In a lot of other countries with more rural and wild locations it was far cheaper to have steps up in to the train than to build raised platforms for every stop. Then when high speed trains came along being mostly new infrastructure allowed taller trains so they had higher platforms to access them.
Why American trains are so slow?
Tracks: None of the nation's rail lines are built for trains to run 200 mph. Amtrak's Northeast Corridor — the busiest intercity U.S. passenger route by a wide margin — is filled with sharp curves, bottlenecks, decaying tunnels, bridges and overhead power lines that slow down trains.
Why do American trains look different?
Train DesignDue to their opposing priorities, American and European trains are designed quite differently. American trains are typically longer and wider to accommodate more freight, while European trains are shorter and narrower to allow for more nimble movements and quicker acceleration.
Why are European train platforms so low?
To reduce construction costs, the platforms at stations on many railway systems are of low height, making it necessary for passenger cars to be equipped with external steps or internal stairs allowing passengers access to and from car floor levels.
Why are American train platforms so low?
What train station has the most platforms in the world?
Grand Central TerminalThe world's station with most platforms is Grand Central Terminal in New York City with 44 platforms.
Are trains good in USA?
The USA has an excellent rail network for visitors, and although only a skeleton network by European standards it'll take you to almost all the towns & cities a visitor wants to see, in comfort at affordable prices. It'll take you to many of the U.S. national parks, too.
What is the fastest train line in the US?
AcelaAmtrak's Acela, which reaches 150 mph (240 km/h) over 49.9 mi (80.3 km) of track and Brightline, which runs at 125 mph (201 km/h) in a dedicated ROW between Orlando and Cocoa, are the US's only high-speed rail services.
Why doesn t america have fast trains like Europe?
The US is huge with a low population density. Other than commuter trains near major metropolitan areas, passenger rail is only feasible with high government subsidies. A new high-speed rail system would cost a fortune and benefit very few people.
Why do American locomotives have Cowcatchers?
A cowcatcher, also known as a pilot, is the device mounted at the front of a locomotive to deflect obstacles on the track that might otherwise damage or derail it or the train.