PUBLICATION

MTI Report 05-01
HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECTS IN THE UNITED STATES: IDENTIFYING THE ELEMENTS FOR SUCCESS

The goal of this study is to identify lessons learned for successfully developing and implementing high-speed rail (HSR) in the United States. Few broad statements can be made about high-speed ground transportation (HSGT) in the United States, but two points are clear:

1. With the exception of the Northeast Corridor, there has been relatively little forward movement if one looks at the number of years spent on many of these projects. 2. The federal government has played and continues to play a minimal role in HSGT, generally restricting its efforts to funding pilot studies and technological research. Given the early stages of these projects, “success” cannot be based on implementation, but is defined in terms of whether a given HSR project is still actively pursuing development and/or funding.

ABSTRACT

For almost half a century, high-speed ground transportation (HSGT) has held the promise of fast, convenient, and environmentally sound travel for distances between 40 and 600 miles. While a number of HSGT systems have been developed and deployed in Asia and Europe, none has come close to being implemented in the United States. Yet this is not for lack of trying. There have been several efforts around the country, most of which have failed, some of which are still in the early stages, and a few of which might come to pass.

The goal of this study was to identify lessons learned for successfully developing and implementing high-speed rail (HSR) in the United States. Through a broad literature review, interviews, and three specific case studies—Florida, California, and the Pacific Northwest—this study articulates those lessons and presents themes for future consideration.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

TECHNICAL