Conditions affecting the success of main line electrification

In this paper are laid down the conditions affecting the success, for both the public and the railroad, of a main line electrification project, as they have developed in the author´s experience with the New Haven 11,000-volt, 25-cycle, single-phase, overhead contact system. Reliability of service and comfort and cleanliness in operation constitute success from the point of view of the public, while the railroad requires, in addition, economic success. Success is dependent, apart from the engineering, construction, and operating features, entirely upon the density of traffic. A commercially successful electrification is one which cuts the operating expenses of steam-operated territory it has replaced to a figure such that the savings effected are sufficient to justify the investment. The savings in operating expenses made by electrification are, in the order of their importance: saving in fuel; saving in motive-power maintenance and repairs; saving in train-miles. As specimens of the reliable data being obtained from the operation of the New Haven system, statistics from a recent monthly operating report are presented in tables as follows: 1. The amount, distribution and cost of electric power generated at Cos Cob station. 2. Statistics and operating costs of electric passenger service. 3. Statistics and operating costs of electric freight service. 4. Statistics covering line and equipment failures. Tables are also presented showing construction costs for catenary construction of different types, including anchor and sectionalizing bridges.