Powering sustainability: The overlooked role of third rail in green transit goals

Reports show that the transportation industry has experienced a surge in travel demand, resulting in a 1.7% increase in total transportation emissions. In the U.S., the transportation industry alone is responsible for approximately 28% of total greenhouse gas emissions, making it the most significant contributor among industries. Rail accounts for 2% of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.  

Understandably, most of that 2% of rail emissions comes from the freight industry, one of the cleanest ways to transport goods. While freight rests its reputation on clean transport, what would happen if, all of a sudden, a class of electric trucks made shipping via truck more environmentally sustainable than freight? With the advancing technology of electric vehicles, transit authorities can’t afford to sit back and rely on their current superior environmental position, or they might find themselves getting passed by. 

In tandem, clean energy agencies and groups, such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), have come together to set ambitious climate goals and enact strategies to achieve emissions reductions. The IEA specifically established the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE Scenario), which provides a pathway for the global energy sector to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. Part of this strategy is to invest in and implement energy-efficient systems and technologies within the transportation industry. To meet carbon emission goals and lessen its impact, it’s now more important than ever for the transit industry to adopt energy-saving strategies and take the right steps toward a greener future.  

Enter stainless steel capped aluminum power delivery (CAPD) third-rail systems. These rail systems offer inherent sustainable benefits like enhancing conductivity and promoting energy efficiency. Let’s take a deeper look at how CAPD third-rail solutions can help redefine sustainability in the transit industry. 

Redefining sustainability in transit 

For transit infrastructure to continue to operate sustainably, it must rely on materials that lower transport emissions, reduce energy loss and minimize frequent replacements and waste generation. If your current rail infrastructure lacks one of these components, you not only stall progress towards sustainability goals, but also jeopardize resources, costs and time. For example, transit organizations traditionally utilize carbon steel-based rail systems to power their operations. Because these systems are made only of carbon steel and use aluminum bolted to the web of the rail, they are heavier and less conductive, causing increased energy use.  

Instead of exploring alternative options, transit organizations have chosen to settle for these systems that work for now, reducing the importance and urgency of meeting sustainability goals. 

But in today’s era of modern transit, advancement in sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have. Transit organizations have a responsibility to source and invest in systems that enhance conductivity, promote energy efficiency and support equipment longevity, all working toward the goal of reducing emissions and promoting greener operations.  

Thinking greener with third-rail systems  

CAPD third-rail systems are not only designed to future-proof operations, but to also  limit environmental impact. These advantages include:  

1. Material advantage: CAPD third-rail systems are made of a solid block of aluminum with a stainless steel cap. These systems weigh less than traditional carbon steel-only rail, supporting lower transport emissions. Not to mention, aluminum is an energy-efficient material, and when recycled, it requires 95% less energy than producing from raw materials.  
2. Energy transmission: Due to its aluminum component, CAPD third rail helps support energy efficiency by improving power transfer and supporting regenerative braking. The solid aluminum core mixed with the stainless steel cap generates greater conductivity, leading to a lower loss of energy and increased energy storage compared to alternative systems.  
3. Durability: Sustainable advantages can also be found in CAPD third rail installation and performance. CAPD third-rail systems can be installed or replaced in smaller lot sizes that support phased upgrades. In contrast, carbon steel-based systems must be installed in larger quantities, leading to extended stop periods and wasted resources. Moreover, steel systems can wear more frequently because of their smaller surface area, while CAPD third-rail systems support a reduction in maintenance-related emissions due to less frequent repairs and fewer work vehicles required.   

Tracking toward a greener tomorrow  

Aligning operations with modern transit climate goals starts with system use. If you are operating with outdated, energy-wasting materials and solutions, you put yourself at a disadvantage, missing out on cost savings, falling behind on regulatory compliance and losing ground to competitors who are aligning with modern sustainability and transit goals. While investing in new systems, such as CAPD third rail, may include additional upfront costs and a learning curve for internal teams, sourcing sustainable solutions can outweigh the investment cost and ensure long-term savings.  

In a time when climate advocacy is so important, decision-makers have a responsibility to prioritize green planning strategies and reframe how they view infrastructure. Starting with the power systems for passenger transit rail is a step toward a more sustainable future.