HIGH-SPEED TRAINS

The American Answer

Yes, America has a high-speed train. At least, in theory. Amtrak's Acela Express, which runs along the Northeastern Corridor from Boston to Washington, DC, uses Alstom TGV-engine technology in a train provided by Canadian maker Bombardier. But due to track limitations, it rarely gets to approach anything like TGV speeds. Much of the track predates high-speed travel and, although the Acela is equipped with tilting technology, the rail authorities of Connecticut and New York State don't allow its use. As a result, for a grand total of 18 miles out of 450, the train maxes out at 150 mph (241 km/hr). Apart from that, the Acela doesn't qualify as a high-speed train, with an average speed of only 68 mph (109 km/hr). Still, since its introduction in 2000, the Acela has cut travel times from Boston to New York from four-and-a-half hours to just three — but at a big premium in ticket prices.