Section 684 - Powers and dutiesThe commission shall have the overall responsibility, power and duty to investigate, study and make recommendations concerning the need for and establishment and operation of a high speed intercity rail passenger system in the Commonwealth. The commission shall, without limiting its authority to study related subjects, address the following specific areas and issues:
(1) The need and demand for high speed intercity rail service in the Commonwealth.(2) The level of high speed rail service required to meet the need for such service.(3) System, equipment, roadbed, right-of-way and other technical and technological options such as electrification.(4) Location and extent of the specific routes in the system.(5) Cost of implementing the system.(6) Economic impact of the system.(7) Financing, ownership and operating options for the system.(8) Impact and interaction of the system on existing freight rail operations and on existing or proposed rail passenger systems.(9) Present or proposed operation of similar systems in the United States and in other countries.(10) Issues and problems relating to local and commuter rail service including funding.1981, Dec. 22, P.L. 518, No. 144, § 4, imd. effective.