Maximum commercial speed differs from the more theoretical equipment “design speed” in that
it reflects real world operating conditions, taking into consideration speed restrictions such as
curves, grades, bridges and interlockings. Maximum commercial speed is also subject to FRA
track speed regulations for each given class of track, as noted above. Typically, the 150+ mph
technology uses upgraded but existing infrastructure, allowing for an incremental approach to
investment, while the two higher commercial speeds (180+ mph and 250+ mph) require new
dedicated systems built from the ground up