Universal level boarding and electrification could reduce dead time at each train stop, adding up to time savings across intercity as well as commuter rail lines that rival driving or air travel.

The 79-page report, Momentum, comes from the New York University’s Marron Institute for Urban Management and the Transit Costs Project. “Adopting universal high-level platforms and level boarding across a route – or an entire network – allows railroads to optimize their passenger car designs to further speed up boarding and disembarking and further improve accessibility.”

Author Nolan Hicks described the plan as “a very powerful medium-term option that should be considered as we think about how to make rail a viable, critical part of how we get around America.” Routes of up to 300 miles -- basically all commuter lines -- are good candidates for the plan, he added.

The Northeast Corridor (NEC) is the busiest corridor in the U.S. and is wildly successful though not true high-speed rail (HSR). Trains reach typical speeds of 90 to 130 MPH with a maximum of 155 MPH. Two crucial differences between the corridor and elsewhere are electric service, which can accelerate faster than diesel trains, and level boarding via high platforms, reducing the time for boarding.

The report offers several case studies, particularly looking at service around New York City, from as far west as Buffalo to the the eastern end of Long Island. around the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, . It also and lays out different modeling costs and reforms and recommendations to advance the program.

Hicks recently appeared on a webinar hosted by the High Speed Rail Alliance which can be viewed here.