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Railways were the first form of mass land transportation
until the development of the motorcar in the early 20th century.
With increased demand for travel across long distances, the need for additional
capacity presented itself. High-Speed Rail (HSR) lines reduced travel times
dramatically between cities within a few hour commute of one another.
Dr. Hani S. Mahmassani, the William A. Patterson
Distinguished Chair in Transportation at Northwestern University concludes that
people are willing to use HSR travel for four reasons:
- Speed
- Reliability
- Low waiting
time
- Time use in
transit
The European Union defines High-Speed Rail (HSR) as trains
traveling 200km/h (124 mph) for upgraded track and 250km/h (155 mph) or faster
on new track. USDOT definitions include the reasonable expectation that trains,
“reach sustained speeds of more than 125 mph (201km/h),” and the Federal
Railroad Administration uses 110 mph (177km/h) as a speed metric. Innovations introduced
on the interurban scene over 100 years ago that allow for achievement of these
rates of travel include streamlining of train cars and utilization of tracks
with no grade crossing. HSR’s travel at maximum speed on specific tracks that generally
use standard gauge rails with very few curves.
Much of the technology behind high-speed rail is an improved
application of mature standard gauge rail technology. By building a new rail
infrastructure with 20th century engineering the elimination of
constrictions such as roadway crossings, frequent stops, a succession of curves
and reverse curves was accomplished. Also, not sharing right-of-way with
freight or slower passenger trains allows for the maintaining of higher speeds in
the 250-320 km/h (155-199 mph) range. Total cost of ownership of HSR systems is
generally lower than the total costs of competing alternatives highway and air.
Saturation point for train versus air travel generally lies
in the 2-3 hour region and then air loses cost, time and ease of use
advantages. Rail systems are more friendly to the environment than either air
or road travel primarily from displaced usage, rail possess overall lower
energy consumption per passenger mile/km. Another environmentally friendly component
of HSR’s is the reduction in land usage for a given capacity than motorways.
Commercial success of existing lines has inspired countries
to expand HSR networks and those considering projects to start construction.
Dr. Christopher Barkan, Director of the Railroad Engineering Program at the
University of Illinois believes the decision over how to implement expanded
rail is a pressing concern. Using incremental upgrades including curve
straightening, signal control and elimination of grade crossings present one
set of challenges, while building brand new dedicated lines present political,
cost and land acquisition challenges.
When looking at how we deliver on the promise of HSR, Dr.
Mahmassani believes we need to travel, “longer distances using less time,
reliably with a travel environment conducive to productive use of time at a
competitive cost.”
Sources:
http://www.ushsr.com/ushsr
http://beta2.tbo.com/business/business/2010/oct/15/foreign-companies-vying-for-florida-high-speed-rail-ar-23443/
http://cacetf.ft.com/cms/s/0/a04d14cc-310b-11df-b057-00144eabdc0.html#axzz1xkxeft00
http://www.uic-highspeed2010.com
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/25/world/asia/25train.html?ref=asia
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