Five Questions To: Ignacio Barron de Angoiti (2/2)

Posted on November 1, 2008 by Matthieu Desiderio

Transport Expertise hereby starts a series of specialists interviews with Mr. Ignacio Barron de Angoiti, High Speed Director, International Union of Railways (UIC) discussing the issue of “HSR in Northern America… where and when?”

Q3: Transport-Expertise.org

We presently living in a period of world financial crisis, and California State has a very high debt level. However, voters will decide fate of high-speed rail project in California on the November 4, 2008 ballot…

What would you think the conditions of success be for this mega-project?

A3: Ignacio Barron de Angoiti

The first one, to conceive and present a good project (I suppose this point is already ok).

Second, to convince all public authorities that they must be involved in the project. Not necessarily from the financial point of view, but at least by giving a strong support, and maybe by establishing some concessions or benefits to promoters.

And third, with a very important communication campaign. This is essential for any high-speed project, in order to be understood by Society.

Q4: Transport-Expertise.org

Regulation in Europe will open national markets to competition in 2010, for international routes at first and domestic ones afterwards in 2016.

From the UIC point of view, what could European operators be bringing in the high-speed rail projects development in the United States or Canada (operational and technical experience, best practices, financing, etc.)?

A4: Ignacio Barron de Angoiti

Of course and not only due to European liberalization process.

The United States of America can (and will) benefit from their large experience in high-speed operation.

Q5: Transport-Expertise.org

If you had one advice for transport officials to develop their high-speed rail projects, what would you say?

A5: Ignacio Barron de Angoiti

I should repeat once again the High Speed principles:

1. High speed is a system and consequently it must be considered all the elements (infrastructure, track, rolling stock, maintenance policy, station, marketing, etc.)

2. High speed is totally similar but totally different in all around the world. Consequently it must be adapted to real necessities and preferences of each region or country.

As a conclusion of conclusions, first of all we have to imagine the system already in operation, and then to start the development of, one by one, all the elements.

Good luck!