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Originally Posted by LibertyandJusticeforAll
Dont the current railroads use electric
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No. Most mainline RRs in America use diesel-electric locomotives.
It is estimated that electrifying all mainline railroads increase load by 1.5 to 3% to the national grid. Add another 1% for an extensive streetcar and interurban network.
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While I agree some newer railroads would be nice I think the government needs to finish off the wars they are in, and stop spending money. I hear how we should invest in alt energy how about some alt government spending.
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The initiative is for government to get out of the way of privately funded electric rail. Let's leave other topics for other threads.
Back to rail...
Government interference and subsidies have encouraged policies that are contrary to economic operation.
The Oil Drum | Multiple Birds – One Silver BB: A synergistic set of solutions to multiple issues focused on Electrified Railroads
Oil can be saved from the diesel that railroads use today (231,000 barrels/day in 2006) and from truck freight (2,552,000 barrels/day in 2006) by switching to electrified rail. Trucks carry about a quarter fewer ton-miles than rail, but with 11 times the oil.
Transferring freight from truck to electrified rail trades 17 to 21 BTUs of diesel for one BTU of electricity. Simply electrifying existing rail freight would trade 2.6 to 3 BTUs of diesel for one BTU of electricity.
Any budget conscious enterprise would immediately recognize that electric rail represents the most cost effective means to move passengers and cargo.
Our future prosperity is dependent on doing more, with less, so more people can enjoy more. Electric rail mass transit accomplishes that goal.