US high-speed rail conference outlines network vision

Author: Batrak Oleksandr — Editor-in-Chief at Railway Supply

13.05.2026

The US high-speed rail conference has opened in Washington, D.C. Industry participants gathered to discuss a long-term vision for a national high-speed rail network. At the start, speakers linked faster passenger rail investment to improved mobility. They also said it could ease transport pressures and support economic development. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Photo: 2026 USHSR. US high-speed rail conference sets national priorities

Railway-News reported the event was organised by the US High Speed Rail Association (USHSR). It gathered transport officials, rail company leaders, consultants and infrastructure firms. They examined the future of high-speed rail in the United States. Discussions also focused on lessons from established international systems.

That focus linked policy backing with technical conditions speakers said a US network would need.

US high-speed rail conference focuses on federal backing

Speakers pointed to networks in Europe and Asia. In those regions, high-speed rail connects major cities at more than 200 mph. Also, the conference noted that more than 26 countries now operate high-speed rail lines. Those lines carry billions of passengers each year. Andy Kunz, President & CEO of USHSR, addressed the US position. He argued that the US could adopt systems already proven elsewhere.

Ray LaHood, a former US Transportation Secretary, stressed federal support. He said it would be central to any such effort. In addition, he highlighted funding provided under former President Barack Obama. That included billions of dollars for rail projects through the 2009 economic stimulus package. LaHood added that established high-speed rail systems had been developed through sustained national investment. He also cited long-term political support. In his view, the United States would need a comparable approach.

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.

Kunz said such investment could reduce congestion on highways and at airports. It could also support regional economic growth. Better rail connections could expand access to housing markets, he said. They could improve mobility by cutting travel times between US cities.

200 mph+ lines and national interoperability

He identified several requirements for delivering this vision:

High-speed routes built for 200 mph+ operation
Fully double-tracked corridors to support capacity and reliability
No level crossings, improving both safety and performance
Competition among several rail operators using shared infrastructure to improve service and lower fares
National interoperability, allowing seamless cross-country ‘one-seat’ journeys
Standardised planning, permitting and construction processes to accelerate delivery
Strong integration with feeder and regional rail networks to expand access beyond major cities

Similar outcomes have already been achieved in other regions, the conference noted. There, comprehensive high-speed rail networks have changed travel behaviour.

In some markets, competition between operators has reduced ticket prices. It has also raised demand on some routes. Francesca Bartoli of FS Advisory International described Italy’s experience. She said the network has helped move travellers from domestic flights to rail. For example, this includes routes such as Milan to Rome. Journey times are around three hours between city centres.

Roberto Rodriguez Illanes of SENER in Spain also pointed to the Spanish market, saying:
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.

Investment, permitting and operator cooperation

Meanwhile, participants also discussed how rail infrastructure could help reduce transport emissions. It could also support more stable energy systems. Kunz said electric rail is less exposed to oil-price volatility than aviation and road transport. He referred especially to periods of energy-market instability. In his view, high-speed rail can offer benefits across both transport and energy.

At the same time, speakers acknowledged the obstacles. Building high-speed rail in the US would involve high costs. The work would also involve lengthy planning processes and political challenges. They pointed to standardised rules, quicker permitting and long-term investment structures. These would help speed up delivery.

The conference called for closer cooperation between public agencies, private investors and transport operators. Supporters are working to advance high-speed rail development across the United States.

Further detailed coverage, discussions and analysis from the conference will follow. Industry leaders will continue presenting their vision for the future of high-speed rail in America.