USA Worldwide Largest Railway Market with Strong Growth Dynamic – Triggered by Bold Economic Stimulus Packages of the Obama Government  

[18.06.2010] The latest study by SCI Verkehr on the railway market in North America presents for the first time a systematic analysis of the timescale governing when the announced investments will actually be spent in the North American railway system. Worldwide, the USA already delivers the strongest revenues in the national railway market – thanks to rail freight transport. This has so far, however, only been a moderately attractive market for European and Japanese railway suppliers because of its low technological requirements. This will change considerably from now on: Investments will be made in the most up-to-date infrastructure and vehicle technology. North America is therefore moving into the full focus of the railway industry.

The rail passenger transport investments included in the North American economic stimulus packages, mainly in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act from 2009 (ARRA), have rightly raised high expectations: By 2020, between 1,000 and 1,300 km of high-speed lines will be developed on which up to 50 state-of-the-art high-speed trains will be operated. The largest centres will be connected by new lines. This will lead to up to 300 km of newly constructed lines, and between 400 and 600 locomotives, up to 100 EMUs and up to 200 DMUs will be procured.

In the very latest study “North America – Post-Stimulus Passenger Rail Market Developments. Market Overview – Procurement Outlook”. SCI Verkehr highlights the large number of individual measures and procurement projects regarding their volumes, financial situation, the technical and operational requirements and the implementation period and opportunities resulting from this.