The world's first public railway was the Stockton to Darlington line in England, which opened in 1825. It was just eight miles long when it opened to transport both passengers and freight. Developed at the height of the Industrial Revolution, the railway went on to become a crucial worldwide mode of transportation, not only revolutionizing industry but also travel and trade.
Many classic locomotives from that period survive today , but as technology has advanced, railways have expanded across continents, connecting cities and countries. They played a vital role in economic growth, facilitating trade, and shaping urban development. This led to a vast global network of railway lines that were transporting heavy goods, fuel, and travelers far and wide.
However, the rise of automobiles and airplanes in the 20th century meant passenger numbers declined and rail lines were abandoned. Efforts were made to modernize rail infrastructure through the introduction of faster trains. Today, bullet trains in Japan and China are setting world speed records while transporting passengers across considerable distances in times that rival, and in some cases even exceed air travel after you factor in airport procedures.
There's even talk of hydrogen trains becoming the green future of rail travel. In contrast, other trains have become luxurious tourist attractions and have managed to stay in operation thanks to the dollars that travelers are willing to spend to traverse such iconic and expansive .