ABSTRACT
The introduction of a new transportation system generates concerns about the change in the noise and vibration environments brought about by the new source. When the new source has unique features, as in the case of high speed rail or maglev systems, or when the community has not had prior exposure to a particular source, the concerns are heightened. The classic example is the introduction of the first truly high speed rail system, the Shinkansen in Japan starting in 1964. Public reaction to noise and vibrations from the new trains resulted in new standards in that country and major efforts were undertaken to preserve the environment. Great strides have been made in understand ing the nature of noise and vibration sources from guided surface transportation systems since the early days of the “Bullet Train.” A great deal of research on sources of noise and vibration from high speed trains has resulted in systems that are well adapted to the environment.
