Indiana High Speed Rail: “LINK” to the Future

Abstract

In today’s economy, with gasoline prices steadily increasing to around $4.00+ (more than $1/gallon increase compared to pre-2010/2011gas prices), it may be time for all stakeholders in Indiana and the Midwest to seriously consider other alternatives to supplement travel by road. According to the Department of Energy, retail prices for a gallon of regular-grade gasoline will average $3.86 from April through September, up from $2.76 for the comparable period last year (Energy Information Administration, 2011). Hence, one attractive option to consider for citizens and residents of Indiana and the neighboring states is high speed rail.  The Times of Northwest Indiana recently described a strong momentum toward implementing high speed rail in Indiana and the Midwest, which was enhanced by the recent $71.4 million funding received for the Gateway Project (http://www.nwitimes.com/business/transportation/key-nwi-rail-project-back-in-fast-lane/article_c1571fb9-8351-514d-812d-2987e2b29cc5.html). Eight rail improvement projects related to junctions, stations, tracks, and signals would be completed using these federal funds which would significantly cut the delay in Amtrak trains from Chicago through Indiana to other cities in the Midwest.