4 chapters across the catalog
The new BART extension to Antioch utilizes biodiesel-powered trains instead of the traditional electrified third-rail system. This decision reportedly cut the project's infrastructure costs in half, totaling $525 million. The use of diesel for above-ground rail extensions raises questions about the cost-efficiency of electric transit versus modern combustion engines in California.
Spanish High-Speed Rail Crash, Signaling Failures, GE Recruitment
The fatal train crash in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, is analyzed. While the media blamed the engineer for speeding, a General Electric expert and a Spanish civil engineer suggest the real issue was a lack of automatic signaling on that specific section of the track. The crash occurred on a "high performance" line rather than a true high-speed line, meaning the safety systems were not continuous.
China Train Trestle Accident, Siemens Green Marketing
A brief discussion covers a train accident in China involving a collapsed trestle. The conversation shifts to Siemens and their aggressive marketing for high-speed rail, including a collaboration with Orange County Choppers to build an electric motorcycle designed to look like a bullet train for environmental awareness.
High-Speed Rail, UK Coalition Transport Policy
The UK coalition agreement includes a surprise mandate for a high-speed rail network and the cancellation of the third runway at Heathrow. The policy shifts focus from air travel to trains and includes mandates for national electric vehicle recharging networks. The hosts view the "per flight duty" tax as a method to ground airlines in favor of rail infrastructure.
