Could the recent Metrolink accident have occurred on the proposed California high-speed train system?
No. The California high-speed train system would be much safer than conventional intercity and commuter rail services currently in California. Conventional passenger services in California operate on freight railroads, have a mix of rail traffic (heavy freight and passenger), have at-grade crossings with roads and other rail services, are not access controlled, and do not have automated signaling systems. The California high-speed train system would: 1) be completely automated, allowing for centralized command and control of the train system, effectively eliminating the chance of operator error; 2) be completely double-tracked; and 3), not share tracks with conventional freight services.
