Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

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

10:37 AM EDT on July 10, 2013

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

To Help Save the Planet, Take the ‘Week Without Driving’ Challenge

Former Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz is urging Americans to give up driving for seven days — and support policies to make it optional for everyone.

September 29, 2023

Labor Gains: NYC Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage

Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.

September 29, 2023

Friday’s Headlines Are Charged Up

Expect a lot fewer ordinary gas stations and a few more Buc-ee's in your area as the electric vehicle transition continues.

September 29, 2023

Commentary: Let’s Talk About the Real “Fatal Flaw” on Valencia

How many people have to die before professional advocates stop endorsing the Valencia Street "experiment" on people?

September 28, 2023

Talking Headways Podcast: Beyond Greenways

This week we’re joined by Bob Searns to talk about his new book and grand ideas for walking trails that circle whole regions and more local routes that make up a new mode of green infrastructure in cities.

September 28, 2023
See all posts