The environmental, energy, and economic benefits of specific, though different, proposed state-wide high-speed rail (HSR) systems, to be combined with a proposal for a regional magnetically levitated (maglev) train under review in Florida, are examined. One of the HSR proposals and the maglev system are projected to be fully authorised within the next 18 months and operational by the 1994-1996 period. The specifics of each applicant's proposals are integrated into a complex computer model reflecting different (a) technologies and speeds, (b) energy demands and other resource needs, (c) system service-level characteristics, (d) ridership levels, and (e) modal splits, combined with (f) other system differences. This computer model then integrates the unique (a) fuel consumption and (b) emission levels of the actual electrical generation grid supplying the HSR and maglev systems in central and south Florida. Finally, the model quantitatively combines these data with equivalent emissions, energy, and other systems information on automobile and airplane transportation modes. These data and pertinent user characteristics enable the model to estimate precise environmental, energy, and economic benefits (expressed in 1990 dollars) for each unique HSR and maglev transportation system for the year 1990 alone.
Abstract