Transport and megaregions: high-speed rail in the United States

This lead paper examines the status of high-speed rail in the United States within the context of emerging megaregions. It reflects on the current state of high-speed rail planning globally and examines its link to economic planning and enhanced mobility systems. The assessment of high-speed rail planning internationally has significant implication for the United States. Megaregions offer an appropriate spatial scale for US rail planning. The paper suggests high-speed rail is an attractive mode to consider in providing greater connectivity between and within megaregions as the United States considers reinvestment in its infrastructure and regional economies. In addition, three separate comments then consider the points set forth in the lead paper.