On Friday, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) launched the Center for High-Speed Rail to advance and promote high-speed rail in the U.S.

"With the impending announcement by the Obama Administration on the distribution of the first federal high-speed rail funds, the establishment now of the Center for High-Speed Rail will bring together the expertise of its members and APTA's education and advocacy resources to realize the vision of high-speed rail in the United States," said APTA President William Millar.

The new Center for High-Speed Rail will build on the efforts of other already existing APTA committees, including the High-Speed and Intercity Rail Committee and the Legislative Committee.

APTA is the home to the legacy members of the former High-Speed Ground Transportation Association (HSGTA), which served as the leading advocate for high-speed rail in America for two decades and elected to merge with APTA in 2006.  In addition, APTA's business members include small and large companies with international expertise in financing, construction, maintenance, supply and operation of rail systems worldwide. 

APTA is working closely with other industry groups to support and advance high-speed rail in the U.S.  These groups include the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the States for Passenger Rail Coalition (S4PRC), and the International Union of Railways (UIC).  

Additionally APTA and UIC are partnering to host three upcoming high-speed rail regional seminars that will be held in Washington, D.C., Chicago and Los Angeles this February. For more information, click here.