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Originally Posted by CZ_in_CO
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That's more along the lines of what Siemens was proposing for the Mountain Air loosing bid. They proposing a sophisticated single-track line with computer controlled double-track passing lines (just as that Hong Kong express line). They proposed trains running on a power source higher than anything outside of what Acela runs on in the NE Corridor, here in the USA. The rolling stock looked very similar to the Hong Kong rolling stock and was proposed to travel at the faster speeds which are just under what is considered to be high speed rail.
However, I do expect custom trains for the Denver airport line. These will be designed for comfort, luggage room and basically for semi-express service between the airport and Union Station. There will be a few other stops, including two very important transfer stations. From what I have read from others, the extra weight needed for FRA-compliance will likely result in a body stripped to it's bones, with flat ends like the Silverliner V.
But what is interesting, is that the EMU trains will never run on shared freight rail tracks. They could have pursued and likely been granted an FRA-waiver and been permitted to use non-FRA compliant trains, which are sleeker, faster and more energy efficient. Unfortunately, from what I have read, this option was never even considered. Early on in the EIS, it was believed that they would be sharing freight rail ROW for most the line and possibly even sharing track with them on a time service split (not operating at the same times on the same tracks). So they eliminated non-FRA compliant trains from any further consideration. Yet as the project and study progressed father, changes were made which should have allowed for the re-consideration of non-FRA compliant vehicle use. It was not, this door was never reopened.
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