High Speed Rail Another Look

Abstract

This paper takes another look at high-speed rail in the United States. Faster rail service will become more important as the nation's population grows, traffic congestion increases, and air space becomes more overcrowded. National interest in faster intercity rail service is growing, especially in corridors up to 400 miles. The paper explores various options for faster rail services that range from full-fledge high speed rail (HSR) with top speeds up to 200 mph to more modest speeds (HrSr) with incremental improvements to existing lines with top speeds up to 110 to 125 mph. It contains a level of service concept that is consistent with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) track classes. Key factors that are essential for HSR and HrSr are discussed. They include markets, physical environments, costs, and public policy. The more promising projects have these factors mutually reinforcing each other. They have major anchors at both ends of a line, good intermediate markets, and suitable rights-of-way. Within this context, the paper identifies promising corridors. They include the HSR and HrSr corridors under development in California, the Northeast Corridor, and possible corridors in the Midwest, Florida, Texas and the Pacific Northwest.