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Acela was originally supposed to travel at TGV-class speeds on the Northeast corridor, but I believe it was neutered by noise complaints/regulations which resul
by ericd 17y ago
Acela was originally supposed to travel at TGV-class speeds on the Northeast corridor, but I believe it was neutered by noise complaints/regulations which resulted in it being not much faster than regional service from NYC to Boston (or a bus, for that matter).
It doesn't seem to be a serious priority for the national govt.
- jacquesm 17y agoInteresting, I never knew that. The noise complaints would have to come from people that have experienced the noise though, if they never made it that far that's really strange to see it listed as a reason. The TGV is an amazing bit of engineering, I've made the trip along the elevated sections by car a couple of times and to be overtaken by a train with such a speed difference is really impressive (I live too far away from a connection point so I prefer to take the car). They average about 280 km/h, and even though there definitely is noise I'd rather hear a TGV swooshing by than an aircraft overhead for minutes or a regular passenger train.
- ericd 17y agoI can't seem to find a good source for the noise complaint part, so it may be hearsay (sorry for the potential misinfo). Wiki seems to attribute it mostly to issues with track electrification and some other issues: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acela_Express#High_speed_issues http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acela_Express#High_speed_issues Most of the track is definitely not equal to the special stuff laid down for the TGV's very high speed sections, so I'm sure that's a contributing factor.