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Fantastic news: Caltrain wants to move to modern light rail
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by Railroader, Atherton: Lloyden Park,
on Jan 26, 2007
What fantastic news that Caltrain wants to move from heavy rail to modern light rail type EMU's (Electrical Multiple Units). This may sound esoteric, but the ecological difference is huge as the energy to accelerate heavy rail cars from each station stop is tremendous. With recent track and scheduling upgrades, board member Art Lloyd's promoting of the change could indeed make Caltrain "the model for the country."
For those who might like to help the process, note that the stumbling block is the old Federal Railroad Act -- essentially, passenger trains operating on freight lines must be freight heavy on the assumption of collisions, even though commuter lines don't run freight at the same time.
The rules have needed updating for decades but those in Congress have not been inspired to take it on. A note from a citizen or two could go a long way.
In the meantime, thank you Art Lloyd for speaking out.
Henry Riggs, Callie Lane, Menlo Park
