High-Speed Ground Transportation: Issues Affecting Development in the United States
RCED-94-29
Published: Nov 17, 1993. Publicly Released: Nov 17, 1993.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed issues concerning the development of high-speed ground transportation (HSGT) technology, focusing on: (1) the types of HSGT technology being developed in the United States; (2) how HSGT is financed; and (3) the social benefits expected from HSGT technology.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Transportation | In addition to following through on the high-speed nonelectric locomotive and research on low-cost grade crossing systems, the Secretary of Transportation should focus available federal funds on a limited number of projects to ensure that combined federal, state, and private funding is sufficient to move these projects to completion. |
Closed – Not Implemented
At the time of the recommendation, Congress was considering bills that would authorize about $1 billion to assist states in building high-speed rail systems. The bills were never enacted and no funds were appropriated. New bills have been introduced, but provide no funds for construction of high-speed rail systems. Hence, in spite of the agency concurring with the recommendation, there are no funds to focus.
|
| Department of Transportation | In addition to following through on the high-speed nonelectric locomotive and research on low-cost grade crossing systems, the Secretary of Transportation should ensure that Federal Railroad Administration has the expertise to evaluate corridor development proposals to select those that could provide the most benefits. |
Closed – Not Implemented
No current bills authorize federal selection and funding of high-speed rail systems. Therefore, there will be no corridor proposals to evaluate.
|
Full Report
Office of Public Affairs
Topics
Cost effectiveness analysisCost sharing (finance)Federal aid for transportationInvestmentsRailroad engineeringRailroad industryRailroad researchRailroad safetyRailroad transportation operationsRegional planningRailroad bridgesRailroad grade crossingsMagnetic levitation trains