Is the alaskan Railroad the last true railroad?

[Anonymous]

They offer freight and passenger service and a long history.

[Anonymous]

Freight, passenger, and don't forget scenic excursions!

As the railroad history has developed, so has the definition of railroad. In the United states, railroads were either for coal transport OR passenger transport. The B&O is said to be the first railroad in the US, but the fact is, it is the first according to the definition you are implying. the B&O introduced the idea that a railroad could pull passengers AND freight over the same tracks, and that view stuck into the 1950s and 1960s.

But as the years have passed, we have gone from road to boat to rail, back to road, and into the air. As technology has changed, so has the definition of the railroad, and now it is back to Passenger OR freight to succeed.

so my answer is: In today's world, no. the Alaska RR isn't the last, its just unique in keeping its heratage. but I do thin, if history repeats itself as they say, we will someday see more multi-purpose rail lines.

THG