Vote in US House offers hope for high-speed rail

A vote in the US House of Representatives offers a glimmer of hope for future high-speed rail travel in the US. On May 8, the House Subcommittee on Railroads approved legislation that would provide $59 billion for rail infrastructure projects. The Railroad Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act for the 21st Century (Ride 21) would provide public investment through state-issued bonds, through extending an existing rail development act until 2009, and through increasing the amount of money available under the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program. The legislation now moves on to the full Transportation Committee.