Electric Power Supply for Commuter Rail: Are Railroads Keeping Up?

Electrification offers many advantages for commuter railroads. But to derive electrification's full benefits, the traction power supply must meet demand. Several factors should cause commuter rail properties to assess their traction power investment needs: aging generation, transmission, and di...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Transportation research record 2011-01, Vol.2219 (1), p.88-96
Main Authors: Allen, John G., Aurelius, John P., Black, Joseph
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Demand
Electric power generation
Electrification
Marketing
Railroad engineering
Railroads
Rails
Traction
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Summary:Electrification offers many advantages for commuter railroads. But to derive electrification's full benefits, the traction power supply must meet demand. Several factors should cause commuter rail properties to assess their traction power investment needs: aging generation, transmission, and distribution systems; new cars with improved amenities and higher acceleration rates; and the addition of train starts. The traction power on all North America's electric commuter railroads and on certain overseas properties where shortfalls have occurred is reviewed. Preventive action may be appropriate on some North American properties to guarantee steady supplies of traction power. Strategies for managing power demand are discussed. Traction power is vitally important for electrified commuter railroads, because any failure to provide all necessary electricity can have serious consequences for speed and reliability.
ISSN:0361-1981
2169-4052
DOI:10.3141/2219-11