Re: Article: Protecting Public Health and Global Transportation Systems During an Influenza Pandemic
Railroads in the developed countries operate mostly by using electric devices and electronic equipment in order to rule the traffic (ie: turnouts lever are automated, signalling system, level crossing activity, traffic monitoring) and if a power failure hit the network all trains will suffer delays.
Further, most of the mainlines operate with single-track system and thus a bottleneck in a section results in the blockade of entire line.
Workers need to be deployed to manage tracks, signals, levers, turnouts, engine sheds, machines and thus an huge amount of workers are need daily for network reliability.
Most of freight railcars are parked at railyards and shunters need to sort and build a train correctly. If the railyards become congested, no further operations may be allowed.
Freight cars may contain chemicals, explosive materials, perishable goods and a delay in delivery could result in toxic leakages or decay of materials.
A comprehensive plan to maintain railroads operativity is warranted as the paper in discussion in this thread correctly explain.