On The Fast Track

AMTRAK IS THROWING A CURVE INTO TRAIN TRAVel -- a more than 100-m.p.h. curve. The national rail service's new X2000 high-speed train began operating on the Washington-New York Metroliner route. The X2000 can go up to 155 m.p.h., but until it gets speed clearance from the Federal Railroad Administration, it will operate at the normal Metroliner maximum speed of 125 m.p.h. Still, it goes from D.C. to N.Y.C. in 2 hr. 40 min. -- 15 min. faster than conventional trains. Its secret: a hydraulic tilting system that helps it take curves 40% faster.

As Amtrak opened its new speedster to the public, the Association of American Railroads announced that in theory at least, freight railroads are willing to cooperate with Amtrak to help make widespread high-speed passenger rail travel a reality. Amtrak is already moving ahead. This summer the company plans to test out a German train that can go up to 185 m.p.h. Amtrak plans to have 26 high-speed trains running by 1997.