Improved Passenger Equipment Evaluation Program - Methodology Used in the Train Reviews

You are here: Homepage > Search

Improved Passenger Equipment Evaluation Program - Methodology Used in the Train Reviews

J. A. Bachman / H. C. Meacham / R. A. Uher / R. B. Watson

A number of new passenger train systems have been developed throughout the world and are now, or soon will be, available. They represent technology that is available for possible use in the United States. Starting in early 1977, the Improved Passenger Equipment Evaluation Program (IPEEP) initiated a detailed systematic review of advanced trains and equipment now in operation or under development. IPEEP methodology allows the performance and curving safety of a given trainset to be reviewed relative to a baseline train on an appropriate domestic rail passenger service corridor. The trains reviewed in IPEEP are divided into two categories: electric trains having potential for NEC application, and fuel-burning trains having potential for application on routes outside the NEC. To assess the various trainsets in terms of the United States environment, the features and characteristics of the trains were matched against United States regulations and practices, and computer analyses were conducted to determine the expected performance of the trains in the corridors of interest.