New Bombardier turbo 'JetTrain' uses conventional diesel, offsets fuel economy penalty with speedier service

Diesel Fuel News, Oct 28, 2002

Passengers willing to pay a few dollars more per trip for "JetTrain," for much faster service, would more than offset the fuel penalty compared to conventional diesel-electrics, Bombardier says. Montreal-based Bombardier hopes to win its first 'JetTrain' contract for a proposed Miami-to-Orlando high-speed rail corridor, which might start construction as early as next year.

Earlier-technology turbo-trains today operate between Albany/New York, and also in France. Besides higher speed (compared to conventional diesel-electric), turbo-power offers much lower emissions than diesel, and performance is similar to overhead catenary-electric trains. Electrification of a high-speed rail corridor is expensive; turbo-trains can achieve the same service for about 25% of the capital cost, Bombardier estimates. Noise levels are within Federal Railroad Administration limits both at idle and at speed, so neighbors wo n't feel that the rail lines have suddenly been converted to screaming jet airport runways. On a per-passenger-mile basis, 'JetTrain' is lower in total emissions than competing modes such as automobile or air travel, Bombardier says.