Ready for High-Speed Rail

On Jan. 28, environmentalists, elected officials, infrastructure experts and rail aficionados alike were excited to hear President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden announce $8 billion in stimulus-related grants for high-speed and passenger rail projects across America.

High-speed rail offers America many benefits, including greater mobility, convenience and energy savings. Such a rail system will generate new jobs at a time when we desparately need them. It's the missing link in our nation's multimodal transportation network.

This first round of funding is only the beginning. It will require a long-term commitment at both the federal and state levels for such a network to become a reality. To ensure the future viability of our transportation network and economy, we must boldly forge ahead to an exciting new chapter in our transportation history.

Thoughts on moving forward from HNTB

America must take the long view in developing and funding a national vision, one as powerful as the Interstate Highway System more than 50 years ago.

Basic passenger rail improvements are as necessary as bullet trains in a comprehensive national rail plan. Increasing the frequency and dependability of U.S. long-distance passenger rail and local transit services will build public confidence, ridership and support.

The next surface transportation authorization bill is crucial to the success of the initial investment. It should include the rail equivalent of our Interstate Highway System; a strong, multiyear federal program for high-speed intercity passenger rail with a dedicated funding source.

After decades of relatively modest investment in passenger rail, now is the time to rectify funding imbalances to secure the long-term health of our transportation system. Doing so will improve America's economy as well as its mobility.

Key questions to be answered

• How will new and improved rail corridors drive real estate development and other economic activity along them?
• Why is it important to couple HSR investments with additional public transit options?
• What can be done to counter critics who say America doesn't have the density to support high-speed rail?
• Is it possible to define the true costs and benefits of investing in rail infrastructure versus other transportation modes?
• Where does it make sense to make incremental improvements versus an immediate move to HSR? (Travel time versus speed)
• What can be done to ensure safety on our railways as passenger traffic rises?
• Who has the expertise to get high-speed rail done right in America?

HNTB is working with states and transportation authorities across the country, including California, the Midwest, the Northeast and Florida to effectively leverage ARRA funding and determine next steps.