The bullet train went into service in Japan in 1964 with speeds of 130 mph, in response to an overburdened transportation system. Separated from conventional rail, the bullet trains run on their own rail system utilizing automatic train control (ATC) without signals. They do not use roadway crossings, but instead use tunnels and viaducts to go over and through obstacles.

Bullet trains provide a competitive high-speed alternative to air travel for short to medium range trips. Interest in bullet train information and bullet train providers is increasing as bullet train lists grow in features and services. Find bullet train information researching the following:

1. Research engineering companies experienced in designing high-speed rail lines to accommodate bullet trains.

2. Find an experienced company to build the bullet train route

3. Locate providers of bullet train equipment, rolling stock and facilities

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Interview a number of companies specializing in designing bullet train rail systems

Find a bullet train engineering firm that has the kind of experience right for the project. Bullet train systems, because they are high-speed systems, go over and through obstacles, making bridge construction and tunneling necessary. Be sure to look for companies with expertise in these areas.

I recommend: Hatch Mott MacDonald is a firm with experience building railway transit systems and has expertise in tunnel design and construction. STV is an outstanding company experienced in transportation and infrastructure design.

Research and discuss plans with several railroad construction companies

You can look to Japanese or European firms who have experience building bullet train systems, or American firms with experience in related areas of rail construction. Bullet Trains have special requirements, requiring them to have a railway system separate from other rail systems.

I recommend: RailWorks Corporation has a long history and is a leading provider of railroad and transit systems construction services throughout North America. Balfour Beatty Rail is a builder experienced in all kinds of rail systems.

Complete the bullet train project with the right goods

Research and interview companies around the globe to find bullet train rolling stock, equipment and finishing facilities. Bullet train provider information and a bullet train list of everything you require is available. There are bullet train manufacturers in Japan, Europe and China, and new systems planned or built in South Korea, Australia, India and Pakistan.

I recommend: Siemens in Germany and Hitachi in Japan are representative of bullet train manufacturers and have years of experience. Begin with them and then broaden your search to other bullet train list providers. You can also find other manufacturers in France and the United Kingdom.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for a company that offers not only engineering design services, but which you can also employ to provide construction management of the project.