Happening Now
Archive -- CoMotion Live: The Future of High-Speed Rail in the US
Date
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 1:00 PM Wednesday, February 22, 2023 2:00 PM
Location
Webinar
The U.S. passenger rail system leaves a lot to be desired, and lags far behind other networks such as those in Europe or Japan. For many of us in the broad CoMotion community, nothing seems more critical than establishing high-speed and long distance rail to lessen carbon emissions, reduce traffic congestion, and generally improve intercity travel. Perhaps it is not such a distant dream after all: there are now points of light across the American rail landscape. For instance, the Federal Rail Administration is currently evaluating the restoration of daily long-distance intercity rail passenger service and the potential for new Amtrak long-distance routes. Brightline - the only privately-owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the U.S. is currently operating between Miami and West Palm beach, with imminent plans to reach Tampa. Additionally, the U.S. High Speed Rail Association released a plan which promises to “spark the second great railroad revolution” -- as President Joe Biden had promised at the beginning of his presidency -- with a major investment and focus on high-speed rail across America, focusing on 5 high-priority projects. When will these plans actually take shape? Is this really a non-partisan issue?
REGISTER HERE
Speakers:
- Melissa Figueroa, Chief of Strategic Communications, California High-Speed Rail Authority
- Jim Mathews, President and CEO, National Association of Railroad Passengers
- Ben Porritt, SVP Corporate Affairs, Brightline
- Roger Harris, President, Amtrak
- Dan Zukowski, Transportation Reporter, Smart Cities Dive (moderator)
"When [NARP] comes to Washington, you help embolden us in our efforts to continue the progress for passenger rail. And not just on the Northeast Corridor. All over America! High-speed rail, passenger rail is coming to America, thanks to a lot of your efforts! We’re partners in this. ... You are the ones that are going to make this happen. Do not be dissuaded by the naysayers. There are thousands of people all over America who are for passenger rail and you represent the best of what America is about!"
Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Department of Transportation
2012 NARP Spring Council Meeting