Introduction
There are five renowned modes of transport: air, road, marine, pipeline, and rail. The paper focuses on rail transport for its discussion mainly due to the rich history of the technology. Once considered the slowest and most inefficient transportation mode, trains have rapidly evolved to be among the fastest, most efficient, and most reliable means of moving. Be it human beings or transported cargo, rail has consistently completed the hardest or easiest transportation tasks. Studying the history and evolution of rail transport is important in identifying any current underlying concerns the mode faces and if the concerns can be sorted out effectively. Also, from understanding current applications in the rail industry, it is possible to develop new and effective future applications of the transportation mode. The paper has been organized to address the history of rail transport before outlining regulatory changes applied to the transportation mode over time. The article compares rail transport to other modes over several characteristics to establish its reliability and applicability. The following section discusses issues and challenges that have hindered the past and present development of rail transport before completing the article with a discussion on the current and possible future rail transport applications.
Past, Present, and Future State of Rail Transport
History of Rail Transport
The first rail transport systems were developed in the early 19th century. The British inventor George Stephenson built the first steam locomotive in 1814 (Ruvio et al., 2022). In 1825, he opened the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the first public railway in the world. In the United States, the first railroads were built in the 1830s. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the first U.S. common carrier, began operating in 1827. The first passenger railway in the United States, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, began operating in 1830. The first electric railway was built in 1883. The first subway was built in 1897. These were even faster and more reliable than steam locomotives, but they were more expensive to build and maintain.
Numerous technological innovations have marked the history of rail transport. In the early days of rail transport, the main focus was on developing better steam engines. In the 20th century, the main focus shifted to electric traction. Other important innovations include the development of diesel engines, high-speed rail, and maglev trains. The early systems were crude and often unreliable. Nevertheless, they allowed for the movement of heavy loads over long distances and thus were an important development in the industrialization of many countries. In the mid-19th century, railways began to be built with standardized gauge tracks, which made them much more efficient and reliable (Aydin & Dzhaleva-Chonkova, 2013). Around this time, steam locomotives were developed, replacing the slower and less reliable horse-drawn trains. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, electric railways were developed in some parts of the world.
Present State of Rail Transport
Amtrak is the major operator of long-distance passenger trains in the United States, while various regional operators provide commuter and short-distance services. Amtrak was created in 1971 as a for-profit corporation to take over most of the remaining U.S. passenger rail services. Since its inception, it has been struggling financially. In 2015, Amtrak’s ridership reached 31.3 million, an all-time ridership high. One of the current rail transport developments in the United States is the Northeast Corridor (NEC) Improvements Project (Roth & Aggarwala, 2002). The NEC is the busiest passenger rail line in the country, with Amtrak and eight commuter railroads operating over 700 trains daily. The NEC Improvement Project will upgrade infrastructure and facilities to provide more reliable and faster service.
In May 2015, Amtrak and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a $2.45 billion agreement to improve the Northeast Corridor. The deal includes $1.4 billion in federal funds and $1.05 billion in Amtrak funds. The project will be completed in three phases, with the first phase expected to be completed in 2019.
Future Development of Rail
The United States has recently seen a resurgence in rail transport, with passenger numbers increasing and new infrastructure being built. This is set to continue in the coming years, with several significant developments. One of the most notable projects is the California High-Speed Rail (HSR) system, which is currently under construction. When completed, this will provide high-speed rail services between Los Angeles and San Francisco, with plans to eventually extend it further north and south (Kamga, 2015). The first section is due to open in 2029, and the whole system is expected to be completed by 2033.
Another major project is the East Coast HSR system, which is being proposed by a consortium of private companies. This would connect major cities along the East Coast, from Boston to Washington, DC, with journey times of around three hours. The project is still in the planning stages but could begin construction as early as 2025. In addition to these large-scale projects, many smaller initiatives are taking place across the country. For example, Amtrak is planning to refurbish and upgrade its existing fleet of trains, as well as introduce new routes and services. There is also a push for more freight to be moved by rail, as it is a more efficient and environmentally friendly way to transport goods (Garmendia et al., 2012).
All of these developments are likely to have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, as well as on the environment. The increase in rail transport will lead to more jobs in construction and operation and will help reduce congestion on the country’s roads. It will also help to reduce emissions, as trains are much more efficient than road vehicles. Overall, the future of rail transport in the U.S. looks very bright, with several exciting projects in the pipeline. This will bring numerous benefits to the country in terms of the economy and the environment (Garmendia et al., 2012).
Regulatory Overview of Rail Transport
The U.S. has a variety of rail transport regulations in place to ensure the safety of passengers and freight. These regulations are overseen by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Some key regulations that the FRA enforces include tracking safety, train transport operations, and employee training (“Crossing and Trespassing Safety Initiative,” 2005). The FRA requires that railroads conduct regular inspections and repairs to maintain track safety. Railroads must also keep track of any safety hazards and take steps to mitigate them. Train operations must be conducted safely, and employees must be properly trained to minimize the risk of accidents.
The FRA also has several rules that govern the transport of hazardous materials. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is responsible for safety regulation, while the Surface Transportation Board (STB) has jurisdiction over economic law. Federal agencies, such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also regulate the rail industry (“Crossing and Trespassing Safety Initiative,” 2005). State laws also play a role in regulating rail transport. Some states have their railroad safety agencies, while others have laws that govern specific aspects of rail operations, such as environmental protection or labor relations.
The railroad industry is also subject to various international treaties and conventions, such as the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (Nash, 2013). These rules are designed to prevent accidents and protect the public from potentially dangerous materials. Overall, the U.S. has a variety of rail transport regulations in place to ensure the safety of passengers and freight. These regulations are overseen by the Federal Railroad Administration and are designed to prevent accidents and protect the public.
Rail Transport Compared to Other Transport Modes
Road Transport
Rail transport is more energy-efficient than road transport. This is because trains are heavier than road vehicles and therefore require less energy to move per unit of weight. Rail transport is also more space-efficient than road transport. This is because trains can carry a more significant number of people or goods per unit of length than road vehicles. Rail transport is generally faster than road transport, especially over long distances. This is because trains can maintain a constant speed for long periods, whereas road vehicles are subject to stop-and-go traffic. Rail transport is also more comfortable than road transport. This is because trains offer a smoother ride than road vehicles, which can be bumpy and uncomfortable. Rail transport is also safer than road transport. This is because trains are less likely to be involved in accidents than road vehicles. Overall, rail transport is more efficient, comfortable, and safe than road transport (Páez & Whalen, 2010).
Air Transport
There are several critical differences between rail transport and air transport. Air transport is much faster than rail transport, which makes it ideal for long-distance travel. However, air transport is also much more expensive than rail transport, which makes it less practical for short-distance travel. In addition, rail transport is much more environmentally friendly than air transport, as it emits far fewer greenhouse gases. Finally, rail transport is much more comfortable than air transport, as passengers can walk freely without turbulence. When deciding the best mode of transport between air and rail, the decision depends more on the intended purpose (Páez & Whalen, 2010). While air transport is faster and preferable when handling human transport, rail transport is more financially efficient and safer with regard to cargo transport.
Marine Transport
There are pros and cons to both marine and rail transport. Generally, marine transport is more expensive than rail transport. Marine transportation is also slower than rail transport but can carry more weight. Another key difference is that rail transport is more dedicated to freight, while marine transport can also transport passengers. This means that rail transport infrastructure is typically better suited for cargo, with dedicated tracks and facilities. Marine transportation can also be used for passenger transport, but it is not as efficient. Rail transport is less expensive and faster, but it cannot carry as much weight. Rail transport is better suited for shorter distances, while marine transportation is better for longer distances. It is typically cheaper to transport goods by rail than by maritime transport. This is due to the economies of scale involved in running a rail network, and railways are less likely to face disruptions (such as bad weather) than maritime routes (Páez & Whalen, 2010). In addition, rail transport is more energy-efficient than maritime transport, resulting in fewer carbon emissions.
Pipeline Transport
Pipeline transport is a system of transporting liquids, gases or powdered materials through a pipe. The comparison will be limited to the scope of pipeline transport. The two most common methods of transporting large quantities of oil are pipeline and rail. Although both have their advantages and disadvantages, there are a few key factors that set them apart. Pipelines are generally much cheaper to operate than rail due to the lower cost of infrastructure and maintenance. They can also transport oil over longer distances with less loss than rail. However, pipelines are more vulnerable to damage and leaks and can be difficult to repair. Rail transport is more flexible than pipelines, as it can be easily routed around obstacles. It is also less likely to be affected by weather conditions. However, rail transport is more expensive than pipelines and less efficient in energy use. It is usually faster and more efficient than rail transport, which involves transporting goods or materials by train. Pipelines are also less likely to be damaged by weather or terrorist attacks.
How Rail Transport Supports Intermodal Transportation
Intermodal transportation refers to the movement of people or goods using more than one mode of transport. This could involve using a combination of rail, road, air and water transport. Intermodal transportation is often used because it can offer a more efficient and cost-effective way of moving people or goods over long distances. Rail transport is a vital part of the intermodal transport system. Railways offer a fast, reliable and safe way to move people and goods long distances. They can also carry large traffic volumes, making them ideal for transporting freight (Loo & Comtois, 2015).
Rail transport can be used to support intermodal transportation in several ways. Firstly, rail transport can be used to connect different modes of transport. For example, a train can collect containers from a port and then take them to a distribution center. The containers can then be loaded onto trucks or trailers and transported to their final destination. Secondly, rail transport can be used to complement other modes of transport (Loo & Comtois, 2015). For example, a truck can deliver goods to a railhead, which can be loaded onto a train for onward transport. This can be a more efficient way of moving goods over long distances, as it reduces the need for the truck to travel the whole journey.
Thirdly, rail transport can provide a direct link between two points. This can be particularly useful for connecting cities or towns not served by road or air transport. Fourthly, rail transport can be used to transport hazardous materials. Rail transport is considered a safe and secure way to move these materials. Finally, rail transport can be used to support sustainable development. This is because rail transport is a relatively efficient way to move people and goods, producing less pollution than other modes of transport. Overall, rail transport is a vital part of the intermodal transport system. It offers a number of advantages, which make it an ideal choice for transporting people and goods over long distances (Loo & Comtois, 2015).
Challenges to Rail Transport
There are many varied challenges facing rail transport. They include challenges relating to infrastructure, financing and technology. One of the biggest challenges facing rail transport is the condition of the infrastructure. In many parts of the world, the rail network is in a poor state of repair. This results in delays and cancellations and poses a safety risk to passengers and staff. The cost of maintaining and upgrading the rail network is also a significant challenge (Lane, 2012). In many countries, funding for rail infrastructure is insufficient, which results in a lack of investment in essential maintenance and upgrades. This can lead to further deterioration of the rail network and even cause accidents.
In addition to the challenges posed by the infrastructure, there are also challenges relating to financing. The cost of operating a rail network is high, and many countries struggle to finance their rail systems (Lane, 2012). This is particularly the case in developing countries, where the cost of constructing and operating a rail network is often prohibitive. Finally, there are also challenges relating to technology. The rail industry is undergoing a significant change with the introduction of new technologies such as high-speed rail. This is resulting in a need for new skills and training for rail staff and investment in infrastructure.
Other challenges to rail transport can be summarised as capacity constraints: Rail transport is often constrained by capacity issues, particularly during peak periods. Such can lead to delays and cancellations, as well as increased fares. Infrastructure – Rail infrastructure is often inadequate, especially in developing countries. The result is poor service and safety levels. Cost – Rail transport is often more expensive than other modes of transportation like road transport, making it inaccessible to many people (Lane, 2012). Environmental impact – Rail transport can have a significant environmental impact, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Social impact – Rail transport can have a negative social impact, particularly noise and air pollution.
Conclusion
The article is an adequate representation of the rail transport system history all through to the current state of affairs. Since its invention, rail transport has grown continuously and improved reliability and efficiency. The steam engines were replaced by electric trains fitted on standard gauge railways. More and more developments have led to the current application of intermodal transportation, where rail transport is considered a crucial inclusion. Also, the years have resulted in improved regulation to prevent emergencies and avert risk. Most notably, the Federal Railroad Administration has overseen significant regulatory growth in the U.S., which has resulted in better passenger, cargo, and environmental safety.
When compared to other modes of transport, the efficiency and reliability of rail transport outclass every other form. Despite being slower than air transport and having a limited ability to carry cargo compared to marine transport, rail transport still offers a level of comfort and consistency that makes one overlook its limitations. While the intended use normally decides the best mode of transport, rail transport provides a more holistic option regarded as the best by numerous individuals and industries. Without any doubt, rail transport has undergone significant improvements over the daces. However, that is not to say that there lacked challenges along the way. The most significant hindrance to railway development remains the ever-increasing setup and maintenance cost. Overall, railway transport has proven reliable, and its efficiency is only bound to improve with time.
References
Aydin, G., & Dzhaleva-Chonkova, A. (2013). Discussions on rail in urban areas and rail history. Research In Transportation Economics, 41(1), 84-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.retrec.2012.10.002
Crossing, H. R., & Trespassing Safety Initiative. (2005). Federal Railroad Administration.
Garmendia, M., Ribalaygua, C., & Ureña, J. M. (2012). High-speed rail: implication for cities. Cities, 29, S26-S31.
Kamga, C. (2015). Emerging travel trends, high-speed rail, and the public reinvention of U.S. transportation. Transport Policy, 37, 111-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2014.10.012
Lane, B. (2012). On the utility and challenges of high-speed rail in the United States. Journal Of Transport Geography, 22, 282-284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2012.01.030
Loo, B., & Comtois, C. (2015). Sustainable railway futures: Intermodal transportation (p. 14). Routledge.
Nash, C. (2013). Rail transport. Regulating Transport In Europe, 61-81. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781781004838.00008
Páez, A., & Whalen, K. (2010). Enjoyment of commute: A comparison of different transportation modes. Transportation Research Part A: Policy And Practice, 44(7), 537-549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2010.04.003
Roth, D., & Aggarwala, R. (2002). Whose Railroad Is This, Anyway?: Opportunities and Challenges in Regionalizing the Northeast Corridor. Transportation Research Record: Journal Of The Transportation Research Board, 1785(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.3141/1785-01
Ruvio, A., Falvo, M., Loggia, R., Moscatiello, C., Carere, F., & Martino, G. et al. (2022). An Overview on Urban Rail Transport Technologies. 2022 IEEE International Conference On Environment And Electrical Engineering And 2022 IEEE Industrial And Commercial Power Systems Europe (EEEIC / I&Amp; CPS Europe). https://doi.org/10.1109/eeeic/icpseurope54979.2022.9854666
write