New Jersey Tests Battery-Operated Trains for Potential Savings
Electrifying rail lines in New Jersey would cost billions, so NJ Transit hopes to find a cost-saver in battery-operated trains. If successful, these trains would not only save money but also address environmental concerns.
May 11, 2021 •
An NJ Transit dual mode locomotive leaves Newark Penn Station running on electric power last month. A pilot program to study battery powered trains that could deliver the benefits of electrification without the high cost could happen if funding is found.
NJ Advance/Aristide Economopoulos (TNS) Battery-operated trains are being tested by the Long Island Rail Road as an alternative to the high cost of electrifying rail lines and NJ Transit has a plan to study the same type of project if it can find the money to do it.
The advantages of electric trains without the cost? NJ Transit wants to test battery power.
Updated May 10, 2021;
Battery operated trains are being tested by the Long Island Rail Road as an alternative to the high cost of electrifying rail lines and NJ Transit has a plan to study the same type of project if it can find the money to do it.
If battery powered trains are studied and adapted, they could deliver the advantages of converting a rail line to electric power without the billions of dollars of cost to build infrastructure. They also could satisfy the request of environmentalists who want diesel locomotives replaced.