President Biden Announces High-Speed Rail Investment... Construction of Western Route

Full Effort Ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

U.S. President Joe Biden announced plans to invest the largest-ever amount in the railroad sector ahead of next year's presidential election.

On the 8th (local time), President Biden visited Las Vegas, Nevada, and explained the 'infrastructure investment plan to reach world-class standards,' unveiling a $3.2 billion high-speed rail investment plan connecting Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Biden said, "Railroads made America the strongest economy in history, but now we are falling behind," adding, "China's rail runs at 220 miles per hour." He also explained, "For the best economy, the best infrastructure must support it," and "We will make it happen."

Showing confidence in the revival of American manufacturing, President Biden stated, "I told Xi Jinping that betting against the United States is not a good choice." He also took a jab at former President Donald Trump, who will be his rival in next year's re-election race, saying, "Trump only talked, but we are taking action."

A total of $8.2 billion is expected to be invested in railroad construction in the western region ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This is the largest railroad network investment since the establishment of Amtrak in 1971. Through this investment, a total of 10 lines will be built.

The Las Vegas-Los Angeles line will operate at a speed of 220 miles per hour, allowing the route to be covered in just 2 hours, half the time of driving by car. The capacity is up to 11 million people. The U.S. plans to extend the lines to the eastern region, including Washington DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maine, and Massachusetts.

Meanwhile, in his speech, President Biden expressed condolences for the shooting incident at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and urged the federal Congress to pass legislation. He said, "There have been more than 600 mass shooting incidents this year alone," adding, "This situation must not become normal," and "Congress must take action and regulate assault weapons."