How Will High Speed Rail Benefit the Community?

Fast, frequent, and affordable trains improve our communities—big and small—in three critical ways.

They Create Smart and Sustainable Growth

High-speed trains promote density by transforming land-development patterns.

Federal policies prioritize road building, which encourages more driving and spurs ever-more spending on road construction and repairs. This cycle generates sprawl and hollows out city centers. Trains break the cycle and create healthy, walkable and thriving city centers.

outdoor cafe
Pontiac, Illinois train station exterior

They Multiply Opportunities in Small and Mid-Sized Communities

Long drives are a normal part of daily life in rural areas—for work, shopping, and the trips to the nearest city.

Trains make life better by making many trips easier and more affordable. They can connect workers to jobs; make family outings fun; and establish links to markets and customers for businesses of all sizes.

Amtrak’s inter-regional trains are currently the foundation of the rural network. Upgrading them with high-performance trains will be game-changing.

They Improve Local Transit Options

High-speed trains boost and build on existing bus and rail systems.

Travelers use local transit to reach high-speed trains, for starters. And when they are well-coordinated and easily accessible, ridership increases on both high-speed rail and local transit systems. That builds political will and funding for the entire transportation network.

San Diego light rail
A group of friends is talking at a table on a moving train.

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The Latest from HSRA

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Check out the latest news, updates, and high speed rail insights from our blog!

Newsletter 2/14/25: Bills to Expand Illinois Railway Program

Newsletter 2/14/25: Bills to Expand Illinois Railway Program

Bills to Expand Illinois Railway Program Announced Illinois has always been at the heart of America’s rail network, and it is uniquely poised to lead the country towards great trains. Because of its political heft and Chicago’s role as the nation’s rail hub, a growing...

Illinois Needs an Integrated Railway Program

Illinois Needs an Integrated Railway Program

Illinois Needs an Integrated Railway Program Great trains will change the way the world sees Illinois   Help make it happenBuilding on Success, Planning for the Future Traveling by train and bus across Illinois should be convenient, comfortable, and affordable....