The 12-member study commission, headed by U.S. DOT Secretary Mary Peters, was charged with examining "not only the condition and future needs of the nation's surface transportation system, but also short and long-term alternatives to replace or supplement the fuel tax as the principal revenue source to support the Highway Trust Fund over the next 30 years."  Commission website

The MIPRC and its allies were determined that passenger rail receive the attention in the report that it deserves as a strong solution to the future transportation needs of our region and country, and to the development of a balanced transportation system. Those of us who testified before the commission at its April 19 field hearing in Chicago were promised that substantive passenger rail development would be recommended. I think the commission has kept its promise. Passenger rail's benefits, potential and needs are well-presented in the report, and the commission estimates that an average annual investment of $8.1 billion over 44 years is needed, primarily to develop "new and enhanced 'regional service' in high growth intercity corridors." (Ch. 4, pg. 20)  Final Report