Barriers to Entry

Since passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by the U.S. Congress in February 2009, U.S. high-speed rail development has become a very possibility. The Bill included $8 billion for high-speed and intercity passenger rail projects, prompting states to secure their share of the funds. This article discusses the planning and financing by states for development of high-speed rail, which is primarily contingent on compliance with a firm set of policies aimed at protecting the current freight-rail infrastructure which is operated by Class I host railroads. A majority of proposals on the table call for upgrading existing track to accommodate passenger trains at speeds between 79 and 110 mph.