^
I did some research on average speeds of a couple of train routes (with lower top speed than the Acela) in Europe, and this is what I came up with. Distances are from Google Maps, so the average speed isn't entirely accurate, but it's a rough estimation. Train times are from the operator's websites.
London, UK to Liverpool, UK (Virgin, Pendolino)
Top speed: 125 mph
210 miles
2h 8m
Average speed: 98 mph
Stockholm, Sweden to Gothenburg, Sweden (SJ, X2000)
Top speed: 125 mph
292 miles (468 km)
3h 2m
Average speed: 96 mph
Krakow, Poland to Warsaw, Poland (PKP, Express Intercity)
Top speed: 100 mph
183 miles (293 km)
2h 31m
Average speed: 73 mph
For comparison:
Boston, MA to Washington, DC (Amtrak, Acela Express)
Top speed: 150 mph
457 miles
6h 32m
Average speed: 70 mph
So the average speed of the Acela is lower than a train with a top speed of 100 mph.
The average speed is what really matters, Amtrak really needs to fix all those slow areas...
Last edited by Mad_Nick; Feb 17, 2010 at 4:46 PM.
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