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There are more advantages to the 25 kV/50 hz system then just industry standard (despite the fact that it cuts the cost right there - off the shelf equipment rocks). Higher frequencies mean smaller transformers - good for EMUS when you want to mount a transformer underfloor (and keep the weight down). Higher voltage means less substations. 3 kV system capable of 6 MW output requires something about 3 mile substation spacing. 25 kV will happily work with 30 miles. The reason why BMLP or Sishen-Saldanha run at 50 kV is because it saves the substations. I believe that whole BMLP is fed from a single 'outlet' :D. (BTW whole 600 miles of sishen-saldanha use just 8 substations - voltage may drop as low as 25 kV between then) Obviously these are giant saivngs. And lastly - higher voltage means less maintenance and machinery for the catenary. 3 kV system pretty much requires two contact wires - while 25 kV will work with a single one - and of a smaller diameter. Once multi-system equipment starts to be widely avalible there will be a giant pu***oward 25 kV/50 Hz system all over Europe (esp in DC countries). BTW Poland (and a few other countries) had chosen 3 kV DC because Germans used 15 kV 16,6 Hz system. It was 1935 then so obviously it was a national defense issue :) BTW - in the case of the US the 50 kV transcons and 25 kV everywhere else would make sense. But frankly - I can't really see a justification for the expense in the current operating schemes. Wires provide benefits that would not be used by US freight railroads.
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