is freight "Going Green"?

[xtracks96]

I've asked this before but still am interested in what people think.
I am interested to know how much importance freight rail companies are placing on energy efficiency within the business. I know a lot of initiatives may come with a high upfront cost, but are people seeing these as long term successful planning?
Has/will the "Going Green" fad hit the freight industry?

 

[CN Sparky]

Yup.. can't speak for the rest, but I hear CN is going full-tilt with an eco program, just in its' infancy at the moment.. I'm sure there will be a big announcement soon. Stay tuned.

 

[HenryT]

I know I've seen TV commercials for I believe CSX on their fuel-efficiency. I think they say that it takes less fuel to ship containers compared with trucks. It's usually on the news networks that they have these type of ads. I'm curious to see fuel alternatives for trains like bio-fuel and perhaps hydrogen-powered.

 

[Damon Hill]

Hydrogen is a non-starter for a number of reasons; I think the railroads will stay with diesel and electrify some routes if it's economically feasible (but I've been saying that for years). Can't get greener than electricity and nukes for the electricity.

 

[Iron Bender]

Railroads have been going green way before it was cool or hip.

Fuel savings programs, recycling/reusing old equipment, materials, and cars, streamlining operations, etc...

While are some green aspects inherent to railroading, the only time they purposely go green is when forced to do so or it benefits the bottom line.

 

[Kevin M]

If saying your green because you mode of transit is more fuel efficant then yes. I see more waste at work, from paper to fuel that any "green" program is accidental.
Kevin