Study Shows that Freight Rail Can Reduce Gridlock on America's Highways

The seventh annual Congestion Relief Index, a study of traffic congestion in 82 major urban areas, shows that freight rail can help reduce time spent in gridlock traffic, thus saving drivers hundreds of dollars in gasoline and hours behind the wheel. If 25 percent of freight volume is shifted from trucks to rail, by 2026, commuters across the United States could each save an average of $985 in fuel costs. Even more, the shift of freight volume would save commuters 41 hours a year - an entire work week - in time spent in their cars.

"With gas prices at an all-time high, Americans can't afford to waste money and time sitting in traffic. Because one intermodal train can take nearly 300 trucks off our highways, shifting freight from trucks to trains reduces competition between commuters, drivers and freight traffic for space on the road," said Wendell Cox, author of the study and principal of Demographia, a market research and urban policy consultancy. "Freeing up space on our highways increases the flow of traffic and saves commuters' time, money and gasoline."

The study shows that a 25 percent shift of freight from trucks to rail in urban areas in the U.S. by 2026 would, on average:

• Save each commuter 41 hours a year
• Save $985 in congestion costs per commuter each year
• Save each commuter 79 gallons of fuel each year
• Reduce air pollution by nearly 920,500 tons each year

In addition to easing highway congestion, shifting freight from trucks to rail also helps the environment. Freight trains are at least four times more fuel efficient than trucks, and can move one ton of freight 436 miles on a single gallon of fuel. Since modern freight locomotives emit less nitrogen oxide and particulate matter than trucks, shifting 25 percent of freight volume from trucks to trains would decrease air pollutant emissions by 920,500 tons.

"In order to realize the full potential of freight rail in reducing highway congestion and saving commuters' time and money, we need to ensure that there is sufficient rail capacity," said Cox. "While the railroads already invest billions of dollars each year maintaining and expanding the rail network, increased public-private partnerships, as well as tax incentives, will help America meet growing demand for freight transportation and yield benefits for the entire country."

Projections by urban area if 25 percent of freight was shifted from trucks to rail by the year 2026: