Obama unveils high-speed rail plans

President Barack Obama today outlined his multibillion-dollar plan to overhaul the US’s rail infrastructure.

As part of the proposals, the administration will use the model of Europe and Japan to introduce a network of high-speed trains across the States.

According to the White House, the push will “transform” the way that people get around while creating jobs at the same time.

The plan capitalises on money made available through the President’s massive economic stimulus package. An initial $8bn (€6bn) outlay will be boosted by an additional $1bn a year (€750m).

It will be used to build high-speed rail routes across the States, using France’s TGV and Japan’s rail network as a potential model.

Corridors of up to 600 miles are being looked at as potential sites for the new lines.

Money will also be pumped into improving existing lines, it was announced.

Outlining the plan, Mr Obama said the proposal would “change the way” people in the US travel as well as delivering energy-efficient transportation.

He added: “A major new high-speed rail line will generate many thousands of construction jobs over several years, as well as permanent jobs for rail employees and increased economic activity in the destinations these trains serve.

“High-speed rail is long overdue, and this plan lets American travellers know that they are not doomed to a future of long lines at the airports or jammed cars on the highways.”