I think the next few years will be critical for rail/HSR investment in this country, because 1) the Brightline Orlando extension will come to be seen as successful, or not, 2) Brightline West will either succeed, or if it encounters significant cost overruns and/or delays will just become, to HSR detractors, Exhibit B after CA HSR of the futility of HSR in the US, and 3) Trump has enormous influence over the Republican Party - if he comes out in support of HSR then the republican party largely will too, but if he does not support it or is indifferent, HSR will remain something inefficiently and slowly developed - in fits and starts depending which party is in control.
I think the next few years will be critical for rail/HSR investment in this country, because 1) the Brightline Orlando extension will come to be seen as successful, or not, 2) Brightline West will either succeed, or if it encounters significant cost overruns and/or delays will just become, to HSR detractors, Exhibit B after CA HSR of the futility of HSR in the US, and 3) Trump has enormous influence over the Republican Party - if he comes out in support of HSR then the republican party largely will too, but if he does not support it or is indifferent, HSR will remain something inefficiently and slowly developed - in fits and starts depending which party is in control.
Excellent article, Ben!