Safety of High-Speed Ground Transportation Systems

Amtrak is planning to provide high-speed passenger train service at speeds significantly higher than their current top speed of 125 mph, and with these higher speeds, there are concerns with safety from the aerodynamic effects created by a passing train. Trains operating at high speeds will pass other trains on adjacent tracks, passengers on station platforms, and other equipment and workers along the wayside. The aerodynamic effects created by a passing train include both pressure and induced airflow which can be a potential hazard to equipment and people in proximity to the passing train. This report assesses the potential hazards created from the aerodynamic effects of passing high-speed trains at speeds of 150 mph. It will specifically address the hazards to window glazing on passenger trains and to people on station platforms. A literature review was conducted and many of the data obtained served as a basis for this study.