Around two decades after the concept was first proposed, California is launching two new all-electric commuter trains on its state-owned Caltrain rail line. ...
Lived in California (SoCal and Bay Area) my entire 42 years.
No, we don’t.
There was a short, planned outage in my neighborhood (San Diego suburbs) last summer - we got a few days notice (can’t recall if it was a letter or an email). Didn’t have one the summer before that. I don’t recall any power outages when I lived in the Bay Area.
We have power outages from time to time in my part of SoCal, but the power lines cross through a fire hazard zone. Guess what’s causing it to become more hazardous? Climate change.
This is more about modernizing the grid and adapting to climate change (caused in large part by fossil fuels), and I’m happy to live in a state that invests in infrastructure while trying to solve the problems we’ve been dealt. I can’t say my native red state was doing anything remotely productive (unless the fed was handing out money of course).
If the power goes out there will be no signalling on the tracks, no barriers or traffic lights at level crossings, no lights or announcements at train stations, etc.
Even though a diesel locomotive technically could run with no external power, no regular train will be operating during a general power outage.
Same goes for an EMP, even though that would likely fry the diesel locos control systems anyways
That shouldn’t prevent electrified trains. By that logic, my village daily saw power cuts yet an electrified rail track runs cleanly next to it. The power cut happens in the towns but unless the national grid fails, trains should keep working.
In California? They have black outs every summer. The power going out is a valid concern
Lived in California (SoCal and Bay Area) my entire 42 years.
No, we don’t.
There was a short, planned outage in my neighborhood (San Diego suburbs) last summer - we got a few days notice (can’t recall if it was a letter or an email). Didn’t have one the summer before that. I don’t recall any power outages when I lived in the Bay Area.
We have power outages from time to time in my part of SoCal, but the power lines cross through a fire hazard zone. Guess what’s causing it to become more hazardous? Climate change.
This is more about modernizing the grid and adapting to climate change (caused in large part by fossil fuels), and I’m happy to live in a state that invests in infrastructure while trying to solve the problems we’ve been dealt. I can’t say my native red state was doing anything remotely productive (unless the fed was handing out money of course).
A planned blackout is still a blackout.
If the power goes out there will be no signalling on the tracks, no barriers or traffic lights at level crossings, no lights or announcements at train stations, etc.
Even though a diesel locomotive technically could run with no external power, no regular train will be operating during a general power outage.
Same goes for an EMP, even though that would likely fry the diesel locos control systems anyways
Are you thinking of Texas?
Nah. I’m thinking of the state that has regular black outs, California.
Blackout as in the city lights going out or the whole state grid failing?
Any time power is not being delivered. Doesn’t matter if it’s to the state or a small town.
That shouldn’t prevent electrified trains. By that logic, my village daily saw power cuts yet an electrified rail track runs cleanly next to it. The power cut happens in the towns but unless the national grid fails, trains should keep working.
As usual, you have no clue what you’re talking about.