LPDD

Pathway 4.

Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and Fuel Switching in Transportation → Heavy-Duty Vehicles and Freight

4.3.10 Investing in Rail Efficiency

LPDD Recommendation: “Federal, State, and local governments should expand investments in rail infrastructure to reduce choke points, particularly removing barriers that prevents double-stacking of rail containers.”

LPDD Recommendation: “The FRA and PHMSA should require ECP braking to improve efficiency of freight movements by rail.”

LPDD Recommendation: “Congress should appropriate additional funds to speed up the deployment of needed infrastructure for positive train control.”

DOT’s Positive Train Control Resources

Individual Agencies
The Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration maintain resources on positive train control, including relevant regulations, technical standards, grants, and implementation status across the nation’s rail lines.

Report, ECP Brake System for Freight Service

Federal Agencies and Departments, Private Entities
The Federal Railroad Administration has published a report estimating that electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) braking technology would reduce locomotive fuel use 5% to 10%.

Maryland Efforts to Increase Railroad Tunnel Heights

States and State Governments, Private Entities
CSX railroad and Maryland have sought federal funding to increase the height of a tunnel that has been an impediment to double-stacking. It is believed that the new tunnel would alleviate rail congestion that ripple across the East coast.