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Need help interpreting this tech. paper on Locomotive Fuel usage vs auto fuel consumption
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IMO a major flaw in these types of studies is not differentiating between commuting, business travel, and long distance discretionary travel. The characteristics and usage of each are quite different and trying to justify LD trains based on commuting confuses the issues. <br /> <br />Commuting is driven largely by cost, frequency, and time. People get there when the boss says they do and they need a way home when overtime and late meetings are common. A Honda Civic gets nowhere near the EPA estimates stuck in traffic while rail has near empty backhauls, lots of stops, etc. Fuel economy is only an issue as it relates to total cost. If a commuter is spending $100/week to fill the tank and a cheaper alternative is available that meets his needs, he's more likely to use it. I'd also guess that the vast majority of our gasoline usage is the result of going to work every day, i.e. non-discretionary travel. 'Real' flextime, telecommuting, and regional office centers could do a lot to reduce fuel usage. Neither Bush or McCain is saying we should kill off commuter rail lines. <br /> <br />The business traveler isn't paying the bill, doesn't need the frequency commuters do, but does need reliable service. Outside of corridors that are competitive with airlines, the business traveler is going to fly because time is more valuable than fuel efiiciency. <br /> <br />I don't know if it's true or what the source is, but I heard one Congressman claim that each passenger on some Amtrak LD trains is receiving a federal subsidy of $400 per trip. That would just about cover a private limo or small plane for shorter trips, and is much higher than most airfares booked in advanced for these types of trips.
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