A NATIONAL FREIGHT CAR INFORMATION SYSTEM

While the Association of American Railroads has been developing a national freight car information system, proposals have been made for government assistance in its design and implementation through a government corporation which might also own and control freight cars. This articles examines two questions: Why has a national freight car information system not been introduced by the railroads at a faster pace? Are incentives for development of such a system less strong under existing conditions than they might be with a major government role in the development? The author lists seven institutional impediments to industry implementation, then warns that increased government involvement is not without its perils. The problem is summarized as not one of technology but of institutions and institutional rules and procedures; attempts at technological solutions to car utilization may be disappointing.

• Record URL:
  • https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015021808772?urlappend=%3Bseq=31
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00410713
• Corporate Authors:

  Eno Transportation Foundation

  1250 I Street, NW, Suite 750
  Washington, DC  United States  20005
• Authors:
  • Windus, M L
• Publication Date: 1976-1

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 23-40
• Serial:
  • Traffic Quarterly
  • Volume: 30
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Eno Transportation Foundation
  • ISSN: 0041-0713

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Car distribution (Railroads); Car supply (Railroads); Car utilization (Railroads); Management information systems; Policy; Regulations
• Identifier Terms: Association of American Railroads; U.S. Interstate Commerce Commission
• Old TRIS Terms: Car supply; Government policies; Government regulations; Train i; Train ii
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Law; Policy; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00129854
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 10 1976 12:00AM