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

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Tell the United States Congress: It’s time to reconnect the country with high-speed and regional rail!

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The Latest from HSRA

Our Latest Blog Posts

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

Newsletter 4/18/25: Big Changes in Texas and New York

Newsletter 4/18/25: Big Changes in Texas and New York

Big Changes in Texas and New York This week, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced major shifts in direction for two important projects. As advocates for quality trains, we need to speak up for the changes we want to see. On Tuesday, Sec. Duffy announced...

Big Changes in Texas and New York

Big Changes in Texas and New York

This week, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced major shifts in direction for two important projects. As advocates for quality trains, we need to speak up for the changes we want to see. Amtrak out at Texas Central On Tuesday, Sec. Duffy announced that...

Illinois Fast Track Action Center

Illinois Fast Track Action Center

Let's Put Illinois on the Fast Track You can help connect the state with great trains.   Email Your Legislators Today!The Time for Action is Now Tell Springfield you want better trains today. Right now the Illinois General Assembly is having a debate on how...