2036? this is Metrolinx we're talking about. Maybe my great-great-grandchild will eventually board an electric GO train but it ain't happening in any of our lifetimes.

[–] AndriiZvorygin@helpos.ca -4 points 2 hours ago (3 children)

how about probably never? electric trains not really viable. hydrogen maybe. but the rail should be just simple traditional rail in Canada. all those fancy rails are just a maintenance nightmare, and much more energy intensive.

[–] avidamoeba@lemmy.ca 2 points 22 minutes ago

What fancy rails? It's one overhang wire and power to the standard rail. This has been done in way less wealthy places than Canada, because it's simple and cheap.

[–] Sunshine@piefed.ca 10 points 2 hours ago* (last edited 2 hours ago)

electric trains not really viable.

You’re trolling as Europe, China and Japan are covered in electrified lines. They work phenomenally.

Hydrogen trains are just a scam meant to keep fossil fuels in use longer.

all those fancy rails are just a maintenance nightmare, and much more energy intensive.

They’re actually cheaper to service. You’re just making up that last part.

Siberia has an electric railway and it’s doing fine.

[–] Rentlar@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 hour ago

Diesel engines are way tougher to maintain generally needs to be by specialized heavy diesel mechanics. They also need more frequent overhaul over the service life. For regional passenger moves and short haul, battery trains are more viable than hydrogen in the medium to long term. Hydrogen requires specialized containment and a lot of specialized infrastructure. For long haul freight (> 100km), hydrogen could be viable possibly, but electricity is still much lower opex that would offset the higher capex.