High-speed rail is generally regarded as the pinnacle of attractive and green transportation. But all too often, it makes train travel more expensive and less flexible. In the end, costly high-speed lines may just push more people into cars.

A major drawback to high-speed trains is the immense capital investment and infrastructure rigidty they require. Unlike airplanes, which use existing air space, or buses that use existing roads, high-speed rail (HSR) requires the construction of thousands of miles of dedicated, perfectly straight, and level tracks to maintain safety at high velocities. This leads to extremely high construction costs, often running into the tens of billions of dollars, and complex land acquisition issues that can displace communities. Furthermore, HSR often lacks the flexibility of traditional rail; because the trains make fewer stops to maintain speed, they may bypass smaller towns, and the high operating costs often result in expensive ticket prices that push budget-conscious travelers toward cars or buses. Additionally, the introduction of high-speed lines sometimes leads to the cancellation of slower, more affordable local services, reducing overall transit choices for the general public.