Nearly two-thirds of all Americans would use high-speed rail if it was available, based on the findings of a new survey from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). To be more exact here, 63% of those surveyed stated an interests in utilizing high-speed rail service if it was available.

Also worth noting here is that this number jumped 4% to 67% when survey respondents were given information detailing cost + time savings benefits accompanying high-speed rail use.





“People want high-speed rail in America and we are seeing support among various ages and in different regions of the country regardless of political party,” stated APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy. “In addition, the millennial generation and younger adults will lead the way with their preferences to have a multi-modal transportation system that supports their lifestyle. It is critical that we include implementation of high-speed rail as we look to plan for the nation’s future transportation needs.”

The survey — conducted by TechnoMetrica — found that:

71% of Millennials (18-44 in age) were interested in using high-speed rail from the get-go.

This figure jumped to 76% after detailing potential cost + time savings.

58% of self-identified Republicans were interested from the get-go. This figure climbed notably to 65% after detailing potential cost + time savings.

A similar jump held true for self-identified Independents — with an initial figure of 61% that climbed to 67% following an explanation of potential cost + time savings.

This jump was less true of self-identified Democrats — who tallied initially as 73% interested, and 75% following the provision of potential cost + time savings information.

“A high-speed rail network will have a tremendous benefit to our entire transportation system,” stated Melaniphy. “It will enable America’s air, rail, bus, ferry and highway systems to each function effectively and efficiently as we face a dramatic population growth that adds more travelers than our current capacity can accommodate.”

The survey also found that 71% of those surveyed are in support of the reduction of regulatory hurdles for the development of real-estate development near high-speed rail.

“High-speed rail not only provides a great transportation option, but the public’s interest in amenities near high-speed rail stations is another way to create economic growth and jobs in local communities across the country,” stated Melaniphy. “If we have strong investment in high-speed rail, it will be an opportunity to generate real-estate and land use income for the private sector as well as local tax revenue for communities for decades to come.”

The survey comprised 1,005 interviews, with those selected via a random digit dial sample of both landline and cell phone numbers.