Summary

Decisions on the level of U.S. funding for high-speed ground transportation, railway systems capable of sustained speeds of at least 125 miles per hour, must be made at a time when deficit cutting has made discretionary dollars especially scarce. High-speed ground transportation systems are expensive in any form, requiring a strategic selection of the most beneficial projects. This testimony reviews the alternative technologies and focuses on infrastructure improvements needed to bring high-speed ground transportation to the United States on existing railroad rights-of-way. GAO also discusses the social benefits that might accrue from introducing high-speed ground transportation and the problem of accurately assessing them.