long time ago. European, Canadian, and Austrailian nations repeatedly are ranked among the tops in quality of life issues and and have been for some time. Those nation's infrastructure puts ours to shame. Japan recently tested a new highspeed magnetic levitation (maglev) train, which is designed to travel at 310 mph.
"...In a June 3 test, five train cars were pulled by a special maintenance vehicle, according to the Telegraph, proving they levitate above the track, as intended.
Japan has been operating high-speed bullet trains for nearly 60 years, which now travel at about 199 mph.
In the United States, transportation secretary Ray LaHood has called for a national high-speed rail system on which trains would travel at about 220 mph, but that remains a pipe dream for the time being. ..."
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/japan-tests-300-mph-maglev-train-2013-6#ixzz2Wrc5cZYK
http://www.businessinsider.com/japan-tests-300-mph-maglev-train-2013-6