In the wake of Trump’s cuts to high-speed rail projects, rail authorities are looking to private-public partnerships to supplement their budgets.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority is seeking outside funding to continue its work on an HSR line that would eventually connect Los Angeles and San Francisco.
According to Dan Zukowski of Smart Cities Dive, “Possible areas of discussion include monetizing assets such as train sets, station facilities, track access, fast cargo and parcels movement. Other opportunities include transit-oriented development, real estate, allowing fiber optic lines along the right-of-way and leasing certain assets to the private sector.” Authority CEO Ian Choudri says the agency has reached out to private sector investors who have expressed “strong and growing interest” and will release a request for expression of interest for private-public partnerships soon.
In Texas, USDOT also pulled funding for the proposed Dallas-to-Houston HSR line, ending Amtrak’s involvement in the project. Now, Texas Central officials are similarly seeking out private investment to make up for the loss.
FULL STORY: California high-speed rail project seeks outside investors
The California High-Speed Rail Project Illustrates America’s Transit Issues
Slow progress and a bloated budget have plagued the High-Speed Rail project linking San Francisco to Los Angeles, exposing deeper issues with American transit projects.
California High-Speed Rail Project Seeking Change in Funding Plan
State lawmakers will have to approve a change in plans for how the California High-Speed Rail project will fund the ongoing work in the Central Valley.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Supreme Court Ruling in Pipeline Case Guts Federal Environmental Law
The decision limits the scope of a federal law that mandates extensive environmental impact reviews of energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects.
Texas State Bills to Defund Dallas Transit Die
DART would have seen a 30% service cut, $230M annual losses had the bills survived.
Bikeshare for the Win: Team Pedals to London Cricket Match, Beats Rivals Stuck in Traffic
While their opponents sat in gridlock, England's national cricket team hopped Lime bikes, riding to a 3-0 victory.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)