2000 - Amtrak introduces the Acela Express on the Northeast Corridor in the United States.
2001 August - Northeast China first electrified railway opens for business between Shenyang and Harbin
2007 - High speed trains travelling at 350 km/h (217 mph) are introduced in Spain.
2007 - Heavily modified trainset of France's TGV had beaten its original world record when it travelled from Metz- Reims at a speed of 574.8 kilometres per hour (357.2 mph).
2008 - Irelands first Intercity DMU enters service excluding the 29000 class running on the Sligo line.
2010 - Shanghai Metro overtakes London Underground as the world's largest urban transit system (now serving: 420 km (260 mi) with 278 stations (235 not including stations served more than once)
