E1005
Committee for the High-Speed Rail IDEA Program

Scope: The committee provides oversight to the High-Speed Rail Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis Program (HSR-IDEA). The IDEA programs explore new concepts and functional discoveries for advanced technologies and user services applied to surface and intermodal transportation practice. The HSR-IDEA is a new addition to the IDEA programs and focuses on technologies for cost-effective and incremental upgrading of the existing U.S. rail system to accommodate higher-speed rail operations up to 125 mph and beyond. The results will contribute to achieving viable high-speed rail transportation in the United States that is safer, faster, more efficient and reliable. The technical areas for the HSR-IDEA program include ITS applications to communication and control systems, grade crossing safety and structural upgrades for the tracks and rolling stock. The committee evaluates and approves all program actions including program strategies and project awards, reviews results and champions the transfer of IDEA products to high-speed rail practice.

Membership

TRB Staff Representative
Stephen R. Godwin
Director, Studies and Special Programs
Transportation Research Board
sGodwin@nas.edu

TRB Staff Representative
Charles Taylor
Rail-IDEA Program Consultant
Transportation Research Board
ctaylor@nas.edu