A NEW AGE OF RAIL

作者：Webber Michael E^*

来源：Mechanical Engineering, 2018, 140(2): 45-49.

DOI：10.1115/1.2018-feb-4

<jats:p>This article discusses the need of reinvesting in freight railroads that could prove to be an infrastructure solution to multiple challenges. One straightforward way to encourage the switch from road to rail is to put a price on carbon. A carbon tax would harness the efficiency of markets while sending a price signal that rewards the more energy efficient and cleaner option of rail transportation. The article also highlights that while a carbon price and update to highway tax model would likely encourage a lot of switching to rail for freight, increasing throughput (ton-miles) on rail without other improvements could degrade key performance metrics such as delivery time and reliability. As a pair of major studies by the RAND Corporation in 2008 and 2009 noted, increasing the national rail freight capacity will need a variety of strategies beyond direct infrastructure investments. Such measures include revised regulations, flexible pricing, deploying modern technology, and implementing improved operating practices.</jats:p>

• 出版日期2018-2