Metro Ride and Rail

[ghettopalmetto]

Electrification would just drive the cost up without improving performance. Remember that a diesel locomotive is just and electric locomotive with its own on-board generator. Acceleration out of stations and deceleration into stations is a lot faster if all of the wheels on the train are powered rather than a locomotive pulling unpowered cars.

So why are most of the railroads in Europe electrified, then? Is it just because Europeans like spending more money? No, it's because you can't operate TGV-type trains with diesel engines. Hence, there *is* a difference in performance, yes?

In regards to commuter rail being "outdated", the only thing outdated about it is how we approach it in the United States. Underfunding transit while gold-plating the freeway system is what's outdated. We could use one of them Marshall Plans.

[canuck]

So why are most of the railroads in Europe electrified, then? Is it just because Europeans like spending more money? No, it's because you can't operate TGV-type trains with diesel engines. Hence, there *is* a difference in performance, yes?

In regards to commuter rail being "outdated", the only thing outdated about it is how we approach it in the United States. Underfunding transit while gold-plating the freeway system is what's outdated. We could use one of them Marshall Plans.

True that.

Another advantage to Electric power is that if a long vehicle carrying a vast quantity of diesel fuel passes through a tunnel, it is much more dangerous than if powered by electricity alone. The tunnels must be provided with so many exits according to its length and stronger ventilation, etc... Thus, more expensive to build and maintain. Electric Pylons may be expensive but in the case of a TGV, the advantage in speed makes it relevant.