High-speed rail to bring big benefits to small railroads

— by Katie Berk, Assistant Editor

While the Class Is are dealing with the challenges that go along with allowing high-speed passenger trains to operate on freight tracks, some short lines are envisioning benefits from high-speed rail for themselves, as well as for the states they're partnering with.

New England Central Railroad (NECR) is working with the Vermont Agency of Transportation on its plans to run 79 mph passenger trains along the freight railroad's track between St. Albans and the Massachusetts state line.

Although the short line doesn't stand to make much money from the high-speed service — it'll only be paid for maintenance fees and incentive payments for running trains on time — there's a potential payoff from the high-speed plan in the form of infrastructure improvements, says Charles Hunter, director of state relations- east for NECR's parent firm RailAmerica Inc.

As a result of improvements required to run the high-speed trains, each of NECR's bridges will be upgraded to handle freight cars carrying weight up to the national limit of 286,000 pounds.

And though there are concerns about the added traffic, "we try to fit the passenger trains in with the freight trains and as long as that's possible, it's a win-win for us and the state," says Hunter.

North Carolina Railroad Co. (NCRR) officials believe they've found a win-win situation, as well. North Carolina DOT is proposing to run passenger trains at 79 mph, with a future increase to 90 mph, along NCRR's track from Charlotte to Raleigh. To make it happen, NCDOT will need to install 25 miles of new signaled double track, six new bridges to eliminate grade crossings and three miles of passing tracks. The investment in high-speed rail will mean a healthier network — including more capacity for freight and fluidity of service, says NCRR President Scott Saylor.

Mission Statement

Improving passenger service in North Carolina is in tune with the original mission of NCRR, he says. The 160-year-old company was created as a vehicle for economic development in the state.

As North Carolina becomes more urbanized, economic development means not only improved freight service, but improved passenger service, as well, says Saylor.

"Better passenger service throughout the state, a healthier network and capital investments in track improvements and bridges helps everyone," he says.

But NCRR is going one step further: The railroad is providing 10 percent private matching capital on grants NCDOT receives from the Federal Railroad Administration.

On top of the improvements being made to their networks, the attention high-speed rail is bringing to all railroads is a benefit in and of itself, short liners say.

"We're very pleased to see that the public sector is recognizing the importance of passenger and freight service," says Hunter.