Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

“Soviet-Style” Rail Is Actually a Model of Productivity

Representative John Mica really hates Amtrak. When he's editorializing against his favorite foe, as he did yesterday, he loves to bust out a zinger about how it's a "Soviet-style" operation.

But as Network blog Systemic Failure points out today, "Soviet" rail is actually a model of success:

If only Amtrak were as efficient as the Soviet railways! The Soviet Union is widely regarded as having one of the best railway systems in the world. The Moscow Metro is the most heavily used rapid-transit system outside Asia. And during the Soviet era, the post-war era saw a gigantic expansion of the national rail network.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the railway sector was privatized, and is now one of the biggest infrastructure companies in the world.

If congressional leaders have no familiarity with international examples of rail systems that work well, how will they ever improve the system in the United States?

Elsewhere on the Network today: Walkable Dallas Fort Worth takes a hard look at exactly how much Texas plans to spend battling congestion over the next few years. Bike Portland attempts to extract some lessons from the now-dead CRC highway megaproject. And Stop and Move says more cities need a pedestrian czar like Los Angeles.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday’s Headlines Back the Bikes

Setting aside the fact that bike lanes don't make traffic worse, resisting bikelash on busy roads is essential to creating a useable network.

April 18, 2025

Does Driver’s Ed Really Make Roads Safer? 

States like Georgia are taking a critical look at their drivers education programs — but some say the whole concept of driver's ed deserves scrutiny.

April 18, 2025

Friday Video: Ken Jennings Has a Web Series About Transit!

Jeopardy's host and most famous player is a big fan of the bus — and he's helping educate his fellow Washingtonians about why they should be, too.

April 18, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: The Pacific Circuit

Alexis Madrigal connects containerization to globalization and its direct impacts on one Oakland neighborhood.

April 17, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Wonder Why

Why are drivers killing so many pedestrians? Governing magazine has a number of familiar theories.

April 17, 2025
See all posts