Bringing World-Class High-Speed Rail to America: Special General Session, 12th Annual Transportation and Infrastructure Summit

The 12th Annual Transportation & Infrastructure Summit, held in Irving, Texas on August 11?14, 2009, provided more than 1,100 attendees from 30 states and 13 countries the opportunity to network and interact with elected representatives and influential transportation officials from the United States, and to learn about transportation systems on a global scale. 

The special session, "Bringing World-Class High-Speed Rail to America," featured representatives from three proposed regional high-speed rail projects currently planned for the United States. Majority Whip of the California State Assembly Fiona Ma shared information about California´s High-Speed Rail Initiative. Assemblywoman Ma talked about her experience on France´s record-breaking TGV train and her vision for bringing a similar system to California. Rick Harnish, executive director for the Midwest High-Speed Rail Association discussed how regional initiatives were working toward improving current Midwestern rail corridors and upgrading to high-speed levels to increase mobility. Robert Eckels, chair of the Texas High-Speed Rail and Transportation Corporation, shared his organization´s vision and details of Texas´ "T-Bone" high-speed rail project.