At the opening of the US High Speed Rail Conference, industry professionals gathered in Washington, D.C. to promote a long-term vision for a nationwide rail network. The conference reasoned that investment in faster passenger services could improve mobility, reduce transport pressures and support economic development.
The event, organised by the US High Speed Rail Association (USHSR), has brought together transport officials, rail executives, consultants and infrastructure companies to discuss the future of high-speed rail in the US and lessons learned from international networks.
The 2026 conference will explore these fresh approaches with project leaders and global experts on the front lines of American high-speed rail delivery
© 2026 USHSR
Conference speakers pointed to rail networks in Europe and Asia as examples of rail services connecting major cities at speeds above 200 mph. More than 26 countries now operate high-speed rail lines, carrying billions of passengers annually. As argued by Andy Kunz, President & CEO of USHSR, the US is consequently in good standing to implement such solutions that have already been tried and tested elsewhere in the world.
To do so, former US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood emphasised that federal backing remains essential. He praised funding allocated during the administration of former President Barack Obama, which included billions of dollars for rail projects as part of the 2009 economic stimulus package. LaHood noted that countries with established high-speed rail systems developed them through sustained national investment and long-term political support. He argued that a similar commitment would be required in the United States.
LaHood stated:
Any country that has high-speed rail has it because national leadership had a vision for its people to ride on affordable, comfortable passenger rail.
In return for this investment, Kunz argued that high-speed rail could help address congestion on roads and at airports while significantly supporting regional economic growth. He also acknowledged that improved rail links could widen access to housing markets and improve mobility for Americans by reducing journey times between cities.
To achieve this vision, he stressed several key requirements:
- High-speed lines designed for 200 mph+ operation
- Fully double-tracked corridors to ensure capacity and reliability
- No level crossings to improve safety and performance
- Competition between multiple rail operators on shared infrastructure to improve service and reduce fares
- National interoperability, enabling seamless cross-country ‘one-seat’ journeys
- Standardised planning, permitting and construction processes to speed up delivery
- Strong integration with feeder and regional rail networks to expand access beyond major cities
These outcomes have already been delivered elsewhere on the globe, where comprehensive high-speed rail networks have altered travel patterns.
In these markets, competition between operators has lowered ticket prices and increased passenger demand on some routes. For example, Francesca Bartoli, from FS Advisory International, detailed how Italy’s network has helped shift travellers from domestic flights to rail on routes including Milan to Rome, where journey times are around three hours between city centres.
Likewise, Roberto Rodriguez Illanes at SENER in Spain said:
The Madrid–Barcelona line is one of the most competitive in the world. Liberalisation reduced fares by around 50 percent, and that has significantly increased demand.
Participants also discussed how rail infrastructure could contribute to lower transport emissions and more stable energy systems. Kunz noted that electric rail systems are less exposed to fluctuations in oil prices than aviation and road transport, particularly during periods of energy market instability. Consequently, high-speed rail can deliver solutions in both transport and energy, expanding its far-reaching benefits.
The event’s opening likewise acknowledged that building high-speed rail in the US would involve high costs, lengthy planning processes and political challenges. The speakers stressed the need for standardised regulations, faster permitting systems and long-term investment frameworks to accelerate delivery.
The conference thus called for greater cooperation between government agencies, private investors and transport operators as supporters seek to expand high-speed rail development across the United States.
Stay tuned for further in-depth coverage, discussions, and analysis from the conference as industry leaders outline their vision for the future of high-speed rail in America.