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 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.
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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.
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Allison L. C. de Cerreño is Co-Director of the Rudin
Center for Transportation Policy and Management at the New York University Robert F. Wagner
School of Public Service. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Graduate
School and University Center of the City University of New York. She also serves as
Executive Director of the National Association of City Transportation Officials
(NACTO).
Prior to joining the Rudin Center, Dr. C. de Cerreño was Director of Science &
Technology Policy at the New York Academy of Sciences (1998-2002). Prior to that, she was Associate
Director (1996-1998) of Studies and Research Associate for Latin America (1991-1996) at the
Council on Foreign Relations.
