03-18-2022, 11:08 AM
(This post was last modified: 03-18-2022, 11:10 AM by danbrotherston.)
(03-18-2022, 09:20 AM)the_conestoga_guy Wrote: If the entire GO network becomes electrified, would regular freight trains and VIA trains be able to make use of the overhead power lines?
I've tried to look up an answer to this question, but I haven't been able to come up with a clear answer. If yes, and considering how much less expensive it is to power trains this way, why haven't we seen other rail operators advocating for network electrification?
There is no technical reason that freight and via trains couldn't use these wires, but it's not free, they'd have to invest in dual mode locomotives. It probably wouldn't make sense for such a small area of their network.
But more to the point CN and CP will NEVER use wires because they refuse to allow electrification of the tracks they run their freight over. It's just one more reason that Metrolinx not building the bypass is a failure, because it means they can never electrify the Kitchener line.
As for cost, the cost to run a train is cheaper, but the infra is vastly more expensive (especially if you don't electrify your entire network, which means you need dual mode locomotives which are more expensive). It only makes sense on heavily used lines, and only for a company which is investing in it's infra.