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What is High-Speed Rail?
Defining high-speed rail has become much like defining art: "I'm not sure what it is, but I'll know it when I see it."
Purists define high-speed rail as new trains running on dedicated track operating at speeds in excess of 150mph. This definition fails to recognize that high-speed trains spend much of their time operating on mixed-use lines, often on lines shared with freight trains.
Others define high-speed as 125 mph and above. By this definition, Amtrak's Acela and Regional trains fit the bill. MARC's Washington - Baltimore commuter trains and NJ Transit's NE Corridor commuter trains also meet this requirement.
Many people refer to 110 mph trains as high-speed. (Under current federal regulations 110 mph is the fastest a train can cross a highway at grade.) Under this definition, there were high-speed trains radiating out from Chicago in the late-1930's.
The Federal Railroad Administration defines high-speed as anything faster than driving. Under this definition, Amtrak's Southwest Chief, which operates at 90mph in some segments, qualifies as high-speed between Chicago and Kansas City.
A better way to think about high-speed rail is to consider the highway network. Vehicles use an extensive network of feeders (local and arterial roads) to connect to high-volume, high-speed trunks (interstate highways).
High-speed lines function are like the interstate highways. Conventional tracks are the local and arterial roads. High-speed trains use commuter and freight lines as feeders to reach city centers. They also travel far from high-speed lines to reach cities that aren't yet on the high-speed network.
The Midwest needs to build both the feeders and the trunks.
The Midwest High Speed Rail Association is building political support for an aggressive railroad infrastructure investment program, with the specific type of track fitting the local needs.
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