2023 Theses Master's

Shinkansen versus InterCity Express, which Net-work is more suitable for Texas?

Budow, Christian

Texas is the fastest-growing state in the United States by population and economy. Its existing transportation infrastructure cannot keep up with the pace of growth, leading to increased con-gestion problems. Texas Central proposes a high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston as a solution. This paper researches if this proposal can solve congestion between Dallas and Hou-ston and, in a larger context, Texas.

First, it examines the existing passenger traffic flows and predicts the ridership for a passenger rail network. Then it compares the Japanese and the German approach to high-speed rail. While Japan created a monocentric network, Germany built a polycentric one. The thesis will compare both systems and discusses how their different method to the structure applies to Texas. This paper aims to bring a deeper understanding of high-speed rail networks to Texas and how a sustainable transportation system utilizes all available modes.