Skip to main content

High Speed Passenger Rail: Developing Viable High Speed Rail Projects under the Recovery Act and Beyond

GAO-10-162T Published: Oct 14, 2009. Publicly Released: Oct 14, 2009.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

This testimony discusses funding for high speed and other intercity passenger rail projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act). The $8 billion that the Recovery Act provided for these projects has attracted great attention from states and others who look to develop or improve intercity passenger rail service across the country. Proponents see these projects as serving an important transportation role, by moving people quickly and safely, reducing highway and airport congestion, and being environmentally friendly. While we have found that the potential benefits of high speed and intercity passenger rail projects are many, these projects--both here and abroad--are costly, take years to develop and build, and require substantial up-front public investment as well as potentially long-term operating subsidies. This testimony focuses on (1) some principles that could guide the effective use of these Recovery Act funds, (2) some challenges that states face in establishing high speed and other intercity passenger rail service, and (3) the nature of our ongoing work on Recovery Act high speed rail projects. This testimony is based on our recent report and testimony on high speed rail and our ongoing work.

Full Report

GAO Contacts

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Commuter railCommuter transportationComparative analysisCost analysisEconomic analysisFederal aid for transportationFederal aid to railroadsFederal fundsFunds managementGround transportationPassenger trainsProgram evaluationRail (Railroads)Transportation costsTransportation planningTransportation researchProgram costsProgram goals or objectivesProgram implementation