American passenger trains run slower than they did before World War Two

American passenger trains are slower today than they were before World War II, and experts say the reasons go back to a decision made in 1970. That year, private railroad companies were released from their obligation to run passenger services. They chose instead to focus on moving freight, which proved very profitable.

Most railway tracks in the United States are owned by freight companies. These companies are not required to give passenger trains priority, so delays are common. Fewer than half of Amtrak trains arrive on time, with average delays of around 49 minutes, according to a 2019 study.

The infrastructure itself was built around freight needs, with outdated signalling and few places for trains to pass each other. A journey from Chicago to New York takes over 20 hours, covering 959 miles.