Understanding the Shared Operation of Commuter Rail Transit and Freight Railroads

Abstract

Seeking a thorough understanding of shared operation between commuter rail transit and freight railroads, a nationwide survey was conducted of transit and rail freight interaction. This survey contacted and received responses from all 21 commuter rail services in North America. In addition to a general understanding of the shared-use practices, this paper presents the key factors that contribute or impede successful shared-use operations between commuter rail and freight railroads by examining detailed operation arrangements, shared asset management, dispatching priorities, accident histories, and insurance and liability issues. A few critical issues directly related to the success of future shared operations are highlighted for the reference of new-start systems and those who are seeking knowledge in the arena of shared-use operations.

Sketch-Level Feasibility Analysis of Commuter Rail Service between Kannapolis and Charlotte, North Carolina

“…Commuter rail operates peak services with more widely spaced stations. Commuter rail trains can operate on the same rails as freight trains, provided that capacity exists along the corridors and agreements are established between the owners of the track and the local transit agency (21). Cabarrus County is directly connected to Uptown Charlotte by an existing Norfolk Southern freight rail line.…”

Business Model for Commingled Operations of Freight and Non-FRA-Compliant Passenger Rail Services

“…Another major issue to be addressed in the business model is how the transit service and the freight railroad share the maintenance cost. According to the findings of previous studies (8), quite a few transit operators identified allocation of the cost of the maintenanceof-way expense as the critical issue of joint operation, and some suggested that government should regulate the calculation of shared cost and shared use.…”