challenges to tubular rail innovation. profitability. acceptance by public and regulators. multiple...

Challenges to Tubular RailChallenges to Tubular Rail

• Innovation.

• Profitability.

• Acceptance by Public and Regulators.

• Multiple Jurisdictions.

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“Old Style Projects”“Old Style Projects”

• Defined, Century-Proven Technologies – understood by Public, Regulators, Insurers, Financiers.

• Highways / Airports / Transit – Conceived and Built by Public Entities on Public ROW.

• Rail – Private, Self Governed, Self Funded, Profit Driven Reactive - not Proactive. On Private ROW.

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“New Style Projects” “New Style Projects”

• New Technologies – Not Just the Machinery - Need New Mechanisms for Operations, Politics, Governance, Ownership.

• Education of Public and Regulators. • Public Private Partnerships – Can a Profit be Made?

Can the Project be Divided Among Numerous Partners?

• Obvious Value to the Locals, Mobility and Money?

The Public’s InterestThe Public’s Interest

• Identify the Public’s Interest.

• Safeguard the Public’s Interest.

• Ensure that the benefits continue, protect the public’s investment.

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Issues For Tubular Rail to AddressIssues For Tubular Rail to Address

• Public Acceptance – Route and Technology - Environmental, Permitting, and “Normal” obstacles.

• Establish a “Track” Record. • Regulatory Issues: Is it a bird, plane, train, mass transit?

• Federal Oversight? or Federal and State? Local and “Last Mile.”

 • Analyze Impacts on Nature and People, Noise, Socio-

economics, construction, operation, wildlife, etc.

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How to Address the IssuesHow to Address the Issues

• Early Coordination with Regulators and Stakeholders.

• Direct, Open, and Transparent Negotiations and Involvement with Representatives and Regulators.

• Coordination of Project with Federal, State, and Local Planners, Interconnection with other Modes, Fluidity of Transportation.

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Questions (& Answers?)

Mr. Allan K. Butcher, Jr., JDPhone: (210) 699-9090

Email: abutcher@rkci.com