances due to the time and expense of flying. By reducing travel times and improving service, rail could become a more attractive option.

Additionally, the improved efficiency and affordability of rail travel could drive up ridership, helping to revitalize the rail industry in the U.S. The increased demand for passenger rail service could lead to more investment in infrastructure, which could, in turn, create more jobs and economic growth. Furthermore, with a stronger rail system, Americans would have a more diverse set of travel options, which would reduce pressure on other modes of transportation, such as airports and highways.

The impact on the airline industry could also be significant. As rail travel becomes more competitive with flying, particularly for shorter distances, airlines may be forced to reconsider their pricing and service strategies. While flying will remain the preferred option for long-distance travel, rail could provide a viable alternative for shorter routes, especially in regions with well-developed rail infrastructure.

Global Implications for the Future of Rail Travel

The “Momentum” framework, while specific to the United States, has global implications for the future of rail travel. Across the world, countries are grappling with the challenges of providing efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective transportation. The lessons learned from the U.S. approach could be applied to other countries with existing rail networks that are underutilized or in need of modernization.

In countries like Japan, France, and China, high-speed rail has already revolutionized travel, offering passengers a fast and efficient alternative to flying or driving. However, the costs associated with building new high-speed rail lines have often been prohibitive, especially in less densely populated regions. The U.S. approach of optimizing existing infrastructure could offer a more cost-effective model for other nations to consider as they look to improve their rail systems.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for Rail Travel

The “Momentum” framework represents a significant shift in how the United States might approach its rail system. By focusing on upgrading existing infrastructure rather than starting from scratch, the U.S. could achieve substantial improvements in speed, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction. If implemented, these changes could make rail travel a more viable and competitive option for millions of Americans, providing a much-needed alternative to car and air travel.

With the backing of federal funds and the growing interest in sustainable transportation, the future of rail travel in the United States looks brighter than ever. While challenges remain, particularly in securing long-term political support, the “Momentum” framework offers a promising path forward for revitalizing the nation’s rail systems.