Because of its unique attributes, electricity has played and will continue to play an important role in the development of certain modes of transportation. Although dominated by fossil fuels as a direct source of energy for motive power, transportation has relied upon electricity for particular situations. This report discusses the role of electricity in transportation, including the history of electrified transportation, its current status, and prospects for the future. The historical coverage includes early city transit development, the evolution of the electric streetcar, and the progression of railroad electrification in the United States. Railroads are now the dominant mode of transportation that uses electricity; as such, most of the attention given to the current status of electrified transportation concerns this mode. Railroad electrifications throughout the world are compared, and the current situation regarding railroad electrification in the United States is noted. Future development of electrified transportation may include new rail rapid transit systems and reemployment of electric trolley buses. 43 references, 7 tables. (ERA citation 09:022777)


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    Title :

    Electric Railroads and Trolley Systems: Past, Present, and Future


    Contributors:
    N. L. Treat (author)

    Publication date :

    1984


    Size :

    52 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Development of trolley-wire poles for electric railroads

    Kirschbaum | Engineering Index Backfile | 1932


    Voltage drop in trolley wires and rails of electric railroads

    Benda, E.R. / Voigtlaender, H. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1931


    Trolley wires for electric railroads in lignite open-pit mines

    Thein, F. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1930


    The present and future of American railroads

    Woodlock, Thomas F. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1897


    Past and prospective railroads

    Sargent, J.H. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1891