Rather than leave the planning of a coast-to-coast system in the hands of states, who may not have the resources or ability to plan and organize with other states, the federal government will be responsible for fully funding and planning such a system. It would link the East and West coast with passenger-only high speed rail (high speed as defined by trains with cruising speeds of 150 MPH). Cities such as Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and all major cities in between would be connected to one another via this system. In 40 years, all major metropolitan areas would be linked via high speed rail, allowing for a safe and affordable alternative to air travel and personal vehicle trips.
This upgrade is badly needed for a large nation such as ours.