A systems evaluation of high speed rail for the Texas Triangle

Abstract

This dissertation describes and compares simulations of operation of different high speed rail technologies on alternative rights-of-way in the Texas Triangle which connect Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Proposals for high speed rail on existing rights-of-way must consider geometric constraints. It was concluded that cross-sectional geometry would allow construction of a high speed rail line along the majority of the rights-of-way. A microcomputer was used to apply the operations research technique of simulation to predict train operation over proposed routes on the Texas Triangle. The deterministic simulation program was used to investigate different types of high speed train technologies operating on interstate highway medians and the former Rock Island right-of-way. Results of the simulation runs demonstrated that comfort and curvature limitations prevented full utilization of speeds as high as 350 mph, and that lower speeds (around 200 mph) appear to be more appropriate, given the existing geometric constraints. The study concluded that high speed rail passenger service is technically feasible on existing rights-of-way in Texas.