An engineer explains what it will take to surpass logistical and political hurdles, and finally bring high-speed rail to Australia.
With the establishment of the High Speed Rail Authority, Australia is one step closer to establishing a high-speed rail (HSR) network.
The potential benefits of HSR are numerous, according to Colin Calder CPEng, Director and Founder of CJC Management.
But Calder, who is Scottish, told create that since he first arrived in Australia 26 years ago, very little has changed in the HSR landscape – despite a number of studies having been completed into the viability of HSR.
“I think that, initially, the cost has put people off,” Calder explained. “And in the past, the technology wasn’t as advanced as it is now. But Japan has had a bullet train running since 1964, and is probably on its third or fourth iteration. The next generation of trains will be maglev – or magnetic levitation – trains, which are quieter and faster than previous models.
“The TGV that was originally set up in France has now expanded across Europe. China is expanding rapidly and is probably at the forefront globally in terms of the total length of its high-speed rail network.”
So what will it take to surpass logistical and political hurdles, and finally implement high-speed rail in Australia? Learn more below.
Featuring infographic design by Nina Armitage.