The Department of Transportation is announcing $8.2 billion in new funding for ten passenger rail projects nationwide, including the first high-speed rail projects in the US.

The selected areas for the new rail system will be between California and Nevada, and it is projected to serve more than 11 million passengers annually, creating a high-speed rail line through California’s Central Valley with a link to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The funds will also be used for upgrades to frequently-traveled rail corridors in:

  • Virginia
  • North Carolina
  • District of Columbia
  • Upgrading and expanding capacity at Chicago Union Station in Illinois

Also announced was a pipeline of passenger rail projects, adding new passenger rail service to cities lacking access to the rail network.

The Biden Administration estimates that the electric high-speed rail trains will take millions of cars off the roads, reduce emissions, offer an alternative to flying or driving, and save time. The DOT estimated that more than 100,000 jobs will be created by investing in the rail system. 

The Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program, as well as $34.5 million through the Corridor Identification and Development program to guide passenger rail development on 69 rail corridors across 44 states, ensuring that intercity rail projects are ready for implementation.

President Biden will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, Friday to speak more about the investment in high-speed rail system.