OVERVIEW

Rail travel provides an efficient and affordable alternative to flying or driving in cases where congestion, hassles and delays may make a trip more difficult and costly – particularly for shorter trips of 500 miles or less. The development of high-speed electric rail may also be a “greener” option for travel in terms of reducing energy demand and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Amtrak operates intercity rail service in 46 states and the District of Columbia and serves as a vital transportation link between cities all across the United States. In addition to Amtrak, the Federal Railroad Administration has designated 11 high-speed rail corridors in more densely populated regions across the United States.

U.S. TRAVEL POSITION

U.S. Travel believes that in order to ensure mobility for travelers and U.S. economic competitiveness, it is important that business and leisure travelers have many options available to them that are safe, efficient and affordable.  To that end, U.S. Travel supports the expansion of rail travel options, including continued reform and expansion of Amtrak service throughout the country. Officials should also lead the way in working to spur greater public and private financing of high-speed rail networks in the 11 designated high-speed rail corridors. These actions would help protect the environment, relieve the pressure on regional highway systems and provide travelers with efficient, affordable options for reaching their destinations.