How High‑Speed Rail Strengthens Communities

United by Speed. Connected by Community.

A view down Gay St. in Knoxville TN.

Fostering Smart & Sustainable Growth

High-speed rail reshapes land use—reviving urban centers and curbing sprawling development. Instead of endlessly expanding roads, rail-powered density creates vibrant walkable neighborhoods, energizes downtown business districts, and supports greener development patterns.

Connecting Rural and Mid‑Size Communities

In regions where long drives are the norm, high-speed rail offers a lifeline:

  • Access to jobs in nearby metros
  • Affordable weekend travel for families
  • New markets for small-business goods

By enhancing at-grade intercity services—such as Amtrak’s—the upgrade to true high-speed makes a real difference.

Bolstering Local Transit Networks

High-speed rail doesn’t compete with local systems—it amplifies them. Better connectivity between local buses, light rail, and high-speed hubs boosts ridership across the board, creating a virtuous cycle of service improvements and public investment.

Case Studies

Read about real-life examples of cities and regions revitalized by rail.

Fresno, California – Reviving a Downtown Core

Project: California High-Speed Rail

Impact:

  • The city is investing over $300 million in downtown revitalization, with affordable housing and parks near the future station.
  • The station district master plan is designed around walkability and mixed-use development.
  • City officials credit HSR with helping reverse decades of suburban sprawl.

Lesson: Even before trains arrive, the promise of high-speed rail can spark urban regeneration.

Le Mans, France – A Regional Boomtown

Project: LGV Atlantique (High-Speed Rail to Paris)

Impact:

  • After connecting to Paris via TGV in just 54 minutes, Le Mans saw a surge in commuters and business relocations.

  • The city invested in public transit and housing to support the new demand.

  • Over 5,000 Parisians now commute from Le Mans, drawn by lower housing costs.

Lesson: Smaller cities thrive when rail unlocks fast access to major metros.

Toyama, Japan – Rail-Centered Revitalization

Project: Shinkansen + Light Rail Integration

Impact:

  • Toyama used its Shinkansen connection to reinforce downtown development and reverse depopulation.

  • The city built a compact “public transit-oriented city,” attracting students and retirees alike.

  • The Toyama Light Rail now serves as a model for sustainable city planning.

Lesson: Pairing high-speed rail with local transit makes small cities more livable and attractive.

Köln–Frankfurt, Germany – Corporate Relocation & Growth

Project: ICE high-speed corridor

Impact:

  • Reduced travel times from over 2 hours to just under 1 hour.

  • Major employers like Deutsche Bank and PwC opened offices near new stations.

  • Business travel between the two cities surged, and small towns along the line gained visibility.

Lesson: Speed + frequency creates a super-regional economy.

Raleigh, North Carolina – Transit-Led Growth

Project: Amtrak and future Southeast HSR corridor

Impact:

  • Raleigh Union Station became a catalyst for downtown development.

  • The area around the station added housing, restaurants, and tech offices, thanks to coordinated planning.

  • The city is now preparing for high-speed service along the Raleigh–Richmond–DC line.

Lesson: Investing in intercity and local transit together sets the stage for HSR success.

Get Involved

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

Sign the Petition

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