Trains aren't just for cattle and vengeful gunslingers anymore. Amid concern about climate change and stratospheric fuel prices, the quintessential 19th century mode of transport may be ready to make a comeback.
The 7th annual Congestion Relief Index says that if 1/4 of US freight currently carried by trucks were shifted to rail by 2026, the average American would save of 41 hours of travel time and $985 in gas money annually. What's more, it's estimated that such a change could keep about 920,000 tons of pollutants out of the air each year.
Most of the predicted benefits would derive from reducing congestion on roads and highways, thereby reducing time and fuel spent idling in traffic.
One caveat: the study was backed by the Association of American Railroads, who may not be entirely objective on this issue.
via [Green Tech Blog]
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