New additions include streetcar projects in New Orleans; Cincinnati; and Washington, D.C., totaling $490 million. True high-speed rail projects like California’s still fail to crack the list due to escalating costs.

Despite the quick decline of high-speed rail projects and a $4 billion dip compared to 2010, this year's Top Rail Projects survey features four new projects, including Honolulu's $5.3 billion light rail project. The Toronto Transit Commission again tops this year's list, with Canadian projects, overall, putting together a strong showing.

With $14 billion in projects in the works, Toronto Transit Commission jumps from No. 15 last year to take 2010's No. 1 slot. ARRA funds are still having a big impact in the U.S.; however, ongoing budget issues and lack of federal transportation authorization still threaten many agencies and their ongoing projects.

Toronto Transit Commission's new "Fitness for Duty" program will include improved procedures for investigating policy violations, such as testing for drugs and alcohol, and will address the issue of extreme fatigue.