There has been an encouraging awareness of the need for more sustainable transportation particularly for freight transport that has resulted from the continuing increases in global trade and business internationalisation. This is mainly driven by the related issues concerning greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuel. The expansion in the worldwide high-speed railway (HSR) systems has provided a reliable opportunity for freight transportation. The HSR has the ability to move goods in a more efficient, safe and cost-effective way, which can improve trade links in Europe and the rest of the world. Many countries have developed HSR systems, but such systems are mostly used for passenger transport despite their haulage capacity. This research investigates the future possibility of shifting freight from airlines onto HSR, by analysing the operational and technical constraints associated with freight traffic. Most of the data were gathered from online sources and related research publications concerning a selected set of worldwide HSR systems. The outcome of this research may contribute to the development of suitable solutions that may improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of transport systems.

The environmental, economic and social impacts associated with the continuing increase in the global freight transport has necessitated more than ever the need for a more effective and sustainable freight transport system. High Speed Railways (HSR) may provide the solution as they have the ability to move goods quickly, safely and economically which can sufficiently improve the trade links within vast regions such as the European Union and extend that to Asian countries. The major issues concerning freight transport are greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuel which mean that railway freight transport particularly HSR freight would be the most competitive mode. Many countries have invested in developing HSR but at present, HSR is more regularly used for passengers than for freight although there are an increasing number of countries who operate HSR freight services. Some HSR systems are not profitable as the demand for travel is not sufficient and there is a significant larger haulage capacity available, and thus they need additional funding from governments. Shifting freight from roads onto railways will improve the economic performance of HSR, reduce the amount of fuel used by the transport industry and reduce the greenhouse gas emission. This research considers the future trends and possibilities of shifting freight from roads to HSR lines and analyses the operational and technological constrains concerning freight traffic and the corresponding capabilities of HSR. Most of the data and information used in the research are gathered from relevant online sources including in depth research of the HSR in selected countries, available railway statistics and European and Institutional publications. The expected outcome of this research may contribute to developing more suitable means to improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of HSR particularly for freight transport.

High-speed railways can move passengers and goods cost-effectively and sustainably. However, there is a need to consider the objectives of high-speed rail (HSR) systems and to analyse eventual public benefits in order to minimise economic risk. Currently, there are three major HSR systems in development around the world – Rail Baltica in northern Europe, California High-Speed Rail (CAHSR) in the USA and High Speed Two (HS2) in the UK. In this paper, the benefits of investment in these three projects are investigated and possible consequences and expected outcomes are evaluated. The key influencing factors of HSR sustainability are considered, such as changes in population, population density, ability to pay, the type of energy used and existing railway networks. Data envelopment analysis was used to evaluate the ‘technical efficiency’ of the selected schemes. This type of analysis has been widely used before to benchmark performance and determine best practice. The expected outcome of this research is better understanding of the demand for railway services and of the economic, social and environmental aspects of the sustainability of Rail Baltica, CAHSR and HS2.

The continuing rise of population and globalisation have a large impact on the transport system. Railway transport, particularly High-Speed Railways (HSR) offers many advantages compared with other modes of transportation. HSR can reduce the amount of pollution from transport and ease congestion on roads and at airports. High speed railways may mean more noise and vibration which reduce the quality of life, disturb sleep and negatively affect health in addition to other impacts on the wild life and nature in general. Therefore, it is very important for the development of HSR systems to consider effective measures to reduce the level of noise and vibration among its most important goals. This paper reports on a research that takes the form of an investigation and critical evaluation of the key existing factors that contribute to noise emissions from HSR and discusses possible ways to reduce them. A comparison of different influential factors and mitigation measures concerning a selected HSR systems will be reported. From the evidence that has been gathered from different sources and related critical evaluations, conclusions can be made to show that in some cases the increases in speed would not only be a threat to the environmental sustainability but also affect the economical sustainability of HSR systems. Most of the findings are based on research by the authors and data gathered from relevant sources including in depth research concerning HSR systems in selected countries, available railway statistics and relevant European and Institutional Publications. The expected outcomes of this research will contribute to the development and advances of more sustainable HSR systems that can meet the growing demand for travel due to the continuing growth in world population and globalization.

Union Internationale des Chemins (UIC) defines the high-speed railway (HSR) as a high-speed railway system that contains the infrastructure and the rolling stock. The infrastructure can be newly built dedicated lines enabled for trains to travel with speed above 250 km/h or upgraded conventional lines with a speed up to 200 or even 220 km/h. HSR requires specially built trains with increased power to weight ratio and must have an in-cab signalling system as traditional signalling systems are incapable of above 200 km/h.