The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee continued its series of hearings on the high-speed and intercity passenger rail program.
This hearing focused on options for high-speed rail development in the Northeast Corridor and opportunities for private sector participation. The Northeast Corridor links the major cities of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston and is the best place for a true high-speed rail in the U.S., according to the Committee.
Federal Railroad Administration Deputy Administrator Karen Hedlund and Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman testified, along with Joan McDonald, commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation; Richard Geddes, adjunct scholar at the American Enterprise Institute; Perry Offutt, managing director at Morgan Stanley; and John Tolman, vice president and national legislative representative at the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
Rep. John Mica (R-FL) chaired the hearing.