KEYNOTE ADDRESS: THE VISION FOR INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL IN THE UNITED STATES

The quick and dirty answer to the question, what is the vision for intercity rail passenger service in this nation, is that the vision is hazy. This is a period of historic change, when change is dramatic, complex and rapid. This is happening in many areas, including transportation. To manage this change is not easy, because there is not a national consensus on direction or goals. Today, a fully-integrated, intermodal transportation system that allows us to maximize our resources is a necessity if we are going to be a productive economy, capable of competing in the international trade arena. The authors of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) understood this and sought to establish a national transportation plan. There was also an understanding in ISTEA that we need a rail passenger service component of an integrated transportation system for many reasons, including congestion mitigation, environmental protection, energy efficiency, and mobility for those population sectors who, but for rail passenger service, would have their mobility diminished dramatically. In order to develop a vision for the future of rail passenger service, it is necessary to undertake an evaluation of the problems and shortcomings of the existing systems and the opportunities to overcome those shortcomings. Additionally, a determination as to the future demands and requirements of rail passenger systems must be undertaken. After such an analysis, it would be possible to establish some clear sets of goals for the future. Steps for realizing those goals could then be introduced and evaluated for their potential contributions, risks, and costs. Once implemented, the final aspect must be a system of metrics to ascertain the progress towards the goal and the vision.