ELECTRIFICATION: IS IT GOING TO HAPPEN?

The U.S. has long since relinquished the role it had as the innovator of railroad electrification; there has been nothing but shrinkage of American rail operations under catenary since 1938. The author examines the potential for a renewal of electrification in the U.S. and Canada, citing the increase in cost of diesel fuel, the decreasing relative cost of installing catenary, and the demand for handling more and higher-speed freight. It is concluded that government and the industry are confronted with a rare opportunity to simultaneously advance the productivity of the nation's rail system and the national interest. However, it is not possible to say if significant new electrification will take place.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1586268
• Corporate Authors:

  Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation

  508 Birch Street
  Bristol, CT  United States  06010
• Authors:
  • Middleton, W D
• Publication Date: 1975-3-10

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: 4 p.
• Serial:
  • Railway Age
  • Volume: 176
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation
  • ISSN: 0033-8826
  • Serial URL: http://www.railwayage.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Electric power; Electrical systems; Freight transportation; Productivity; Propulsion; Railroad electrification
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Freight Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00084944
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 29 1975 12:00AM