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The Role of Railroads in Sustainable Transportation

Published: January 9, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The rapid pace of urbanization and industrialization worldwide has placed unprecedented demands on transportation infrastructure, causing increased energy consumption, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

As environmental concerns rise, the importance of sustainable transportation systems becomes clearer. Rail transport, a crucial component of the global logistics and passenger transit networks, plays a significant role in this transition towards sustainability.

This article explores how railroads contribute to eco-friendly transportation by examining their efficiency, potential for electrification, energy consumption, and impact on carbon emissions compared to other modes of transport like road and air travel.

A pair of helpers work the tail end of Norfolk Southern's westbound train 11N as it rounds the curve through Lilly, Pennsylvnaia on October 13, 2022. Jon Wright photo.

Energy Efficiency and Capacity

Rail transport is renowned for its energy efficiency compared to other forms of transportation, primarily due to the low rolling resistance of steel wheels on steel rails and the streamlined nature of train operations.

Trains can carry large numbers of passengers and substantial freight volumes with significantly less energy per ton-mile or passenger-mile than cars or planes. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), rail is the most energy-efficient mode of transportation for both passenger and freight when measured as energy consumption per unit transported.

CSX Transportation, one of the nation's largest Class 1 railroads with 21,000 route miles, has long stated that it can move 1 ton of freight almost 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel. By comparison, a loaded tractor and trailer (truck) can only move roughly one ton of freight 134 miles per gallon of fuel.

In addition, its trains can handle more than 280 truckloads in a single movement while emitting three times less nitrogen oxides and particulates than other forms of transportation.

With the ability to move large volumes of goods and people efficiently, railways can substantially ease traffic congestion on roads and reduce the energy-intensive nature of air shipping for short to medium distances. Rail systems are particularly effective in densely populated areas and over long distances where they can consistently outperform road transport in terms of energy use and emissions.

Electrification and Renewable Energy Integration

A critical advantage of railroads is their adaptability to electrification, a technology that can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Electrified railways eliminate the need for diesel locomotives, which are major contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Instead, they can be powered by increasingly cleaner energy grids. For example, countries like Switzerland and Japan have extensive electrified rail networks powered by hydroelectric and nuclear energy, respectively, demonstrating the potential for low-emission rail transport.

Moreover, as the share of renewable energy like wind and solar power grows within national grids, electrified railroads can operate with minimal carbon dioxide emissions. This integration makes rail transport an exemplary model of sustainable mobility in the fight against climate change.

Unfortunately, in the United States private freight railroads have largely abandoned electrification due to the initial construction costs involved.

The Pennsylvania Railroad regularly handled freight along its Northeast Corridor and the Milwaukee Road maintained over 600 miles along its Puget Sound extension in Montana, Idaho, and Washington until 1974.

Conrail - the PRR and Penn Central's successor - was the last carrier to utilize freight operations electrically, ending the service along the NEC in 1981.

Chessie System GP40-2 #4303 has just crossed Route 240 with a southbound freight on the Buffalo Subdivision/ex-BR&P at Glenwood, New York on October 24, 1982. Doug Kroll photo.

Lower Carbon Emissions

Rail transport's reduced carbon footprint is pivotal in building sustainable transportation systems. Studies have shown that railways emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases per passenger kilometer than both cars and airplanes.

By shifting passenger and freight movements to rail, nations can achieve notable carbon savings. The European Environment Agency (EEA) reports that rail transport accounts for less than 1% of transport-related CO2 emissions in Europe, despite carrying 17% of freight and 7% of passengers. This statistic underscores the inherent advantage of rail systems in combating climate change.

Rail companies continue investing in technological innovations to further reduce emissions. These innovations include fuel-efficient train designs, regenerative braking systems that return energy to the grid, and improved logistics planning to reduce empty runs and optimize rail schedules.

Land Use and Infrastructure Impact

The environmental benefits of railroads extend beyond energy efficiency and emissions. Rail transport also boasts more efficient land use and infrastructure development.

Rail lines require relatively narrow corridors and have low impacts on landscapes compared to highways or airports, which involve extensive drainage systems, parking facilities, and ancillary infrastructure spread over large areas.

Urban rail systems, such as subways and city trains, offer space-saving solutions that relieve traffic congestion while promoting sustainable urban development.

By concentrating development around transit hubs, the transit-oriented development model can mitigate urban sprawl, protect green spaces, and reduce the need for private car travel.

Economic and Social Benefits

Rail networks not only address environmental imperatives but also support sustainable economies by providing high-capacity transport routes integral to supply chains and regional connectivity. Efficient railways can enhance trade competitiveness by cutting logistics costs, improving service reliability, and supporting long-term economic growth.

Socially, rail transport promises accessible and equitable travel options across populations. It reduces the need for personal vehicle ownership, lowering barriers to mobility for economically disadvantaged groups and supporting inclusive socioeconomic development.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite these advantages, challenges remain in maximizing the sustainable potential of rail transport. Infrastructure investment requirements, the need for technological upgrades, and coordination with existing transport systems are significant hurdles. Many regions still rely on diesel-powered locomotives, and capital allocation for electrification can be substantial.

However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and policy-driven progress. Rail infrastructure investments offer opportunities for green job creation and cleaner technology development—efforts that align well with global green recovery plans and sustainable development goals.

By implementing supportive policies, investing in infrastructure, and adopting pioneering technologies, governments can capitalize on the benefits of railroads, securing their leading role in the green transportation revolution.

BNSF SD70ACe #9087 is westbound along the Mississippi River locks at Alma, Wisconsin along the ex-Burlington on July 17, 2021. Doug Kroll photo.

Conclusion

The increasing urgency to reduce carbon emissions and build sustainable transportation networks points decisively toward railroads as a vital component in achieving these goals.

With their inherent energy efficiency, adaptability to electrification, minimal land use, and economic advantages, rail transport systems present a compelling solution to the global challenges of sustainable mobility.

The transition to greater reliance on railways for both passenger and freight transport not only reduces the environmental footprint of transport systems but also fosters economic and social benefits across societies.

As a cornerstone of sustainable infrastructure, railroads are poised to lead the way in the journey toward achieving carbon-neutral transportation.

Consequently, investing in rail infrastructure, fostering supportive policies, and embracing technological advancements will be critical in optimizing rail transport's contribution to a sustainable and greener future.