ELI5: us interstate highways vs high speed rail

// eli5

What are interstate highways and high-speed rail?

Interstates are big roads where cars drive at about 65-70 mph, while high-speed trains zoom along at over 200 mph [1]. Think of interstates like the arteries in your body carrying cars, and trains like express lanes that only go between major cities [1].

Why did America choose highways instead of trains?

After World War II, the U.S. government decided to build interstate highways because they thought it would help more people and businesses [2]. The government paid for most of the highways with gas taxes and highway fees [2].

How fast is each one?

Cars on interstates go about 65-70 mph, but high-speed trains go faster than 200 mph—that's almost three times faster [1]! It's like comparing a regular bike to a rocket bike [1].

Could we have done trains instead?

Some people wonder if America would be better off today with high-speed rail networks like China and Japan have [4]. The challenge is that trains need to go between city centers, not along highways that bypass cities [5].