For decades, the United States has lagged behind Europe and Asia in the race to build high-speed rail networks. Now, Giuseppe Marino, CEO of Hitachi Rail Group, is aiming to change that. Backed by the company’s global expertise in high-speed transportation, Marino is betting big on America’s long-discussed but slow-moving ambitions to modernize its rail infrastructure.
A Vision for American High-Speed Rail
Hitachi Rail, a subsidiary of the Japanese industrial conglomerate Hitachi, has established itself as a leader in cutting-edge transportation projects worldwide—from the Shinkansen bullet trains in Japan to modernized commuter systems across the U.K. and Italy.
Marino believes the U.S., despite its car culture and sprawling geography, is ripe for transformation. “The appetite for high-speed rail is here,” he recently stated. “What’s missing is the right mix of technology, policy support, and investment to make it happen.”
Why the U.S. Market Is So Challenging
Unlike Europe and Asia, where dense populations and government-driven infrastructure projects created fertile ground for high-speed rail, the U.S. faces unique hurdles:
- Fragmented political will – Projects often stall amid federal, state, and local disagreements.
- High costs – Land acquisition and construction costs in the U.S. are among the highest in the world.
- Car-centric culture – Americans have historically prioritized roadways and aviation over rail.
Despite these challenges, Hitachi Rail sees opportunity in America’s growing focus on sustainability, climate goals, and the need to modernize outdated transportation systems.
Hitachi’s Current U.S. Footprint
Hitachi Rail already plays a significant role in the U.S. transportation landscape. The company has supplied trains for systems in Miami, Baltimore, and Honolulu, as well as signaling technology for major commuter networks. The new push, however, centers on true high-speed rail—systems capable of traveling at 200 mph or more, connecting major cities with unprecedented efficiency.
Projects like California’s high-speed rail line and the Brightline expansion in Florida and the West Coast have already drawn international attention. Hitachi is positioning itself as a key partner for these and future initiatives.
A Potential Economic Game-Changer
If successful, high-speed rail could transform the American economy. Faster, greener travel between metropolitan hubs would reduce carbon emissions, ease air travel congestion, and create new business corridors.
Analysts estimate that fully developed high-speed rail lines between cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco or New York and Washington, D.C. could generate billions in economic activity, while also creating tens of thousands of construction and engineering jobs.
The Biden Administration’s Support
The Biden administration has pledged significant funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, earmarking billions for rail improvements. While much of the money is aimed at upgrading Amtrak and freight networks, Marino argues that this is the first real opening for high-speed projects on U.S. soil.
“The technology is proven, the demand is rising, and now the government is willing to invest,” he noted. “This is the moment to bring high-speed rail to America.”
Global Experience, Local Challenges
Hitachi Rail has the advantage of global know-how. The company’s trains in Japan and Europe are benchmarks for safety, efficiency, and speed. But replicating that success in the U.S. requires tailoring designs to local conditions, including longer distances, extreme weather, and unique regulatory frameworks.
Marino has stressed the importance of partnerships with U.S. companies, state governments, and local communitiesto overcome these barriers. “This is not about copying Japan or Italy,” he explained. “It’s about designing a system that works for America.”
Looking Ahead
While critics argue that high-speed rail in the U.S. remains a political dream, Marino is confident that the tide is turning. With climate change pressures, urbanization, and public frustration over flight delays and highway congestion, momentum is building.
“The U.S. once led the world in bold infrastructure,” he said. “It’s time to reclaim that legacy through high-speed rail.”
The Bottom Line
Giuseppe Marino’s push to bring Hitachi Rail’s expertise to America could mark a turning point in the nation’s transportation history. Whether the U.S. is finally ready to embrace high-speed rail on a large scale remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the competition to modernize America’s transit future is accelerating—and Hitachi wants to be at the front of the line.
