Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways Podcast: High-Speed Rail Lessons from France and Germany

france_germany_hsr
In France, the high-speed rail system is designed to provide the fastest possible connections to a single city, Paris, while in Germany the rail network has more connections but slower trips. Graphic: Eric Eidlin
false
podcast icon logo
Meal delivery is one service of Project Roomkey. Photo: LAHSA

This week we’re joined by Eric Eidlin, a community planner and sustainability lead at the Federal Transit Administration. Over the last few years Eric has also been studying high-speed rail in Germany and France as a fellow with the German Marshall Fund. He recently published a report, "Making the Most of High-Speed Rail in California: Lessons from France and Germany."

Eric discusses the differences between the French and German systems and what we can learn from each. He delves into the importance of station location, land uses for station areas, integrating walking and biking with stations, and having a 50-year view of planning these projects. And of course, you won’t want to miss lessons for California’s planned system going forward.

As always, you can find us on iTunes or Stitcher if you want to subscribe directly.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Wednesday’s Headlines

ICE, CicLAvia sponsorship, UCLA to E Line, South Pasadena, Santa Monica, Pasadena, car-nage, and more

December 3, 2025

Support Streetsblog L.A. Today for a Better 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re asking for your support to keep independent, people-centered transportation journalism alive in Los Angeles.

December 2, 2025

Baldwin Park Update: Progress on Path and Park Projects

The new connection from Walnut Creek Nature Park to the greenway walk/bike path is just about finished, and the huge expansion on Barnes Park is trooping along

December 2, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines

ICE terror, masked ICE, rents, Koreatown traffic circle, housing, LAX, Culver City, South Pasadena, congestion, car-nage, and more

December 2, 2025

This Week In Livable Streets

Metro board meeting, L.A. City Council District 1 not-quite-debate, 105 Freeway widening, Measure M, and more

December 1, 2025

Metro Committee Approves $7M to Tee Up 91 Freeway Widening

Metro and Caltrans anticipate spending roughly $200M to add one more westbound lane for nearly four miles through the cities of Artesia and Cerritos

December 1, 2025
See all posts