As I’ve said many times before, high-speed rail will transform American transportation for generations to come. And I'm excited to see this program take shape. Right now, we've got eight projects underway and Amtrak's Chicago-Kalamazoo route recently added the first 110-miles-per-hour service outside the Northeast Corridor.
This morning, I had the opportunity to thank an organization whose members have been great advocates for this essential passenger rail network, the U.S. High Speed Rail Association. Thanks in no small part to the USHSR Association, high-speed rail is coming to America.
And high speed rail remains a major priority for President Obama and Vice President Biden. In fact, the President’s vision for an America built to last--the budget he proposed last month--would provide 2.5 billion in 2013 as part of a $47 billion, six-year investment to continue construction of a 21st century high-speed passenger rail network.
We envision an America in which 80 percent of people have access to high-speed rail. We envision a network that whisks passengers from downtown to downtown while they work comfortably on their laptops and portable devices. We envision a network that takes cars off the road so trucks can travel between cities on highways that aren't choked with traffic.
And we know that as this system emerges, economic growth and opportunity will follow.
Progress Rail isn’t the only company experiencing success – this is a story that is repeating itself across the country. To date, 30 rail companies from around the world have pledged that, if selected for high-speed rail contracts, they’ll hire American workers and expand their bases of operations in the United States.
And once track is laid and stations constructed, high-speed rail will spur economic development. It will generate quality jobs at small businesses all along its corridors.
Simply put, over the long-run, high-speed rail will bolster America’s economic competitiveness.
Our parents and grandparents sacrificed so we might have the chance to lead the lives that we do. Today, we can do the same by giving our children and grandchildren a transportation alternative that connects them with a new century of opportunity.
At the end of the day, that is what President Obama’s plan for high-speed rail is all about, and I am thrilled that there are American businesses and American leaders who are working to make it happen.
Together, our legacy will be more than trains, tracks, and ties – it will be an America built to last.
that's great news. Traveling by train is the most convenient way to reach your destinations also it is very good for our road traffic as less number of vehicles will be required for commuting. I hope this high speed trains will be able to live up to our expectations
Posted by: website company | March 23, 2012 at 08:50 AM
I have long been an advocate for a high speed rail in America! It would benefit everybody- the American workers hired, the passengers who would save time and potentially money riding it, the government who would be making tax money off tickets, overall I think the economy would receive a huge boost!! I don't know why it is taking so long. The only negative I can think of it the land we will have to impede upon, but I think with all of our eco-friendly measures, if done correctly we can create the rail lines without being too harsh on our environment.
-Christina
Posted by: Rolex watch | March 26, 2012 at 08:37 PM
This is a great initiative and I think it will really boost economics and business opportunities, at the same time it will provide convenience for passengers and alleviation on heavy traffic roads and highways. I don't know whether the high-speed trains will use environmental friendly fuel, but they will surely have such an indirect impact, by significantly lowering the number of vehicles on the road. This is one more reason that investments should not be spared. Of course this is in my own opinion.
Posted by: Diyan | April 18, 2012 at 07:19 AM