Quote:
Originally Posted by swimmer_spe
The real problem is over siding trains. There are trains that operate between terminals that do not fit in any sidings. So, they must keep going.
This is why I said that the regulation needs changing. It would force trains to be shorter, or have longer sidings built, or have double track built.
This CN strike is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to real problems on the railways.
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Forcing trains to be shorter would increase train starts which in turn increases locomotive needs, fuel expenses and labour costs. The problem is that the railways think they can keep the same network fluidity with fewer train starts and decreasing track capacity. Add increasing volumes to that and you have a real mess with clogged mainlines and yards.
in the 1980's CN gradually expanded all sidings across northern
Ontario to 125 car train capacity. Some sidings have been expanded but others have been ripped out to save maintenance costs resulting in sidings being further apart. There needs to be some regulation concerning ripping out sidings or double track. The double track CP mainline from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay is now a series of extended sidings.