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Reports on the uncertain future of a proposal to allow Amtrak to issue up to $10 billion in taxable tax-credit bonds for high-speed rail projects. Need for the United States Congress and the White House to agree on an omnibus spending and tax package; Strong endorsement by the Bill Clinton Administration.

Presents news items concerning the construction industry in different countries. Amount of steel consumed by the industry in the United States; Awarding of the contract to design, build, operate and maintain a rapid transit line in South Korea to a consortium led by Canada's Bombardier Transportation and South Korea's Kumho Industrial Co.; Great Britain-based Kvaerner E&C's contract for a mining project in Bolivia.

Focuses on the funds provided by the Pennsylvania General Assembly to help Maglev Inc. and the Port Authority of Allegheny County capture the federally authorized high-speed maglev project. Details on the Pennsylvania Project; Companies and local transportation agencies that are part of the project; Goals of the project.

Describes travel between Brussels, Belgium and Paris, France aboard the high-speed Thalys train. Travel time; Frequency of service aiding the trend of travelers' day trips; Price structure and meal-service schedule of the train. INSET: Train gets there in nothing flat..

Reports that in the United States, high-speed ground transportation is increasing, with reference to the 15th annual High Speed Ground Transportation Association conference in Chicago, Illinois. Comments made by Jolene Molitoris, head of the United States Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration; Indication of the consideration for the revamp of the transportation spending bill.

Discusses the features of segmented-rail phased-induction motor (Seraphim) trains. Alternative to magnetic-levitation designs; Turbine-powered pulsed electromagnet in the locomotive; Motive efficiency.

The article reports on the emergence of high-speed trains propelled by magnetic levitation (maglev) in the U.S. American firms are being encouraged to work with state and local governments to build different maglev systems in different places. The market would determine which system works best. Under the second option, the agencies would ask industry to design advanced maglev systems. The third option would open the way for American firms to install adaptations of maglev systems developed by foreigners.

Reports on the success of a 30-mile test section of high-speed service on Amtrak Inter City's Detroit-to-Chicago route. Comments made by March Magliari, manager of medica relations for Amtrak; Plans of Amtrak company and the Michigan Department of Transportation; Requirements for high-speed rails.

Focuses on the proposal of a group of Canadian and international companies to build and operate a high-speed passenger rail system from Toronto to Quebec City. Cost of the project; Attempt to become closer to a rail system that will connect Toronto with Montreal; Companies who initiated the proposal.