As congressional support grows for a meaningful high speed rail network, a new survey finds equally strong public support.
The poll found 60% of U.S. voters hold a favorable opinion of it. Only 16% of voters view it unfavorably, the survey found.
More than 30 US House members from 18 states introduced legislation that would invest $205 billion into a nationwide high-speed rail network.
The survey was conducted by Public Policy Polling for the U.S. High-Speed Rail Coalition.
It found high speed rail especially popular in the West where the first high-speed rail projects — Brightline West and California High Speed Rail — are under construction.
There, high-speed rail transportation has a 71% – 14% favorability rating.
Nearly three-quarters of American voters also support creating a nationwide high-speed rail network, including 46% who strongly support it.
Again, support is strongest in the West (85%), but a majority of voters in the Northeast (77%), the Midwest (66%), and the South (61%) also support building a network.
“A clear majority of voters want a nationwide high-speed rail network,” said Andy Kunz, CEO of U.S. High Speed Rail.
“Americans are ready for the high-speed rail revolution.”
The bill sponsors Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) were joined by representatives from Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Nevada, Oregon, and Virginia to back the five-year investment plan, called the American High-Speed Rail Act.
