Urban railroad is an important element of infrastructure that supports both commuting and recreation, providing a vital link both within and among metropolitan areas. For this reason, developing new railroad systems has a great deal of influence on communities’ economic vitality and employment.

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Efforts to reduce Americans’ reliance on cars in the interest of environmental protection and mitigation of traffic congestion have included projects such as Washington, D.C.’s own newly opened Silver Line metro. Given its high profile and ambitious scale, the Silver Line has drawn public attention to the potential of railroads in urban areas.

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Urban railroads change their surroundings simply by virtue of existing. Having accessible rail transport drives up population and land value along rail lines, and communities that gain railroads often see commuting and housing patterns change as well.

Japan has substantial experience in this area. Rather than focusing entirely on building rail links between existing communities or waiting for a rail line to be built before embarking on development projects, developers in Japan have treated railway lines and the developments alongside them as a package. This approach addresses the improvement of population and land values together with the development of the line itself.

With an eye toward this approach, JITI has invited experts from Japan, the U.S., and Europe. In addition to presenting their methods for development of rail lines (regarding implementation, funding strategies, etc.), they will discuss what is required to make sustainable railroad developments along with developments of urban infrastructure along rail lines in the United States.