Passenger Rail Redux

California rail transit agency Caltrain wants to replace its diesel locomotives with efficient Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) rail cars, whose benefits include faster speeds, lower fuel costs, and lower maintenance, as well as less wear and tear on the train tracks. However, due largely to their lighter weight, EMU trains are not compliant with many current federal rail regulations. Caltrain’s work with state and federal agencies to amend some of these outdated rail regulations may pave the way for other transit organizations to modernize as well – if they are successful. Read more about it here. (Progressive Rail – can you help?)

I’m heading over to eBay right now, to see if I can buy myself a lobbyist….

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