Propulsion Alternatives for Suburban Rail Corridors

摘要

This study examined 5 propulsion alternatives to extending existing capital-intensive electrification and using additional electric multiple-unit (MU) cars. The objectives of this study were: (1) to identify alternatives to existing electric MU cars and diesel locomotive hauled trains used for commuter rail service in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut region, (2) to evaluate each alternative in terms of performance capability, reliability, and other technical factors or constraints, (3) to develop capital and operating cost data for each alternative and type of electrification, and (4) to compare each baseline electrification system with feasible propulsion alternatives. The following propulsion alternatives were compared: dual-powered locomotive, alternating current locomotive, direct current locomotive, and dual-powered MU car.