By: J Howard Harding

J Howard Harding
Thu, 16 Oct 2014 19:46:48 +0000

Confusion raineth regarding the term “high speed rail”. The generally accepted standard around the world is above 125 miles per hour. Typical European HSR speeds exceed 150 mph; a few exceed 200 mph. Japanese HSR started at 125 mph in the 1960s; now at least 180 mph. Chinese HSR operates at up to 220 mph.

As I understand it, the proposed Columbus – Chicago rail passenger service would operate at a maximum speed of 110 mph, and thus is not truly high speed. Regular Amtrak intercity trains across Ohio and much of the nation operate at a top speed of 79 mph, but rarely average more than 50 mph when station-stop delays are included. Amtrak’s fastest trains operate at speeds up to 150 mph between Boston MA and Washington DC.