Railroad Superiority?

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Railroad Superiority?
July 20, 2008

In the age of rising fuel prices, there is much scrutiny of the nation's transportation system. As the saying goes, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Although many Americans feel that they are hostage to foreign powers that control the flow of crude oil, they are yet to widely endorse alternatives. One school of thought promotes alternate fuel sources. Other opinions support re-examination of the ways America moves people and goods. In either case, as America's dependence on foreign produced items continues to grow, transporting these goods is major business.

A prime example is the transport of container goods. Short haul transport is best managed by truck. However, as distances grow, and America is by no means a small country, so do the options. When time is the primary concern, air freight is the preferred mode of transport. However, air transport is far too prohibitive, both in terms of cost and capacity, for large loads. The choice is either truck or railroad.

The US interstate highway system is quite extensive and is home to thousands of transport vehicles, as well as private. However, the number of trucks is continually growing, requiring expansion of the roadways due to sheer capacity and the necessary maintenance. Construction of additional lanes, to accommodate the increased volume, will cost taxpayers billions of dollars. As transportation bonds are but one of a plethora of proposed legislations that are presented to the voting public, choices have to be made and questions are raised. Could alternate modes of cargo transport serve the needs of the American consumer? Does an increase in road traffic have negative environmental effects? Are other resources being under utilized?

Proponents of railroad transport have the answers to these questions. They feel that America lags far behind European nations in terms of railroad usage. While it is true that the distances are far greater between points in the US, it still does not negate the fact that railroad lines are dedicated modes of travel, virtually undisturbed by other vehicles. Supporters state that rail transport is far more efficient than trucks and certainly would save taxpayers money. Industry analysts claim that increased train usage could greatly reduce the number of trucks on the nation's roadways, thus reducing fuel consumption and contributing to a healthier environment. Similarly, the costs associated with increased rail usage are far less than the costs necessary for upkeep and expansion of the roadways.

What is clear is the need for increased joint studies by legislators and industrial leaders to define where America is going and how it is going to get there.