New Study Proposes Rail Modernization Plan to Cut Commute Times Across America
A groundbreaking study, Momentum, from NYU’s Marron Institute, unveils a pragmatic plan to revitalize U.S. passenger rail by focusing on strategic upgrades to existing infrastructure. This approach promises notable time savings and enhanced service without teh exorbitant costs and regulatory hurdles of new high-speed rail projects, potentially revolutionizing commutes and intercity travel for millions of Americans…
Momentum: A Blueprint for Change
The Momentum study, a comprehensive 154-page analysis by the marron Institute at New York University, aims to break this cycle. It proposes a series of reforms centered around a common standard for modernizing existing rail infrastructure. This standard includes electrification, level boarding, and the use of fast-accelerating trains. Implementing this framework would considerably reduce travel times, making train travel a more attractive choice to driving and even flying…
The Four-Pronged Approach to Cutting “Dead Time”
Momentum focuses on minimizing what it calls “dead time”—the cumulative time lost at each stop due to deceleration, boarding/disembarking, and re-acceleration. The framework employs a four-pronged approach to tackle this inefficiency:
- Universal High-Level Platforms: Constructing high-level platforms along improved routes allows for level boarding, eliminating the need for stairs or lifts. This significantly speeds up the boarding process and improves accessibility for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and parents with young children. An example to consider: imagine the difference at a busy station like Penn Station in New York City. Level boarding would transform the passenger experience for all travelers.
Continue reading the Archyde summary of the Momentum report: