Book Description

This assessment by Amtrak presents an initial look at how Next-Generation High-Speed Rail service could be successfully developed in the Northeast with sustained maximum speeds of 220 mph (354 kph), three-hour trip times between Washington and Boston, and an increase in the number of train frequencies to get passengers where they need to be, when they need to be there fast, safely and efficiently. It is a vision of a realistic and attainable future that can revolutionize transportation, travel patterns and economic development in the Northeast. As America's intercity passenger rail service provider and only high-speed rail operator, Amtrak has a vital, leading and necessary role to play in expanding and operating high-speed rail service across the country. In this role, it is incumbent upon Amtrak to put forward a vision for a next-generation, financially viable network along the Northeast Corridor (NEC). It would provide tremendous mobility benefits to the traveling public and support the growth and competitive position of the region by investing in a vital transportation necessity whose time has come. Just as leading countries throughout Europe and Asia are expanding existing High-Speed Rail networks and developing new systems, Next-Gen High-Speed Rail must play a role in the future of major travel corridors across the U.S. The NEC has the population and economic densities and growing demand for passenger rail service that makes it a perfect market for this type of premium rail service. More detailed work will clearly be required, and the high-speed rail system and services envisioned in this report will evolve and be refined as a result of future studies. Nonetheless, the results show that the concept must be part of the national discussion on how true high-speed rail is advanced in America.