Date of Award

Spring 2025

Thesis Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Honors Bachelor of Arts

Department

Political Science

Sponsor

Dr. Phillip Kozel

Committee Member

Dr. Anca Voicu

Committee Member

Dr. Marc Fetscherin

Abstract

This thesis seeks to determine the major factors hindering the development of high-speed rail (HSR) in the Northeast Corridor of the United States. After conducting a PESTL analysis to determine the political, economic, social, technological, and legal roadblocks to HSR, the author discovered a myriad of inefficiencies and areas of concern. These included partisan gridlock, inadequate funding for Amtrak, American exceptionalism, outdated infrastructure, nonenforcement of laws regarding the preference of passenger rail over freight rail on shared railways, and, perhaps most critically, a lack of a unified and comprehensive vision for HSR. After analyzing these factors, the author proposed two diverging paths forward – make adjustments to the current Acela higher-speed trains or introduce a new, technologically advanced Maglev system. The former is more immediately feasible in an era of hesitancy toward major public investment and would include some minor changes like enforcing pre-existing laws. The latter would allow the US to create HSR that leads the world and allows them to capitalize on its benefits to the greatest extent possible. The author argues that creating the Maglev is the optimal approach under the proper conditions and with a strong enough coalition. While this study provides clarity on the current issues pertaining to HSR and elucidates two paths forward, further research must be done on the creation of a Maglev in the Northeast Corridor to determine how to most effectively facilitate that project.

Rights Holder

Evan Link

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