Quote:

Synonymouse
:Hell, BART could demand it be built to broad gauge."

I hope you meant that in jest.

The whole point of high speed rail (as opposed to maglev, monorials, etc.) is that the trains can operate into cities on existing rights of way and serve existing stations.

Yes, the trains operate on existing lines at slower speeds, but this maintains the connectivity of the rail network.


In Europe, there are generally three categories of lines used by high speed trains:

Legacy: The old lines, which, due to location and existing terrain and proximity to stations cannot be upgraded for higher speed operations. Lines shared with standard passenger trains (and sometimes freight). Top speeds typically in 60 mph range.

Upgraded: Existing lines which have had the infrastructure (including signaling) improved so that higher speed operations are possible. Top speeds in the 100-120 mph range. Tracks are shared with conventional passenger equipment which is able to operate in this speed range. Tracks are sometimes used by intermodal and priority freight trains at night. All motive power used on these lines typically has to have advanced cab signals.

Dedicated: High-speed lines intended solely for high-speed passenger trains operating at 150 mph and higher. The only non-passenger trains on these lines are work trains. (But, again, work trains can travel over standard lines to reach the high-speed lines and some of the same track equipment can still be used.)


In an emergency, high-speed passenger trains can be detoured over standard tracks on legacy lines..

Again, in Europe, where almost all lines are electrified, this is no problem.


Yes, in the U.S., we currently (no pun intended) have very little railroad electrification. But that is likely to increase in the future.

But, again, in an emergency and for original delivery of new high-speed equipment, you can run the equipment over standard lines by coupling a diesel in front. (Before Acela went into service, Amtrak took a demo train to several locations that were not electrified -- including Richmond, Va., where I visited and photographed the equipment -- by hauling it with a diesel. The equipment was able to accept HEP from the diesel.

Photo of Acela cab while coupled to diesel: http://www.robl.w1.com/pix-5/I-001380.htm

Photos of European high-speed rail: http://www.robl.w1.com/Pix-2/high-spd.htm

-- Ernest