The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials has released a report, "Achieving the Vision: Intercity Passenger Rail" to guide investment of the $8 billion Recovery Act and future funding on passenger and freight rail.
"The board recommendations call for a national rail policy to cover both passenger and freight rail and supports the creation of an intercity passenger rail account, funded at $35 billion over six years from a diversified portfolio of new revenue sources."
Report:
"A National Rail Policy should address a national intercity passenger rail system which includes:
* High-Speed Rail Corridors (110 mph and above)-Corridors under 500 miles with travel demand, population density and congestion on competing modes warrant high-speed rail service.
* Regional Corridors (79–110 mph)-Corridors under 500 miles, with frequent, reliable service competing successfully with auto and air travel.
* Long-Distance Service-Corridors greater than 500 miles in order to provide basic connectivity and a balanced national transportation system.
Giving the nation the intercity passenger rail service it needs will require a strong and continuous collaboration between the federal government, the states, the freight railroads, Amtrak, and all of the interested parties who support this objective."
Thanks to TRB Transportation Research E-Newsletter
FULL STORY: Achieving the Vision: Intercity Passenger Rail
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