Introduction

The North American inter-city rail network spans nearly 200,000 miles, and plays an essential role in the movement of both people and goods. However, unlike other modes of transportation, such as waterways or roads, the vast majority of rail infrastructure on the continent is owned, built, and maintained by private corporations, primarily the six major North American freight railroads. As a result, passenger agencies and host railroads must work together closely to share the rail corridors while navigating a complex regulatory environment and differing priorities. Some corridors have a history of successful cooperation, but these relationships are often fractious, characterized by misunderstandings and a lack of trust on both sides. Consequently, this report will examine how the freight and passenger sectors can build effective partnerships, and how both can leverage new funding opportunities to make infrastructure improvements that will benefit all sides, including the communities in which they operate. 

The report consists of four sections:

• An overview of the history and regulations governing rail travel in North America, including recent challenges brought on by changing land use patterns and travel behavior during the pandemic, and new funding opportunities;

• A discussion of the key metrics of successful rail corridor operation, and where these differ between passenger, freight, and community actors;

• An examination of three case studies which provide examples of shared corridor operations in different governance and regulatory contexts; and

• A set of recommendations, which provide a summary of best practices from the perspective of passenger agencies, freight, and communities as a whole.

The findings are informed by a review of relevant literature, including regional, state and national rail and transportation plans, congressional testimony, annual reports, legislation, funding advice, and grant applications. Recommendations are based on case studies and a series of nine interviews with representatives from state and local passenger agencies, planning commissions, railroad company staff, and academics conducted over a two-month period between September and November 2023.