The 'Optimum'Speed Concept in High Speed Railways

摘要

As a complex concept, 'optimum speed' involves a large number of parameters. In the field of transportation, the experience says, that every mode is meeting their particular optimal value taking into account different variables. Historically, technological innovations have been continuously introducing improvements looking for more efficient systems. Many of these technological improvements have allowed vehicles running faster and faster. It' s well known that not always the maximum speed is the optimum speed. Railway is the exception as it' s the only transportation mode continuously taking advantage of the technological innovations in terms of maximum speeds.