Re: Is the following true about Caltrain? Sort of...it depends on marginal cost versus marginal benefit from such a large investment....
Author: BOB2
Date: 04-03-2019 - 11:17
On a cost per mile full life cycle basis the electric locomotive would have lower per mile O&M costs, despite being more costly/offset by longer life. No prime mover, means way less maintenance costs, and longer service. But, electrification is very-very-very expensive, and adds to maintenance costs of the electric distribution system and overhead to power the train.
The fact is that you do get better operational performance with an electric locomotive or train, but without much "monetization" of that benefit to offset the costs, to the operators. You can buy an awful lot of diesel locomotives with just the interest on the huge capital cost of the electrification investment.
The fact is also, that with today's tier 3 and 4 locos, electrification becomes a very expensive reduction in health standard and greenhouse gas emissions, on a "cost per ton" reduced basis, compared to way cheaper emission reductions, that are way more cost effective, and even save consumers money.
While Caltrain electrification is moving forward and is going to happen, it will probably be, at best, a wash, in terms of the costs versus the incremental increases in performance, and lifecycle equipment savings. So, the Caltrain electrification is and has been largely a political decision, couched in terms of better performance and/or air quality. But, it is not necessarily a decision based on good "economics".
Is the following true about Caltrain?
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Ralph |
04-03-2019 - 08:11 |
Re: Is the following true about Caltrain?
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Max Wyss |
04-03-2019 - 08:28 |
Re: Is the following true about Caltrain?
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Eugene |
04-03-2019 - 08:30 |
Re: Is the following true about Caltrain?
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Eugene |
04-03-2019 - 08:32 |
Re: Is the following true about Caltrain?
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Joe Magruder |
04-03-2019 - 10:16 |
Re: Is the following true about Caltrain? Sort of...it depends on marginal cost versus marginal benefit from such a large investment.... |
BOB2 |
04-03-2019 - 11:17 |
Re: Is the following true about Caltrain? Sort of...it depends on marginal cost versus marginal benefit from such a large investment....
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david vartanoff |
04-03-2019 - 14:14 |
Re: Sort of.. a question, maybe sort of????
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BOB2 |
04-03-2019 - 18:53 |
TPH
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R Ruiz |
04-03-2019 - 19:16 |
Re: Sort of.. a question, maybe sort of????
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Clem |
04-03-2019 - 19:16 |
Re: Sort of.. a question, maybe sort of????
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That Bus Guy |
04-03-2019 - 20:07 |
And, Clem too....? Alll hail the vision! So what is the optimal cost per ton we will all be charged?
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BOB2 |
04-03-2019 - 21:02 |
Re: And, Clem too....? Alll hail the vision! So what is the optimal cost per ton we will all be charged?
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ghost of mook |
04-03-2019 - 22:54 |
Re: And, Clem too....? Alll hail the vision! So what is the optimal cost per ton we will all be charged?
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synonymouse |
04-04-2019 - 10:47 |
Re: And, Clem too....? Alll hail the vision! So what is the optimal cost per ton we will all be charged?
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ghost of mook |
04-04-2019 - 12:46 |
Re: And, Clem too....? Alll hail the vision! So what is the optimal cost per ton we will all be charged?
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synonymouse |
04-04-2019 - 15:18 |
Re: And, Clem too....? Alll hail the vision! So what is the optimal cost per ton we will all be charged?
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Max Wyss |
04-05-2019 - 04:03 |
Re: And, Clem too....? Alll hail the vision! So what is the optimal cost per ton we will all be charged?
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ghost of mook |
04-05-2019 - 08:16 |
Re: And, Clem too....? Alll hail the vision! So what is the optimal cost per ton we will all be charged?
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Max Wyss |
04-05-2019 - 14:26 |
Re: And, Clem too....? Alll hail the vision! So what is the optimal cost per ton we will all be charged?
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Clem Three |
04-05-2019 - 15:28 |
Re: Is the following true about Caltrain?
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Max Wyss |
04-05-2019 - 04:23 |