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There's not a lot of electrified track in the US. The distances are just too great and our railroads are freight-first, passengers second (the opposite of Europe).

Even so, the passenger trains don't make abrupt starts/stops like the freight trains do, because people would complain. :)



Actually there used to be a lot more electrified track in the US but the freight railroads tore it out to reduce capital ratios and allow tall-stacking containers.


> our railroads are freight-first, passengers second (the opposite of Europe).

Common misconception. Amtrak actually has preference on US rails, but the track operators frequently ignore the law.

It's been the law since 1973.

https://www.progressiverailroading.com/federal_legislation_r...


It's the difference between "should be" and "reality". (I blame precision scheduled railroading for creating freight trains so long that they can't use sidings)


I believe they did this specifically so they would not have to use the sidings




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