After the end of World War 2, American passenger railroads declined when they were unable to compete profitably with automobile and airline transport. In 1971, the federal government nationalized passenger service, and eliminated over half of existing passenger lines. Meanwhile, during this same period, many foreign countries were developing and building new high speed train lines: Japan, in 1964; France, in 1981; followed by other Asian, European, and Scandinavian countries. MORE about Effects of Foreign Participation on U.S. High Speed Rail Projects
