This study was concerned with identifying the
potential for rail service in the Bristol-Washington and Bristol-Richmond corridors. The
analysis included potential ridership, right-of-way costs, an operating analysis for
different rail technologies, and a cost/benefit assessment.
A key aspect was evaluation of the impact of "steerable truck" over
conventional truck technology. It was found that on Norfolk Southern's freight lines,
which lack super elevation and have 40 mph speed limits, "steerable truck"
technology can produce timetable savings of 30-40% over conventional truck technology.
This suggests that 25-50% higher revenues, depending on the option, could be obtained with
the steerable truck, with only 10% higher operating costs. The operating ratio |
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for the selected option would be 1.04, showing
that if capital costs were paid by the state, the service would cover its operating costs.
In economic terms, the project would generate $624 million in economic
benefits for an investment of $300 million, dramatically improving regional mobility in
southwest Virginia, creating 657 full time jobs in non-transportation industries in
addition to construction and operational employment associated with the project,
increasing household income by $53 million/year, and raising property values by $39
million through increased economic activity.
Clearly, the potential of interurban rail service between smaller cities is
greatly enhanced by the development of steerable truck rail technology. |
dual caliper disk brakes on each axle along with magnetic track brakes.
Numerous options such as tilt suspension and two powered trucks are available. A typical
VT 628.4/628.4 train is shown here.
1996
