This textbook, attempts to details in depth the various concepts needed for the planning of rail transport. This textbook represents perhaps the first attempt anywhere to describe in detail the processes involved in transport planning. The book is a combination of discussion on engineering systems, network analysis, economics, and detailed analysis of specific engineering systems. The first two parts of the book are devoted to an extensive discussion of the different engineering systems needed for the creation of a rail system. Engineering systems such as traction power, signaling, communications, and passenger information are, discussed.
There is also much discussion on the economics of rail transport planning. Discussed is the different methods of estimating demand for rail services, and elasticities of demand.
The book also contains a large chapter on signaling headways, where the maximum possible frequency of trains is, discussed. Formulas are, developed to calculate the minimum headway.
High Speed Rail is, discussed in depth. Many examples are, given of HSR systems, and the conventional wisdom for what constitutes a "good" HSR system is, explained.
The approach in the book is to provide as many examples as possible to explain the strengths and weaknesses of different rail systems. Most of the examples focus on South East Asia, or on Australia.
