Can High–Speed Trains Run Faster and Reduce Energy Consumption?

Increasing the speed at which a train can run on downward slopes through the effect of the force of gravity and the inertia of the train could involve: a reduction in travel time whilst also reducing energy consumed (due to reduced use of the brake). This increase in speed on downward slopes also offers the possibility of reducing the power of trains and/or reducing the maximum speed. Both alternatives can help to maintain the necessary travel time on the route, and the lost time on upward slopes and level track sections will be offset by the time gained on the downward slopes, which will in turn mean reduced train costs and a further reduction in energy consumption.