Freight by Rail Provides Significant Environmental Benefits

By Walter Bonin

The movement of goods by truck in Massachusetts has risen to 81% of the total. This growth has come at the expense of rail freight which has declined to 7% of the total. This has occurred despite rails significant environmental and other advantages. The following compares the environmental impact of the use of trucks vs. rail for the same ton-miles delivered:

Trucks vs. Rail

Fuel use - 4.3 X
Carbon monoxide emissions - 5.2 X
Nitrogen oxides (NOx)- 5.1 X
Volatile organic compounds - 12.5 X
Particulate matter - 8.9 X

In addition rail reduces highway congestion (further reducing air pollution), damage to roads and especially bridges, reduces costs to consumers and is safer to move hazardous materials. This state of affairs has come about based on the belief that freight railroads are a private matter and not part of public policy. This is clearly wrong! The environmental and other benefits can be realized only if government takes an active role and adopts progressive public policies and works with railroad companies in "partnership". Thus far the relations between the state and railroad companies has been less than harmonious. The Coalition is urging active support rail freight as part of the state's transportation and environmental plans. We seek to have all parties work together to realize these opportunities.