Ultra-High-Speed Passenger Train (NGT HST): Conceptual Design of an Innovative Station

Abstract

This paper is intended as a scientific contribution to the systematic consideration of the variety of interfaces of a rail vehicle with the infrastructural train station environment. In particular, the innovative multiple-unit motor-coach train concept of the ultra-high speed version of the Next Generation Train (NGT) with its low floor and walk-through double deck single cars provides an almost 85% higher passenger capacity compared to the current most modern high speed train of the Deutsche Bahn AG, the ICE 3. The step free horizontal division of the classes on the train means that in a ten car half-train consisting of two end and eight middle cars for passengers, a total of approximately 800 passengers can be transported. This high passenger number of 1,600 for a full train places completely new requirements on the design and layout of the station platforms and as a consequence also the train stations themselves. Today’s train station designs are not of adequate size for such large passenger flows. Hence, taking into account existing rules and regulations, a new train station concept is being developed for the NGT ultra-high speed train.