Abstract
Standardization of rail passenger vehicles provides for substantially increased procurement efficiency for agencies and manufacturers. Within broad categories of rail passenger vehicle types, there is substantial commonality between structures, power, traction, suspensions, and passenger amenities. The commonality can exceed 95% on procurements for agencies across North America. If agencies adopt a continuous replacement and growth strategy for rolling stock procurements, manufacturers can optimize production at fewer locations with much higher productivity and quality. There are five basic types of rail passenger vehicles that include trollies at one end of the spectrum up to and including multi-level high speed train sets. Within each of the types, designs and production systems can be optimized. If the passenger rail sector can migrate to the continuous replacement theory and accept standardization, agencies and passengers can enjoy the benefits of more equipment for service at a lower capital and operational cost.
