Research Project Description

Comparative Study of the Development of High Speed Rail Projects in the United States

Project Number: 2905

Project Objective:

Review the literature and document proposals for High Speed Rail projects in the United States. Assess factors that have worked for and against development of High Speed Rail projects in the US using three case studies.

Principal Investigators:

Senanu Ashiabor, Ph.D., Associate Transportation Researcher, Dowling Associates Inc.

Co-Principal Investigator:

Wenbin Wei, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, San Jose State University

Project Abstract:

Several States in the US have proposed High-speed rail (HSR) projects in the past. Feasibility studies have been conducted to analyze and assess these projects. Europe and Asia have implemented several HSR projects while all the proposals in the US have so far been stuck in the planning phase. The fact that none of the HSR projects have been built implies the No-Build Alternative was tacitly selected.

Several arguments have been advanced for and against HSR projects in the US. The California High Speed Rail Authority has advocated for the development of HSR in California based on faster travel times (220 mph speeds), benefits of HSR compared to constructing more freeway lanes and airport runways, increased mobility, reduction in air pollution and relieving traffic congestion. They argue the system will boost productivity by moving people and goods quicker and cheaper and reduce number of traffic accidents on our roads and highways. A recently released GAO report is concludes that –High speed rail does not offer a quick or simple solution to relieving congestion on our nation´s highways and airways. High speed rail projects are costly, risky, take years to develop and build, and require substantial up-front public investment as well as potentially long-term operating subsidies. Yet the potential benefits of high speed rail both to riders and non-riders are many (GAO Report March 2009).

Given the strong arguments on both sides of the debate, there is the need to investigate the actual factors that have prevented the implementation of High Speed Rail projects in the United States. Specifically this project will focus on the factors used to advance the development of High Speed Rail projects in the US by reviewing the history and documentation of three State High Speed Rail projects in California, Texas and Florida.

Task Description:

Task 1: Literature Review of High Speed Rail Projects in Europe and Asia

Conduct an extensive literature review of past HSR projects in the Europe and Asia. The review will be conducted using online search engines and the University Libraries at San Jose State and UC Berkeley.

Task 2: Literature Review of Proposed High Speed Rail Projects in the United States

Conduct an extensive literature review of proposed HSR projects the United States. The review will be conducted using online search engines and the University Libraries at San Jose State and UC Berkeley.

Task 3: Development of Three Case Studies of HSR projects in the United States

Based on the Task 2 literature review select three State HSR initiatives for case studies (two potential successful cases and one unsuccessful initiative). Information will be collected from the University Libraries, the HSR project websites, and contacting the respective State HSR Authorities.

Task 4: Develop Comparative Profiles of HSR Development factors from Case Studies

Assess similarities and differences of each proposal and develop guidelines for Best Practices in the future.

Task 5: Produce Final Report

A final report summarizing the results of the literature review and case studies will be submitted to MTI for review.

Technology Transfer:

At least one paper will be prepared and submitted to a referred conference or journal such as Transportation Research Record, Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice.

The proposed title for the paper is: A Comparative Analysis for the Case for High Speed Rail Projects in the United States.

Paper will provide a review of the selected case studies with documentation and assessment of the costs and benefits for each HSR project. The paper will then assess the challenges and policy obstacles faced in implementing the project and recommend best practice guidelines.

Potential Benefits of Research:

There exists considerable debate in both the professional and academic circles of the actual benefits and viability of High Speed Rail projects. This study will contribute to knowledge and information in the area in two specific ways:

•  The comparative assessment of different HSR projects in different States with differing needs, will create a useful matrix of assessment of differing projects to assist in evaluation of future proposals

•  Comparing the viability of HSR projects as done in the study by Levinson et.al. will provide a more complete picture of the benefit of HSR, than is currently done

Finally, the study itself is timely given the current thrust of the Federal Government´s initiative to invest more tax payer dollars to support States in developing and implementing their existing HSR projects.

Project Funding: $48,962.00