Electric railroads and trolley systems: past, present, and future
Because of its unique attributes, electricity has played and will continue to play an important role in the development of certain modes of transportation. Although dominated by fossil fuels as a direct source of energy for motive power, transportation has relied upon electricity for particular situations. This report discusses the role of electricity in transportation, including the history of electrified transportation, its current status, and prospects for the future. The historical coverage includes early city transit development, the evolution of the electric streetcar, and the progression of railroad electrification in the United States. Railroads are now the dominant mode of transportation that uses electricity; as such, most of the attention given to the current status of electrified transportation concerns this mode. Railroad electrifications throughout the world are compared, and the current situation regarding railroad electrification in the United States is noted. Future development of electrified transportation may include new rail rapid transit systems and reemployment of electric trolley buses. 43 references, 7 tables.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc., TN (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76OR00033
- OSTI ID:
- 5142300
- Report Number(s):
- ORAU/IEA-83-12(M); ON: DE84010307
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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