Amtrak's potential high-speed rail network along the Northeast Corridor could be realized for roughly $17 billion, significantly lower than its existing $117 billion plan. By synchronizing high-speed, regional, and commuter trains, leveraging existing international technology, and investing in $12.5 billion of infrastructure and $4.5 billion in train sets, travel times between major cities could plunge to under two hours. Effective coordination of existing commuter services is crucial to the planâs success, streamlining operations and making scheduling efficient for all types of trains.
The plan isn't wishful thinking. It relies on reimagining the rail line as a coordinated dance of high-speed, regional and commuter trains, off-the-shelf electric multiple unit trains and proven technology from Europe and Japan.
An investment of about $12.5 billion in infrastructure and $4.5 billion in high-speed train sets could enable travel between New York and Boston or Washington in under two hours.
Coordinating commuter and high-speed trains is essential; the study envisions frequent, all-day commuter rail service with standardized station stopping patterns.
High-speed trains would make fewer stops than Amtrak's current high-speed Acela trains, simplifying scheduling and further reducing schedule padding.
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