California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16

2005-06 – 2015-16 California State Rail Plan
Another public benefit provided the freight railroads is increased modal choices.
For example, if a short line railroad were to shut down its rail freight traffic would
have to shift to trucks on roadways. Many adjacent local roads and highways are
already congested. More trucks transporting goods means more highway
congestion, highway deterioration, and more air pollution from increased diesel
emissions. In addition, along with highway maintenance costs and increased air
pollution, there are the social and economic costs of traffic accidents.
A final question in relation to funding is, can investments be justified on the basis
of safety? Since technology of railcars is heading towards larger and heavier cars,
there is a significant need to upgrade the infrastructure for the track, bridges and
turnouts. Without adequate infrastructure, railroads would be subject to frequent
derailments that would threaten their economic reliability.
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