Researchers Suchithra Rajendran and Maximilian Popfinger modeled varying levels of passenger redistribution from short-haul flights (flights of 50 to 210 minutes, from takeoff to landing) to high-speed rail trips. Planes travel faster than trains, but air travel typically requires 3 hours of lead time for security, baggage handling, and boarding that rail travel doesn't, so short-haul routes take similar amounts of time by air and by rail. However, the model suggests that as rail passenger volumes approach current capacity limits, long lead times emerge. Therefore, for rail to remain a viable alternative to short-haul flights, ________

Which choice most logically completes the text?

Question

Accepted Answer

rail systems may need to schedule additional trains for these routes.

Answer

rail systems should offer fewer long-haul routes and airlines should offer more long-haul routes.

Answer

security, baggage handling, and boarding procedures used by airlines may need to be implemented for rail systems.

Answer

passengers who travel by rail for these routes will need to accept that lead times will be similar to those for air travel.