Analysis and Evaluation of Past Experience in Rationalizing Railroad Networks
Analysis and Evaluation of Past Experience in Rationalizing Railroad Networks

Author: James Sloss

Publisher:

Published: 1975

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Railroad network rationalization constitutes a process of adjusting the size and configuration of the railroad plant and its utilization in conformity with current and prospective volumes of traffic to obtain optimum efficiency in costs and levels of service. This report reviews the nature and scope of prior efforts to rationalize rail networks, including the Transportation Act of 1920, the Emergency Transportation Act of 1933, abandonments, mergers, and rail-highway coordination. It has been found that, in most respects, these prior schemes have either failed entirely or have achieved less than their anticipated success. Numerous opportunities for improving industry performance have been hampered by interfirm rivalries, managerial insensitivity, employee organizations' opposition, and regulatory constraints imposed by statute or by directive. A recognition both of these restraining factors and of the potential benefits should advance the rationalization process in the future.

Encyclopedia of North American Railroads
Encyclopedia of North American Railroads

Author: William D Middleton

Publisher: Indiana University Press

Published: 2007-04-06

Total Pages: 1295

ISBN-13: 0253027993

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Lavishly illustrated and a joy to read, this authoritative reference work on the North American continent's railroads covers the U.S., Canadian, Mexican, Central American, and Cuban systems. The encyclopedia's over-arching theme is the evolution of the railroad industry and the historical impact of its progress on the North American continent. This thoroughly researched work examines the various aspects of the industry's development: technology, operations, cultural impact, the evolution of public policy regarding the industry, and the structural functioning of modern railroads. More than 500 alphabetical entries cover a myriad of subjects, including numerous entries profiling the principal companies, suppliers, manufacturers, and individuals influencing the history of the rails. Extensive appendices provide data regarding weight, fuel, statistical trends, and more, as well as a list of 130 vital railroad books. Railfans will treasure this indispensable work.