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A high-speed train

High Speed Rail

Library Article

Quick Facts

Setting: Intercity transport
Station spacing: 5-200 mi
Maximum speeds: 120-350 mph
Upper route ability: 10,000 passengers per hour
Typical daytime frequency: 15-60 mins

High speed rail is a term used to define long-distance commuter rail, typically operated using electric traction over standard steel rails. A high-speed rail network exists across much of Europe (especially EU member nations), as well as in Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea.

In the US, Amtrak's Acela service on the Northeast Corridor, between Boston, MA, and Washington, DC, in many ways centered on New York, NY is considered "high-speed rail," and is highly competitive with air travel, but does not reach nearly the speeds lines constructed for the purpose overseas regularly operate.

Benefits

Where do we begin?

High-speed rail connects cities large and small conveniently, at little cost, and much faster than cars (and often air travel) can take you.

Unlike airports, trains can stop in the centers of cities and towns, where people want to go. The time to get through a train station and onto a train is much lesser than what is possible with air travel (especially since airports are rarely located in city centers), which is why flying from New York to Boston doesn't save much time over riding the Acela Express.

High-speed rail provides a key component in a proper regional transportation network. In theory, one should be able to leave home in St. Louis, ride bus or light rail to the downtown train station, and be in downtown Chicago in just a few short hours. Imagine the implications of a truly connected Midwest--stronger business, better economies, lesser cost for stress-free travel.

In many parts of the world high-speed trains already play a role similar to how we use Interstates for long-distance travel, but without the burden of needing a car.

Considerations

To lay high-speed rail infrastructure, modern welded rail techniques must be used to ensure a smooth and safe ride, and, in areas where trains can reach top speeds, trains need to not be interacting with other kinds of rail traffic (such as how commuter lines share tracks with freight trains), and at-grade crossings with streets are not recommended.

To reach high speeds, conversion of existing railways for high-speed operation can require substantial modification and land acquisition, due to the need for gentle turns and otherwise straight track. In places where turns allow for high speeds but may be uncomfortable to riders, vehicles can have mechanisms to tilt the cars to counteract the feel of the change of direction.

Despite the need for special investment in this very special mode of transit, it's most important to note that high-speed rail gets people from where they are to where they want to go fast, without local pollution, quietly, and safely.

Examples