Eight billion dollars of funding for high-speed rail (HSR) and intercity passenger rail initiatives is available from the U.S. Department of Transportation through its Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and the Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 recently introduced by Congressman Oberstar and others would provide far more if enacted. Clearly the pendulum is swinging in favor of including passenger rail among future transportation solutions. The FRA’s Strategic Plan for High-Speed Rail emphasizes the importance of identifying and funding projects which have a high probability of success. Effective planning of your passenger rail project, built upon deep expertise in railroad economics, engineering and operations, will be essential to a successful funding application and project implementation. R. L. Banks & Associates, Inc. (RLBA) has over 50 years of experience integrating these disciplines in a unique way across intercity passenger rail, commuter rail and freight rail projects in North America.

Three staff members of RLBA participated in two FRA-lead outreach sessions, including one in Washington, DC, to offer feedback on and develop understanding of the core elements of the Strategic Plan for High-Speed Rail. This continues RLBA’s long involvement in passenger rail projects throughout North America which is marked by strategic planning in the Phoenix -Tucson, Arizona corridor last year and RLBA’s recent engagement by a state agency that is a perennial leader in intercity passenger rail initiatives. In the latter case RLBA will 1) review and advise with regard to applications to obtain Stimulus Package and intercity passenger rail grants, 2) develop strategies to reach operating and construction agreements with Class I railroads, and 3) provide appraisal, valuation and negotiation assistance with regard to a specific railroad corridor.

Consider adding RLBA’s passenger rail expertise to your team today. Examples of our qualifications can be viewed at Passenger Transportation and Staff. Please contact us.