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High Speed Passenger Rail: Effectively Using Recovery Act Funds for High Speed Rail Projects

GAO-09-786T Published: Jun 23, 2009. Publicly Released: Jun 23, 2009.
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Highlights

This testimony discusses the implementation of high speed intercity passenger rail projects in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act). The $8 billion provided by the Recovery Act for high speed and other intercity passenger rail projects has focused more attention on and generated a great deal of anticipation about the possibility of developing high speed rail systems in the United States. These projects are seen by some as serving an important transportation role, by moving people quickly and safely, reducing highway and airport congestion, and being environmentally friendly. This testimony focuses on (1) the factors identified that affect the economic viability of high speed rail projects and (2) how the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) recent strategic plan incorporates those factors.

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Commuter railCommuter transportationComparative analysisCost analysisEconomic analysisFederal aid for transportationFederal aid to railroadsFederal fundsFunds managementGround transportationPassenger trainsProgram evaluationRail (Railroads)Transportation costsTransportation planningTransportation researchProgram costsProgram goals or objectivesProgram implementation