ELECTRIC RAILROADS AND TROLLEY SYSTEMS: PAST PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Because of its unique attributes, electricity has played and will continue to play and important role in the development of certain modes of transportation. Although dominated by fossil fuels as a direct source of energy for motive power, transportation has relied upon electricity for particular situations. This report discusses the role of electricity in transportation, including the history of electrified transportation, its current status, and prospects for the future. The historical coverage includes early city transit development, the evolution of the electric streetcar, and the progression of railroad electrification in the United States. Railroads are now the dominant mode of transportation that uses electricity; as such, most of the attention given to the current status of electrified transportation concerns this mode. Railroad electrifications throughout the world are compared, and the current situation regarding railroad electrification in the United States is noted. Future development of electrified transportation may include new rail rapid transit systems and reemployment of electric trolley buses.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted.
  • Corporate Authors:

    Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Incorporated

    Oak Ridge, TN  United States 

    Department of Energy

    1000 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, DC  United States  20585
  • Authors:
    • Treat, N L
  • Publication Date: 1984-3

Media Info

  • Features: References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 52 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00389747
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: ORAU/IEA-83-12 (M)
  • Contract Numbers: AC05-760R00033
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Oct 30 1984 12:00AM