Research Brief
Toward clean and efficient passenger rail: A comparison of key indicators and policy milestones in China and the United States
This study explores the development of passenger rail systems in China and the United States, including a comparison of data on ridership, infrastructure, energy consumption, and train speeds. The analysis reveals significant differences in operational efficiency, capacity, and electrification between the two countries’ rail systems. The report also highlights policy milestones that have steered efforts to build high-speed railways, resulting in the rapid growth and expansion of China’s network. The findings underscore China’s strategic planning, fast construction, and innovation in high-speed passenger rail services, positioning its system as a key component of a green and efficient transportation ecosystem.