Warning: Some posts on this platform may contain adult material intended for mature audiences only. Viewer discretion is advised. By clicking ‘Continue’, you confirm that you are 18 years or older and consent to viewing explicit content.
Diesel trains are roughly 1/6 the emissions per ton mile compared to truck, and then electric trains might be another 1/5 the emissions of diesel. We have the infrastructure to get most of the way there already. Upgrading to Electric rail is a good strategy but it is a significant capital cost. Re-nationalizing freight rail everywhere, and making it cost-effective to ship by rail, keeping or increasing the amount of last-mile trucking jobs which are much more comfortable and stable living than OTR would be a quicker solution to reducing emissions significantly than waiting for proliferation of electric trucks, or building the catenary for electric rail.
Diesel trains are roughly 1/6 the emissions per ton mile compared to truck, and then electric trains might be another 1/5 the emissions of diesel. We have the infrastructure to get most of the way there already. Upgrading to Electric rail is a good strategy but it is a significant capital cost. Re-nationalizing freight rail everywhere, and making it cost-effective to ship by rail, keeping or increasing the amount of last-mile trucking jobs which are much more comfortable and stable living than OTR would be a quicker solution to reducing emissions significantly than waiting for proliferation of electric trucks, or building the catenary for electric rail.