High speed rail trends, technologies and operational patterns: a comparison of established and emerging networks

Summary. This paper is set within the framework of the RailNewcastle Summer School program 2014 run by Newcastle University (UK). It presents a short history of high speed rail describing its main design and operational characteristics. The focus of the paper is on assessing the two key distinct models emerging from this trend: the Japanese or Shinkansen model and the French or TGV model. The study then applies these two models to an emerging high speed network such as the planned corridors in California (U.S.) to assess the extent of applicability and suitability of applying established high speed models to the Californian network. The results suggest that a suitable possibility would be to apply the French model for the operational aspects given the similarities in terms of geography, population distribution and distance. Implementing the lessons learned from the Japanese model in terms of construction and infrastructure design would be more suitable given the striking similarities in geological characteristics linked to the latent earthquake threat.