High-speed rail would save US money, report says

Building a high-speed rail network would generate net benefits of $26.4 billion over the next 40 years for the US, says a new report released by the American Public Transportation Association. "As the population grows, increased pressure will be placed on the nation's already crumbling infrastructure," APTA says in its report, "Opportunity Cost of Inaction," which was presented during a Congressional briefing. Rail can"help mitigate the cost of maintenance, replacement and the capacity expansion needs of airport runways, highways and roadways," the report argues. Without rail expansion, APTA warns, the nation will suffer increased congestion and delays, leading to "billions of dollars lost in a globally competitive market."

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