AECOM has published a new report presenting the future of high-speed rail delivery.
The report, entitled From Vision to Reality, is based on research conducted with 112 industry decision-makers involved in high-speed rail projects globally. It explores a successful roadmap for delivering modern, integrated and sustainable high-speed rail services.
Specifically, the research presented in the report found that economic growth, technology, adaptability and on-time completion are the most critical success factors in the first year of high-speed rail operation.
In the five-to-ten-year period following launch, the top success factors then shift to passenger experience and adaptability, while the impact of project delays becomes less important.
In addition, success factors varied widely by region:
- Europe’s primary success factors included reducing air/vehicle traffic, using the latest technology, and future adaptability
- In North America, key factors were regional economic growth, use of the latest technology, and passenger experience
- For the Asia and Pacific region, on-time completion, low environmental impact, and social benefits were the top key success factors
“Through our extensive experience guiding clients across all stages of HSR delivery, we are finding that the global push toward the energy transition is propelling significant interest in this low-carbon mode of transportation. With such unprecedented demand and new funding opportunities worldwide, we’re excited to present this first-of-its-kind playbook to provide a comprehensive view of best practices that can accelerate the growth of HSR globally.”
AECOM’s report explores several best practices to streamline high-speed rail delivery and facilitate the expansion of networks globally. This includes:
- Long-term decisive political leadership
- New funding models
- Greater trans-regional and international cooperation
- New design and construction
- Increased collaboration and industry outreach
- User-centric design and engagement
- Design to cost (DTC) and disciplined cost control
The data is supported by interviews from leaders across major high-speed rail organisations, including Adif, High Speed 1, Brightline, the California High-Speed Rail Authority, NEOM, and China Railway Construction Company International (CRCCI).
“Our integrated transportation networks continue to evolve rapidly, and high-speed rail has a crucial role to play in this ongoing transformation. It’s our hope that, through better understanding of the opportunities and challenges attached to these mega projects, that existing networks can expand, and proposed networks can move from vision to reality, helping create thriving, connected communities.”
The From Vision to Reality report can be read here, while a promotional video can be viewed here.
