Statements on U.S. House High-Speed Rail Hearing

For Immediate Release (21-08)

Contact: Sean Jeans-Gail (202) 320-2723; [email protected]

Passenger Groups Call on Congress to Support High-Speed Rail Projects

Washington, D.C. - Three of the nation’s largest passenger rail advocacy groups joined together to call on Congress to enact a passenger rail modernization program capable of supporting and funding the construction of key high-speed rail corridors in development across the U.S.

Even with little in the way of meaningful federal support for high-speed rail, several projects have continued to advance through a mix of private and state money—notably Texas Central’s Dallas - Houston corridor, Brightline’s Miami - Orlando corridor, and California’s statewide system. Other proposed high-speed rail services, like the Los Angeles - Las Vegas corridor, are in the early stages of development. Action taken by Congress to create a strong regulatory framework and a predictable and robust funding stream would ensure that these projects are a success.

The House Subcommittee on Rail is holding a hearing this morning on the opportunities and challenges facing high-speed rail in America. Andy Kunz, President & CEO of the US High Speed Rail Association, will testify before the committee on how the U.S. will benefit from this well-established transportation technology.

"We're excited to be participating in this Congressional hearing on high speed rail,” said Kunz. “America will benefit from high speed rail in so many ways—just as the rest of the world has. We look forward to working with Congress and the Biden Administration to accelerate the second great rail revolution!"

“High-speed rail will play a critical role in America’s passenger rail network. Texas Central, for instance, will not only provide a much-needed alternative to the congested Interstate-45 corridor—it will also close a key gap in the Amtrak network, and provide a solid foundation for the launch of additional service along other key corridors throughout the state,” said Jim Mathews, President & CEO of the Rail Passengers Association. “We appreciate the House T&I Subcommittee on Rail holding this important hearing, and we’re eager to work with Congress to create a rail program that is capable of delivering the right levels of train service to passengers all across America.”

“High-speed trains can redefine what freedom, opportunity and prosperity look like in a post-pandemic world.” said Rick Harnish, Executive Director of the High Speed Rail Alliance. “It’s time to bring this high-tech technology to the United States.”

For more information on the benefits of high-speed rail investment, see “Why high-speed rail is the future: A 10-point reality check for the Cato Institute.”

About High Speed Rail Alliance

The High Speed Rail Alliance is a national organization advocating for fast, frequent and affordable trains to build stronger families, communities and cities while reducing the environmental impacts of transportation.

About Rail Passengers Association

The Rail Passengers Association is the oldest and largest national organization serving as a voice for the more than 40 million rail passengers in the U.S. Our mission is to improve and expand conventional intercity and regional passenger train services, support higher speed rail initiatives, increase connectivity among all forms of transportation and ensure safety for our country's trains and passengers. All of this makes communities safer, more accessible and more productive, improving the lives of everyone who lives, works and plays in towns all across America.

About US High Speed Rail Association

The US High Speed Rail Association is the premier membership advocacy organization and trade association advancing fast rail in America. USHSR was founded in 2009 as an independent nonprofit organization with the mission to build widespread public, business, and political support for a major federal investment in America's national rail network.

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