With the promise that he will scrutinise how every dollar is spent as the US bids to stage an economic recovery, President Barack Obama has released a strategic vision for a high-speed passenger rail system in the US.
The plan, which identifies $8billion provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as well as $1billion for five years requested in the federal budget, will begin in late summer when the Federal Railroad Administration begins awarding the first round of grants.
It is noted that rail is among the cleanest and most energy efficient passenger transportation modes and a network using new diesel or electric power can further enhance its advantages.
The near-term strategy will see the introduction of advanced new express high-speed corridor services with speeds above 150mph. It will also involve developing emerging and regional high-speed corridor services and upgrading reliability and service on conventional intercity rail services.
There are two types of projects for funding: one to create new corridors for world class high speed rail; and the other to make train service along existing rail lines faster.
The ten corridors outlined for potential funding are:
- - California Corridor (Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego)
- - Chicago Hub Network( Chicago, Milwaukee, Twin Cities, St. Louis, Kansas City, Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Louisville)
- - Empire Corridor (New York City, Albany, Buffalo)
- - Florida Corridor (Orlando, Tampa, Miami)
- - Gulf Coast Corridor (Houston, New Orleans, Mobile, Birmingham, Atlanta)
- - Keystone Corridor (Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh)
- - Northern New England Corridor (Boston, Montreal, Portland, Springfield, New Haven, Albany)
- - Pacific Northwest Corridor (Eugene, Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, Vancouver BC)
- - South Central Corridor (Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Little Rock)
- - Southeast Corridor (Washington, Richmond, Raleigh, Charlotte, Atlanta, Macon, Columbia, Savannah, Jacksonville)
There will also be opportunities for the Northeast Corridor (Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Newark, New York City, New Haven, Providence, Boston) to compete for funds for improvements.
