A Transportation Vision

This article presents an overview of high-speed rail in the United States. The Obama Administration has expressed its commitment to high-speed rail by dedicating $8 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to high-speed rail projects in 31 states. Pro-rail advocates look to other nations as proof that high-speed rail can work, while also citing the rising costs of oil, growing levels of congestion and environmental concerns in promoting the long-term benefit of high-speed rail. However, high-speed rail faces some criticism. Opponents worry that most of the country lacks the population density to support high-speed rail and that Americans, unaccustomed to rail travel, will not switch travel modes. Financing the significant capital and operating costs of high-speed rail is also problematic, especially in the current economic downturn. Although public-private partnerships will be essential in funding high-speed rail, much of the initial capital expenditure will have to be covered through the use of public funds. Two states rejected ARRA funds for high-speed corridor development because they felt that their state would have to make up any capital or operating shortfalls from their local tax base. Building the infrastructure also will require careful planning. Unlike most passenger rail or freight rail corridors, high-speed rail systems must have a fully restricted right-of-way. This often entails a larger number of tunnels or structures than a typical rail corridor since there can be no at-grade road crossings. High-speed trains must travel in a relatively straight line in order to achieve high operating speeds and they must be able to carry a high volume of passengers from one largely populated area to the next with minimal stops. Commitment from all stakeholders (federal, state and grassroots) will be essential to the success of high-speed rail. Once the first few high-speed rail projects are developed, it is hoped that much of the criticism will be replaced by support.