Recently, I was reviewing rail transportation studies and ran across these average speeds. These numbers are from the American Public Transportation Association, the trade association for public transportation. Given that, these numbers are likely to be on the high side. In addition, the numbers do not include travel time to and from the stations or waiting time at the stations.
Commuter rail 31.5 MPH
Heavy rail 20.4 MPH
Light rail 15.5 MPH
With these blazing speeds, it is little wonder that commuters prefer to use autos. Charlotte and Raleigh should take note, they are being sold expensive 19th century technology. Horse drawn trolleys might even be faster.
