The Yomiuri Shimbun- Japan News - Japanese firms are desperately trying to stage a comeback in the competition for overseas high-speed rail projects, which are seen as a pillar of the government’s plan to increase infrastructure exports. After losing out to rival China in Indonesia, domestic railway companies are ramping up efforts to win bids in the United States and Singapore. The true value of Japanese firms’ technological and sales abilities is being questioned.

Well nobody tells the tragic story of VIA Rail quite like Rick Mercer. Japan announces 500kph trains so Rick does another spoof on VIA Rail.

The environmental impact assessment has begun for the private company Texas Central Railway that intends to build the new high speed rail line in Texas based on Tokaido Shinkansen Technology. Public hearings are underway. Robert Eckels is the president of the TCR. A new website for the environmental impact process is up and running. Recently possible routes have been released for the line that is proposed to start operation in 2021. Here is a LINK to the photo proposed routes. Positive stuff for sure, but can any high speed rail line be built and operated without public funding...only time will tell.