Ontario Construction Report
AECOM recently released From Vision to Reality: a new high-speed rail playbook, which includes research conducted with 112 senior decision-makers involved in high-speed rail (HSR) projects globally.
The report, part of AECOM’s ongoing Future of Infrastructure leadership series, investigates the latest industry trends and outlines best practices for the successful delivery of HSR systems around the world.
“It’s our hope that, through better understanding of the opportunities and challenges attached to these mega projects, existing networks can expand, and proposed networks can move from vision to reality, helping create thriving, connected communities.”
Research found that economic growth, technology, adaptability and on-time completion prove the most critical success factors in the first year of HSR operation. In the five-to-ten-year period post launch, top success factors shift to passenger experience and adaptability while the impact of project delays becomes less important.
“The only thing between us and ultimate success is stable funding. We’re ready to go, and stable funding is what will bring us home…Yes, people worry about going over budget, rights of way and other issues, but once it’s operational, the question changes,” said Brian Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, California High-Speed Rail Authority. “It becomes ‘how did we ever live without this?”
Success varies by region:
- In North America, key success factors were regional economic growth, use of the latest technology, and passenger experience.
- Europe’s primary success factors included a reduction in air/vehicle traffic, use of the latest technology, and future adaptability.
- For the Asia and Pacific region, on-time completion, low environmental impact, and social benefits comprised the top key success factors.
“Through our extensive experience guiding clients across all stages of HSR delivery, we are finding that the global push toward the energy transition is propelling significant interest in this low-carbon mode of transportation,” said Troy Rudd, AECOM’s chief executive officer. “With such unprecedented demand and new funding opportunities worldwide, we’re excited to present this first-of-its-kind playbook to provide a comprehensive view of best practices that can accelerate the growth of HSR globally.”
The report looks at passenger experiences, economic and social benefits, emissions reductions, regulatory and political factors, land use and funding concerns.
“Our integrated transportation networks continue to evolve rapidly, and high-speed rail has a crucial role to play in this ongoing transformation,” said Lara Poloni, AECOM’s president. “It’s our hope that, through better understanding of the opportunities and challenges attached to these mega projects, existing networks can expand, and proposed networks can move from vision to reality, helping create thriving, connected communities.”
Watch the promotional video here.