Midwest High Speed Rail Association - Success Stories: North America

Northeast Corridor

Since the passage of the High Speed Ground Transportation Act act in 1965, the trackage stretching from Washington, DC through New York, NY to Boston, MA has received substantial federal investment.

Most recently, federal funds were used to upgrade the trackage from New York to Boston and to purchase new trainsets, called Acela Express. Since December 11, 2000, travelers along the eastern seaboard have enjoyed North America's fastest train with a peak speed of 150 mph.

This premium, limited stops service provides an attractive alternative to flying. The Regional group of trains is designed to attract drivers and hauls substantially more passengers. When this system is fully developed, riders will be able to choose between 20 daily departures between Boston and Washington, D.C.

Northeast Illinois

A dedicated source of funding, combined with a clear legislative directive, has supported Metra, the commuter operator for six counties in Northeast Illinois. Metra has been very successful in steadily building ridership and is valued as an essential component of the region. It uses a variety of service models that include both heavy freight mainlines and dedicated passenger tracks with little noticable difference to the customers. Many communities within a ninety-mile circle of Chicago are seeking ways to gain Metra service.

North Carolina

North Carolina has led the way towards safer grade crossings. Read more

California

As part of a large transportation initiative approved by the voters in 1990, California has invested heavily in additional track capacity, new stations, new trains and connecting bus services. Ridership has skyrocketed – without raising train speeds above 79 mph. California is now moving forward with plans to build new, dedicated high-speed rail.

Pacific Northwest

California, Oregon, and Washington have been steadily investing in rail systems since 1990. New trains on frequent, convenient schedules with extensive bus connections have created a superior option for both business and personal travel.

Between Seattle and Washington new, high-performance trains allowed a 25 minute reduction in running time without significant trackwork. The new equipment, combined with additional frequencies has resulted in a 521% increase in ridership since the program began. 500,000 people chose the Pacific Northwest Corridor in 2000. They are now seeking funding to cut additional travel time and add additional departures.

Canada

Via Rail provides a service very similar to the planned Midwest network in southern Ontario and Quebec. Via's trains operate very frequent service on busy freight tracks. The afternoon Toronto - Montreal express train operates at the same average speed as the Washington to New York Acela Express.