By Ron Thaniel
November 9, 2009

With the October 16 release of the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Preliminary National Rail Plan (PNRP) and the October 29 release of Amtrak’s Strategic Guidance and FY 2010-2014 Five Year Financial Plan, momentum continues to build for a new era of travel in America. High'speed rail lines will connect cities, thereby reducing dependence on cars and planes and spurring economic development.

The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) directed the Administrator of the FRA to develop a PNRP to address the rail needs of the Nation. Subsequent to PRIIA, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA) sets the framework for the development of true high'speed rail in the United States.

The PNRP sets forth the FRA’s proposed approach to developing the long-range National Rail Plan, including goals and objectives for the greater inclusion of rail in the national transportation system. The U.S. Conference of Mayors supports this plan, starting with sustainable funding for planning and development of high'speed and intercity rail corridors in the next federal surface transportation authorization (the reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU).

In addition, the PNRP is consistent with the top goals of the U.S. Department of Transportation, which are to foster livable communities and promote sustainable transportation.

To meet 21st century transportation challenges, PNRP states. “The federal government is determining how and where to invest in an efficient, high'speed intercity rail network, which would consist of 100-600 mile intercity corridors that connect communities across America.” In addition, PNRP states, “This vision builds on the successful highway and aviation development models by adding a 21st century solution that focuses on a clean, energy-efficient option.”

With the release of new Strategic Guidance and the FY 2010-2014 Five Year Financial Plan, Amtrak is positioning itself to seize this historic moment in federal support for more passenger service, including for the development of high'speed rail corridors. In particular, regarding development of high'speed corridors, the Strategic Guidance states, “Amtrak must leverage its experience as the nation’s only operator of high'speed trains to support projected growth in new high'speed services.”

In announcing the Strategic Guidance on October 29, Amtrak’s President and CEO Joseph H. Boardman said, “We must think big, be innovative and pursue opportunities and decisions that make good businesses sense because the competition is real.”

The Strategic Guidance outlines the opportunities and challenges facing Amtrak in the new passenger rail environment where states have the primary role in developing new or expanded intercity and high'speed rail service. It establishes six broad goals to be safer, greener and healthier and to improve financial performance, customer service, and meet national needs.

The Guidance aligns Amtrak’s goals with those passed by Congress in PRIIA and in the Obama administration’s Vision for High'speed Rail in America.