Why high-speed rail conquered the world everywhere except the U.S.

President-elect Trump's stance on high-speed rail is uncertain, with limited data points to assess his support. However, his recent conversation with Elon Musk suggests he views the US's lack of high-speed rail as "sad" and an embarrassment. The global high-speed rail landscape has evolved significantly since Trump's last term, with seven countries inaugurating new networks and several more under construction. The US has fallen behind, with only a few limited high-speed rail offerings, including Amtrak's Acela service and Brightline's Florida service. America's lack of a national high-speed rail plan and consistent funding source have hindered the development of a more vibrant industry. Many countries building high-speed rail systems for the first time are partnering with experienced countries, making the technology more accessible. While high-speed rail development is not without challenges, mature networks have reaped significant benefits, including increased passenger growth and environmental benefits. The US may need to partner with experienced rail-building countries to get its high-speed rail industry up to speed. Historically, airlines have fought against high-speed rail, but some companies are now seeking to shed expensive and polluting short-haul routes. The US could learn from other countries' experiences and adapt their approaches to develop a successful high-speed rail network.