METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Report: Market value of high-speed rail to hit $907 billion

The move for high-speed rail in the U.S. will create or save tens of thousands of jobs in areas like track-laying, manufacturing, planning and engineering, and rail maintenance and operations, according to the study.

March 1, 2011
2 min to read


The successful installation of a fast moving transportation system is beneficial on two levels. First, it would decrease the nation's reliance on depleting fossil fuels and secondly, high-speed rail would stimulate local economies and drive growth across the U.S., according to SBI Energy's new industry study, "High Speed Rail Infrastructure Component Manufacturing."

The study also reports that the accumulated market value of global high-speed rail manufacturing sectors was $244 billion from 2005 to 2009 and will grow to reach $907 billion between 2010 and 2015.

Ad Loading...

Nations around the globe are increasing their roll out of high-speed rail initiatives during 2010, making them an integral part of the overall transportation infrastructure. Several countries in Europe, for example, currently lacking a high-speed rail system have made commitments to begin construction by the end of the year.

In Asia, a multitude of development projects are underway with anticipated completion dates between 2015 and 2020 and, of the 17,000 miles of planned high-speed rail track implementations worldwide, nearly 10,000 miles are allocated for Asia, SBI Energy reports.

The move for high-speed rail in the U.S. will create or save tens of thousands of jobs in areas like track-laying, manufacturing, planning and engineering, and rail maintenance and operations, according to the study. Over 30 rail manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, have agreed to establish or expand their base of operations in the U.S. if they are hired to build the country's next generation high-speed rail lines — a commitment the Obama Administration secured to help ensure new jobs are created in the U.S.

This SBI Energy report analyzes the market opportunities that global high-speed rail manufacturers are eager to embrace through the next decade, examines the critical trends driving high-speed rail growth by region and forecasts the value of this growth by each of the manufactured components, and the socioeconomic and consumer-based trends affecting the industry.

For more, click here.

More Rail

A rendering of a passenger train for California's High-Speed Rail project.
Railby StaffJuly 7, 2026

Keolis and SNCF Voyageurs Bring Rail Expertise to California High-Speed Rail

The CDA establishes a collaborative predevelopment partnership intended to evaluate future delivery opportunities through public-private partnership models.

Read More →
Stadler's expanded Salt Lake City facility
Railby StaffJuly 3, 2026

Stadler Marks 10 Years in the U.S. with Salt Lake City Expansion

The expansion is expected to create up to 300 new local jobs, some of which are youth apprenticeships, said Stadler officials.

Read More →
A purple MBTA train at a Mansfield Station platform.
Railby StaffJune 30, 2026

MBTA Selects STV to Support Battery-Electric Locomotive Procurement

The firm's seven-year contract includes end-to-end support from bid review and selection through procurement, production, and testing.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
California Expands Public Transit Strategy
Technologyby StaffJune 29, 2026

Executive Order Aims to Improve Transit Access Across California

The order directs state agencies to streamline transit project delivery, improve coordination, and expand access to bus and passenger rail services across California.

Read More →
A rendering of a California High-Speed Rail vehicle
Railby StaffJune 26, 2026

California High-Speed Rail Advances Merced–Madera Construction Procurement

The procurement represents a major expansion of active high-speed rail construction.

Read More →
An Amtrak image of Penn Station with streetview.
Railby Staff and News ReportsJune 23, 2026

Amtrak Finalizes Pre-Development Agreement for Penn Station Overhaul

The agreement advances plans for a $7 billion to $8 billion transformation of New York's busiest transit hub, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2027.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
MTA Advances Accessibility Improvements in Brooklyn
Paratransitby StaffJune 17, 2026

New York MTA Leverages Zoning Program to Advance Station Accessibility

Accessibility enhancements at Nevins St Station will be financed through a development agreement tied to the MTA's Zoning for Accessibility initiative.

Read More →
Six-Year Plan Boosts Virginia Transit, Rail Investments
Managementby StaffJune 17, 2026

Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail

Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.

Read More →
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 16, 2026

DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades

Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An LA Metro D Line train in Union Station
Managementby StaffJune 16, 2026

D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System

Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.

Read More →