High-Speed Rail International Lessons for U.S

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

High-Speed Rail International Lessons for U.S 3ROLF\)RFXV5HSRUW/LQFROQ,QVWLWXWHRI/DQG3ROLF\ High-Speed Rail International Lessons for U.S. Policy Makers PETRA TODOROVICH, DANIEL SCHNED, AND ROBERT LANE High-Speed Rail International Lessons for U.S. Policy Makers Petra Todorovich, Daniel Schned, and Robert Lane Policy Focus Report Series The policy focus report series is published by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy to address timely public policy issues relating to land use, land markets, and property taxation. Each report is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice by combining research findings, case studies, and contributions from scholars in a variety of academic disciplines and from profes- sional practitioners, local officials, and citizens in diverse communities. About This Report This report was prepared with the Regional Plan Association as part of the Lincoln Institute/ Regional Plan Association joint venture partnership known as America 2050. This is the third report on high-speed rail generated by America 2050 since 2009, when the U.S. High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program was launched. The program has made investments of $10.1 billion in high-speed and conventional passenger rail corridors across the country. Previous reports by America 2050 proposed a federal decision-making framework for invest- ments in high-speed rail based on regional factors that contribute to ridership demand, such as population density, employment concentrations, the presence of rail–transit connections, and existing intercity traffic flows. This report assembles key lessons and research on the potential benefits of high-speed rail, drawn from nearly 50 years of experience with this mode of transportation in more than a dozen countries across the globe. Intended for policy makers, professionals, and interested citizens, it documents the approaches to high-speed rail that best leverage public investments for transportation benefits, economic development, and environmental and safety concerns. In the context of a new and controversial U.S. commitment to major high-speed rail projects, such as the statewide California system, this report offers recommendations for federal policy and explores various funding and financing strategies, as well as ideas about station location and design. It points to the Northeast Corridor and California as the two most promising regions in which to pursue high-speed rail initially, and suggests steps toward building support for those projects. Copyright © 2011 by Lincoln Institute of Land Policy All rights reserved. 113 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA 02138-3400, USA Phone: 617-661-3016 or 800-526-3873 Fax: 617-661-7235 or 800-526-3944 ON THE COVER: Email: [email protected] Germany’s Inter-City Express (ICE) high- Web: www.lincolninst.edu speed rail system began operation in 1991. ISBN 978-1-55844-222-1 © COMSTOCK Policy Focus Report/Code PF029 . Contents 2 Executive Summary 4 Chapter 1. International Experience with High-Speed Rail 6 What is High-Speed Rail? 7 High-Speed Rail’s Track Record 8 Prospects for a U.S. System 14 Summary 15 Chapter 2. Potential Benefits of High-Speed Rail 15 Transportation Benefits 16 Economic Benefits 19 Environmental Benefits 21 Summary 22 Chapter 3. U.S. Policy and Programs for High-Speed Rail Investment 23 The Current Legislative and Funding Framework 24 The High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program 26 Federal Rail Policy Challenges 27 Summary 28 Chapter 4. Station Location and Design: A Typology and Case Studies 28 Four European Stations 35 Taking Advantage of Redevelopment Opportunities 36 Summary 37 Chapter 5. The Promise of High-Speed Rail in California and the Northeast Corridor 37 High-Speed Rail Plans in California 39 Current Conditions in the Northeast Corridor 45 Summary 46 Chapter 6. Funding and Financing Options for High-Speed Rail 48 Government Financing Tools 49 Public-Private Partnerships 53 Summary 54 Chapter 7. Recommendations for High-Speed Rail in the United States 57 References 60 About the Authors 60 Acknowledgments 61 About the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, America 2050, and Regional Plan Association TODOROVICH, SCHNED & LANE O HIGH-SPEED RAIL 1 . ([HFXWLYH6XPPDU\ © ISTOCKPHOTO The departures board igh-speed rail has been adopted In 2009–2010, the U.S. Congress appro- at Paris’s Gare du Nord throughout the world, and is priated $10.1 billion for a new high-speed TGV station. now being planned and devel- and intercity passenger rail program. Appli- oped in the United States. Over cations from 39 states requested nearly $75 Hthe past 50 years, U.S. transportation spend- billion, demonstrating broad interest in ing has favored the development of inter- and support for this program. The available state highway and aviation systems. In the funds were awarded to dozens of conven- meantime, countries such as China, Japan, tional intercity passenger rail projects and Spain, France, and Germany have been in- a few dedicated high-speed rail projects in vesting in modern high-speed rail systems 32 states and the District of Columbia, and to satisfy the travel demands of current and those projects are now moving forward. future generations. As the United States em- The U.S. Department of Transportation, barks on the High-Speed Intercity Passenger which manages the passenger rail program, Rail Program launched in 2009, it can learn has adopted a tiered approach, which em- from the experiences of other countries in phasizes investments appropriate to the planning, constructing, and operating different markets and geographies in the high-speed rail. United States. It defines three categories 2 POLICY FOCUS REPORT O LINCOLN INSTITUTE OF LAND POLICY . of passenger rail service that are intended to This report describes several funding strate- work together as a network: Core Express refers gies that have proven to be successful in other to high-speed trains operating on dedicated countries, and makes specific policy recommen- tracks with frequent service; Regional service dations to better position the federal high-speed operates at moderately high speeds and high rail program for success. frequency on shared corridors; and Emerging/ Feeder service is less frequent and connects Strengthen the federal policy and man- smaller and emerging markets to major markets agement framework by expanding the feder- located along Regional and Core Express routes. al role in planning and prioritizing high-speed Decades of international experience with rail corridors and working with the states to high-speed rail suggests that it could create secure rights-of-way. similar transportation, economic, environmen- tal, and safety benefits in American cities and Prioritize corridors that meet investment regions. While it requires high upfront invest- criteria by clarifying the objectives and desired ment, high-speed rail promotes economic growth outcomes of the federal program and promot- by improving market access, boosting produc- ing investments in those corridors that exhibit tivity of knowledge workers, expanding labor the characteristics that are indicative of success. markets, and attracting visitor spending. When planned thoughtfully with complementary in- Establish new mechanisms for corridor vestments in the public realm, high-speed rail management by developing legislation that can promote urban regeneration and attract enables the creation of public infrastructure commercial development, as shown in several corporations that can operate across state and European examples. High-speed rail has greater national borders and attract private investment. operating energy efficiency than competing modes and takes up less land than highways. Plan for maximum land development The initial investment of $10.1 billion in the benefits by coupling high-speed rail station U.S. High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Pro- investments with policies that encourage land gram, after years of minimal federal investment, development around station areas. In general, required that the federal government and par- well-connected stations in center-city locations ticipating states quickly scale up to the challenge offer the greatest potential for urban revitalization. of laying the groundwork for a foundational pro- gram and implementing it at the same time. Focus initially on the Northeast Corridor Those states that had the staff capacity, exper- and California, which offer the best opportu- tise, and experience in rail planning, such as nities for Core Express high-speed rail service in Illinois, North Carolina, and Washington, were the United States, by addressing the management successful in securing high-speed rail grants. and financing challenges each region faces. However, carrying the momentum of this initial investment forward has proven to be a struggle Secure adequate and reliable funding in a difficult fiscal environment, and California by drawing on a full complement of potential is currently the only federally funded Core Express federal, state, and private sources. Such sources high-speed rail project moving forward. In 2011, could include increasing existing transportation- Congress voted to strip funding from the program. related fees (such as a portion of the gas tax or The expiration of the legislation authorizing the ticket surcharges), creating an infrastructure high-speed rail program in 2013 may provide bank, forging public-private partnerships, and an opportunity to consider policy changes. expanding existing credit assistance programs. TODOROVICH, SCHNED & LANE O HIGH-SPEED RAIL 3 . CHAPTER 1 International
Recommended publications
  • Ron Degraw Transit Collection 2397
    Ron Degraw Transit Collection 2397 This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on September 14, 2021. Description is written in: English. Describing Archives: A Content Standard Manuscripts and Archives PO Box 3630 Wilmington, Delaware 19807 [email protected] URL: http://www.hagley.org/library Ron Degraw Transit Collection 2397 Table of Contents Summary Information .................................................................................................................................... 3 Biographical Note .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Scope and Content ......................................................................................................................................... 4 Administrative Information ............................................................................................................................ 5 Related Materials ........................................................................................................................................... 5 Controlled Access Headings .......................................................................................................................... 6 Collection Inventory ....................................................................................................................................... 6 SEPTA ........................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Harrisburg Line Capacity Improvements Upgrade of Track 2 from Glen Interlocking to Thorn Interlocking
    HARRISBURG LINE CAPACITY IMPROVEMENTS UPGRADE OF TRACK 2 FROM GLEN INTERLOCKING TO THORN INTERLOCKING FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION FEDERAL-STATE PARTNERSHIP FOR STATE OF GOOD REPAIR PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION Lead Applicant: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Joint Applicant: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) FEDERAL FUNDING REQUESTED: $8,337,500 (50%) PROPOSED NON-FEDERAL MATCH: $8,337,500 (50%) TOTAL PROJECT COST: $16,675,000 PROJECT LOCATION: Caln Township, Downingtown Borough, East Caln Township, West Whiteland Township, & East Whiteland Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania - 6th Congressional District No Federal Grant Application Previously Submitted for this Project Table of Contents I. Project Summary .................................................................................................................................. 1 II. Project Funding ..................................................................................................................................... 2 III. Applicant Eligibility ............................................................................................................................... 3 IV. NEC Project Eligibility ........................................................................................................................... 3 V. Detailed Project Description ................................................................................................................ 5 VI. Project Location .................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Union Station Conceptual Engineering Study
    Portland Union Station Multimodal Conceptual Engineering Study Submitted to Portland Bureau of Transportation by IBI Group with LTK Engineering June 2009 This study is partially funded by the US Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration. IBI GROUP PORtlAND UNION STATION MultIMODAL CONceptuAL ENGINeeRING StuDY IBI Group is a multi-disciplinary consulting organization offering services in four areas of practice: Urban Land, Facilities, Transportation and Systems. We provide services from offices located strategically across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. JUNE 2009 www.ibigroup.com ii Table of Contents Executive Summary .................................................................................... ES-1 Chapter 1: Introduction .....................................................................................1 Introduction 1 Study Purpose 2 Previous Planning Efforts 2 Study Participants 2 Study Methodology 4 Chapter 2: Existing Conditions .........................................................................6 History and Character 6 Uses and Layout 7 Physical Conditions 9 Neighborhood 10 Transportation Conditions 14 Street Classification 24 Chapter 3: Future Transportation Conditions .................................................25 Introduction 25 Intercity Rail Requirements 26 Freight Railroad Requirements 28 Future Track Utilization at Portland Union Station 29 Terminal Capacity Requirements 31 Penetration of Local Transit into Union Station 37 Transit on Union Station Tracks
    [Show full text]
  • Published by the Friends of Philadelphia Trolleys, Inc. Volume 11, Number 2 Spring 2017
    Published by the Friends of Philadelphia Trolleys, Inc. Volume 11, Number 2 Spring 2017 By Harry Donahue Photos by Harry Donahue and Bill Monaghan ver the past winter, the Friends of Philadelphia Trolleys awarded grants to O trolleys in four different museums. Continuing our current effort to raise funding, a grant of $1,000.00 was given for ex-PTC Brill car Square Rail Museum on West Chester Pike in #8042 at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. The grant is being delayed by FPT until the late Newtown Square. Although Car #23 will be a summer. At this time, the annual Washington static display and not actually operate, FPT County Matching Grant program will made an exception in the case in giving this commences, thus allowing the grant amount to grant because another $500.00 grant was given be matched. If you would like to help increase the amount of the grant, please use the attached donation form for 8042. Help to get this wonderful old Brill Peter Witt car back in service at PTM. A grant of $500.00 was awarded on behalf of Red Arrow “St. Louie” #23 now at the Newtown to Brilliner #8 now at Shore Line Trolley Museum (Branford, Connecticut). There are several Red Arrow cars at Branford, but #8 is probably closest to operating condition. And finally, another $500.00 was awarded to the seat renewal project for Philadelphia Transportation Company’s PCC #2743 at the Rockhill Trolley Museum. All the refurbished seats have been returned to the car and are awaiting installation. This last grant will help pay the final bills on the project.
    [Show full text]
  • Bus and Shared-Ride Taxi Use in Two Small Urban Areas
    Bus and Shared-Ride Taxi Use in Two Small Urban Areas David P. Middendorf, Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Company Kenneth W. Heathington, University of Tennessee The demand for publicly owned fixed-route. fixed-schedule bus service are used for work and business-related trips to and was compared with tho demand for privately owned shared-ride taxi ser­ within CBDs and for short social, shopping, medical, vice in Davenport. Iowa, and Hicksville, New York, through on-board and personal business trips. surveys end cab company dispatch records and driver logs. The bus and In many small cities and in many suburbs of large slmrcd·ride taxi systems in Davenport com11eted for the off.peak-period travel market. During off-peak hours, the taxis tended to attract social· metropol.il;e:H!:i, l.lus~s nd taxicabs operate within tlie recreation, medical, and per onal business trips between widely scattered same jlu·isclictions and may compete for the same public origins and destinations, while the buses tended 10 attract shopping and transportation market. Two examples of small commu­ personal business trips to the CBD. The shared-ride taxi system in Hicks· nities in which buses and ta.xis coexist are Davenport, ville, in addition to providing many-to·many service, competed with the Iowa, and Hicksville, New York. The markets, eco­ counlywide bus system as a feeder system to the Long Island commuter nomic characteristics, organization, management, and railroad network. In each study area, the markets of each mode of public operation of the taxicab systems sel'Ving these commu­ transportation were similar.
    [Show full text]
  • Eurostar, the High-Speed Passenger Rail Service from the United Kingdom to Lille, Paris, Brussels And, Today, Uniquely, to Cannes
    YOU R JOU RN EY LONDON TO CANNES . THE DAVINCI ONLYCODEIN cinemas . LONDON WATERLOO INTERNATIONAL Welcome to Eurostar, the high-speed passenger rail service from the United Kingdom to Lille, Paris, Brussels and, today, uniquely, to Cannes . Eurostar first began services in 1994 and has since become the air/rail market leader on the London-Paris and London-Brussels routes, offering a fast and seamless travel experience. A Eurostar train is around a quarter of a mile long, and carries up to 750 passengers, the equivalent of twojumbojets. 09 :40 Departure from London Waterloo station. The first part of ourjourney runs through South-East London following the classic domestic line out of the capital. 10:00 KENT REGION Kent is the region running from South-East London to the white cliffs of Dover on the south-eastern coast, where the Channel Tunnel begins. The beautiful rolling countryside and fertile lands of the region have been the backdrop for many historical moments. It was here in 55BC that Julius Caesar landed and uttered the famous words "Veni, vidi, vici" (1 came, l saw, 1 conquered). King Henry VIII first met wife number one, Anne of Cleaves, here, and his chieffruiterer planted the first apple and cherry trees, giving Kent the title of the 'Garden ofEngland'. Kent has also served as the setting for many films such as A Room with a View, The Secret Garden, Young Sherlock Holmes and Hamlet. 10:09 Fawkham Junction . This is the moment we change over to the high-speed line. From now on Eurostar can travel at a top speed of 186mph (300km/h).
    [Show full text]
  • Intercity Bus Transportation System and Its Competition in Malaysia
    Proceedings of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies, Vol.8, 2011 Intercity Bus Transportation System and its competition in Malaysia Bayu Martanto ADJI Angelalia ROZA PhD Candidate Masters Candidate Center for Transportation Research Center for Transportation Research Faculty of Engineering Faculty of Engineering University of Malaya University of Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Fax: +603-79552182 Fax: +603-79552182 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Raja Syahira RAJA ABDUL AZIZ Mohamed Rehan KARIM Masters Candidate Professor Center for Transportation Research Center for Transportation Research Faculty of Engineering Faculty of Engineering University of Malaya University of Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Fax: +603-79552182 Fax: +603-79552182 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Abstract : Intercity transportation in Malaysia is quite similar to other countries, which involve three kinds of modes, namely, bus, rail and air. Among these modes, bus transportation continues to be the top choice for intercity travelers in Malaysia. Bus offers more flexibility compared to the other transport modes. Due to its relatively cheaper fare as compared to the air transport, bus is more affordable to those with low income. However, bus transport service today is starting to face higher competition from rail and air transport due to their attractive factors. The huge challenge faced by intercity bus transport in Malaysia is the management of its services. The intercity bus transport does not fall under one management; unlike rail transport which is managed under Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), or air transport which is managed under Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).
    [Show full text]
  • Signalling on the High-Speed Railway Amsterdam–Antwerp
    Computers in Railways XI 243 Towards interoperability on Northwest European railway corridors: signalling on the high-speed railway Amsterdam–Antwerp J. H. Baggen, J. M. Vleugel & J. A. A. M. Stoop Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands Abstract The high-speed railway Amsterdam (The Netherlands)–Antwerp (Belgium) is nearly completed. As part of a TEN-T priority project it will connect to major metropolitan areas in Northwest Europe. In many (European) countries, high-speed railways have been built. So, at first sight, the development of this particular high-speed railway should be relatively straightforward. But the situation seems to be more complicated. To run international services full interoperability is required. However, there turned out to be compatibility problems that are mainly caused by the way decision making has taken place, in particular with respect to the choice and implementation of ERTMS, the new European railway signalling system. In this paper major technical and institutional choices, as well as the choice of system borders that have all been made by decision makers involved in the development of the high-speed railway Amsterdam–Antwerp, will be analyzed. This will make it possible to draw some lessons that might be used for future railway projects in Europe and other parts of the world. Keywords: high-speed railway, interoperability, signalling, metropolitan areas. 1 Introduction Two major new railway projects were initiated in the past decade in The Netherlands, the Betuweroute dedicated freight railway between Rotterdam seaport and the Dutch-German border and the high-speed railway between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the Dutch-Belgian border to Antwerp (Belgium).
    [Show full text]
  • Robustness of Railway Rolling Stock Speed Calculation Using Ground Vibration Measurements
    Heriot-Watt University Research Gateway Robustness of railway rolling stock speed calculation using ground vibration measurements Citation for published version: Kouroussis, G, Connolly, D, Laghrouche, O, Forde, MC, Woodward, PK & Verlinden, O 2015, 'Robustness of railway rolling stock speed calculation using ground vibration measurements', MATEC Web of Conferences, vol. 20, 07002. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/20152007002 Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 10.1051/matecconf/20152007002 Link: Link to publication record in Heriot-Watt Research Portal Document Version: Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record Published In: MATEC Web of Conferences Publisher Rights Statement: Open access General rights Copyright for the publications made accessible via Heriot-Watt Research Portal is retained by the author(s) and / or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing these publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. Take down policy Heriot-Watt University has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the content in Heriot-Watt Research Portal complies with UK legislation. If you believe that the public display of this file breaches copyright please contact [email protected] providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Download date: 26. Sep. 2021 MATEC Web of Conferences 20, 07002 (2015) DOI: 10.1051/matecconf/20152007002 c Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2015 Robustness of railway rolling stock speed calculation using ground vibration measurements Georges Kouroussis1,a, David P. Connolly2,b, Omar Laghrouche2,c, Mike C. Forde3,d, Peter Woodward2,e and Olivier Verlinden1,f 1 University of Mons, Department of Theoretical Mechanics, Dynamics and Vibrations, 31 Boulevard Dolez, 7000 Mons, Belgium 2 Heriot-Watt University, Institute for Infrastructure & Environment, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK 3 University of Edinburgh, Institute for Infrastructure and Environment, Alexander Graham Bell Building, Edinburgh EH9 3JF, UK Abstract.
    [Show full text]
  • B COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2019/2072 of 28 November 2019 Establishing Uniform Conditions for the Implementatio
    02019R2072 — EN — 06.10.2020 — 002.001 — 1 This text is meant purely as a documentation tool and has no legal effect. The Union's institutions do not assume any liability for its contents. The authentic versions of the relevant acts, including their preambles, are those published in the Official Journal of the European Union and available in EUR-Lex. Those official texts are directly accessible through the links embedded in this document ►B COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2019/2072 of 28 November 2019 establishing uniform conditions for the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and the Council, as regards protective measures against pests of plants, and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 690/2008 and amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 (OJ L 319, 10.12.2019, p. 1) Amended by: Official Journal No page date ►M1 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1199 of 13 August L 267 3 14.8.2020 2020 ►M2 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1292 of 15 L 302 20 16.9.2020 September 2020 02019R2072 — EN — 06.10.2020 — 002.001 — 2 ▼B COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2019/2072 of 28 November 2019 establishing uniform conditions for the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and the Council, as regards protective measures against pests of plants, and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 690/2008 and amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 Article 1 Subject matter This Regulation implements Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, as regards the listing of Union quarantine pests, protected zone quarantine pests and Union regulated non-quarantine pests, and the measures on plants, plant products and other objects to reduce the risks of those pests to an acceptable level.
    [Show full text]
  • Pioneering the Application of High Speed Rail Express Trainsets in the United States
    Parsons Brinckerhoff 2010 William Barclay Parsons Fellowship Monograph 26 Pioneering the Application of High Speed Rail Express Trainsets in the United States Fellow: Francis P. Banko Professional Associate Principal Project Manager Lead Investigator: Jackson H. Xue Rail Vehicle Engineer December 2012 136763_Cover.indd 1 3/22/13 7:38 AM 136763_Cover.indd 1 3/22/13 7:38 AM Parsons Brinckerhoff 2010 William Barclay Parsons Fellowship Monograph 26 Pioneering the Application of High Speed Rail Express Trainsets in the United States Fellow: Francis P. Banko Professional Associate Principal Project Manager Lead Investigator: Jackson H. Xue Rail Vehicle Engineer December 2012 First Printing 2013 Copyright © 2013, Parsons Brinckerhoff Group Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means—graphic, electronic, mechanical (including photocopying), recording, taping, or information or retrieval systems—without permission of the pub- lisher. Published by: Parsons Brinckerhoff Group Inc. One Penn Plaza New York, New York 10119 Graphics Database: V212 CONTENTS FOREWORD XV PREFACE XVII PART 1: INTRODUCTION 1 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE RESEARCH 3 1.1 Unprecedented Support for High Speed Rail in the U.S. ....................3 1.2 Pioneering the Application of High Speed Rail Express Trainsets in the U.S. .....4 1.3 Research Objectives . 6 1.4 William Barclay Parsons Fellowship Participants ...........................6 1.5 Host Manufacturers and Operators......................................7 1.6 A Snapshot in Time .................................................10 CHAPTER 2 HOST MANUFACTURERS AND OPERATORS, THEIR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 11 2.1 Overview . 11 2.2 Introduction to Host HSR Manufacturers . 11 2.3 Introduction to Host HSR Operators and Regulatory Agencies .
    [Show full text]
  • Guest Handbook a Self-Guided Walking Adventure
    FRANCE: PROVENCE & ST. RÉMY Guest Handbook A Self-Guided Walking Adventure Table of Contents Daily Itinerary ........................................................................... 4 Tour Facts at a Glance ........................................................... 12 Traveling To and From Your Tour .......................................... 16 Information & Policies ............................................................ 22 France at a Glance ................................................................. 26 Packing List ........................................................................... 31 800.464.9255 / countrywalkers.com 2 © 2018 Otago, LLC dba Country Walkers Travel Style Our Self-Guided Walking Adventures are ideal for travelers with an independent spirit who enjoy exploring at their own pace. We provide authentic accommodations, luggage transfers, and some meals, along with comprehensive Route Notes, detailed maps, and 24-hour emergency assistance. This gives you the freedom to focus on the things that matter to you—no group, no guide, and no set schedule to stand in the way of enjoying your adventure, your way. Overview The essential Provence literally unfolds at your feet on this easygoing Self- Guided itinerary where open ridge walks along the Alpilles and Luberon mountain ranges provide sweeping views over the southern French landscape. The route takes you to picturesque hilltop villages—Gordes, Goult, Lacoste, and Bonnieux—and through countryside straight out of Van Gogh paintings (in fact you walk in his
    [Show full text]