The problem with high capacity trains is that you need high capacity platforms -- to get passengers on and off them -- at every station stop. And you lose flexibility: a single 1000-seat train every hour is probably less useful than a 500-seat train every half hour.
High speed running means you can in principle put more capacity on the line. In practice, braking distance increases non-linearly so you need to leave bigger gaps. Also, power consumption goes up non-linearly.
The real answer is actually more railway lines -- not just one HS2 line, but 2-3 regular speed lines. But listen to the NIMBY chorus if you propose to build new railways! (As they take up about as much land area as a motorway when you allow for trackside clearances ...)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2013-09-12 09:07 am (UTC)High speed running means you can in principle put more capacity on the line. In practice, braking distance increases non-linearly so you need to leave bigger gaps. Also, power consumption goes up non-linearly.
The real answer is actually more railway lines -- not just one HS2 line, but 2-3 regular speed lines. But listen to the NIMBY chorus if you propose to build new railways! (As they take up about as much land area as a motorway when you allow for trackside clearances ...)