Compared to Europe, the US is third world when it comes to trains.

Don’t get me wrong, love me those epic three-day dreamscape Amtrak runs across the continent.

But there’s not heaps of fast, friendly, and efficient going on. From USA Today:

“Other than Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, the United States has nothing that comes even close to what's considered high-speed rail in Europe, Japan and China. But it may be moving closer to what other countries have been doing for decades.

"When people see what it’s all about," said Andy Kunz, president of the U.S. High Speed Rail Association, "you’ll see people clamoring for this."

Baby steps:

“Virgin Trains USA is currently building a 170-mile extension of its Brightline train from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Orlando International Airport. It is scheduled to open in 2022, with trains that can travel up to 125 mph.”

Fast-ish.

“Across the country, Virgin Trains is moving closer to building the XpressWest train from southern California to Las Vegas.

“The trains are scheduled to begin running in 2023 and will operate at 200 mph, making the 170-mile trip from Victorville, California, to Las Vegas in 85 minutes. The trip takes about three hours by car under ideal traffic conditions. The train trip will cost $60 each way, Porritt said.”

I think I’m speaking for most people when I say, “Where the fuck is Victorville”?

Turns out it’s across the mountains behind LA.

Here are the transport connections from Beverly Hills to Victorville:

Thanks, no thanks.

How many people will drive from LA to Victorville, dump their car, and then train to Las Vegas?

I guess we’ll find out in a few years.