Performance-based Technology Scanning for Intercity Rail Passenger Systems

Performance-Based Technology Scanning (PBTS) is a methodology for identifying areas where new technologies can have greatest performance benefits in terms of reducing costs, increasing market share, and achieving higher profitability. New technologies, however exciting, are germane only if important improvements in performance are realized. Utility analyses quantify the impact that technology change will have on performance from the customer’s viewpoint. Improving utility is a much better objective than trying to increase train speed or door-to-door travel time. It may be easier to save time by improving access than by increasing speed, and it may be easier to increase utility by providing services than by saving time. The railroads should stay focused on the main issue – transporting passengers and express freight from origin to destination and invest in technologies for greatest return.