High-Speed Rail
Chronology of Federal Involvement
The following is a chronology of congressional legislation and related activities to promote high-speed ground transportation (HSGT) in the United States. 1965 High-Speed Ground Transportation Act. Congressional interest in HSGT dates back at least to 1965, with the passage of the High-Speed Ground Transportation Act. This legislation, initially authorized at $90 million, started a Federal effort to develop, and demonstrate where possible, contemporary and advanced HSGT technologies. Under the Act, the Office of High-Speed Ground Transportation of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) introduced modern HSGT to America in 1969 by deploying the self-propelled Metroliner cars and the Turbotrain in…