of accidents, pollution, climatic change, congestion-related noise), that the community has to bear, are ascribable to the road, with only 2% caused by rail."
The UIC continues with,
"trains have a far greater energy efficiency than their rival modes; for instance, for every ton per 100 kilometres of freight transported, the equivalent of 2.2 litres of oil is consumed for the road, whereas the figure for rail lies at 0.55 litres. This is a ratio of 4 to 1.
"It should not be forgotten that CO2 emissions are directly linked to energy consumption.
The UIC continues with,
"trains have a far greater energy efficiency than their rival modes; for instance, for every ton per 100 kilometres of freight transported, the equivalent of 2.2 litres of oil is consumed for the road, whereas the figure for rail lies at 0.55 litres. This is a ratio of 4 to 1.
"It should not be forgotten that CO2 emissions are directly linked to energy consumption.
"Added to this is the fact that rail transport (more than 85% of traffic in Europe) mainly uses electrical energy, which means that it can adapt easily to new sources of renewable energy.
"Industry and railway companies are working through their research programmes to improve still further their energy efficiency and the environmental qualities of rail."
The UIC notes, "In addition to flexibility in the choice of primary energy sources, trains also have the further advantage of energy regeneration.
"Industry and railway companies are working through their research programmes to improve still further their energy efficiency and the environmental qualities of rail."
The UIC notes, "In addition to flexibility in the choice of primary energy sources, trains also have the further advantage of energy regeneration.
"By using electricity, it is possible, for example, to regenerate energy during braking and re-use it, as in Switzerland, by means of sophisticated technology. Up to 25% can be regenerated on the flat and up to 40% on mountain lines.
"Furthermore, rail transport is constantly endeavouring to reduce its energy consumption. A recent UIC study showed that a reduction of between 30 and 40% in specific energy consumption could be achieved, in the medium term, by using improved driving patterns, regenerative braking, reduction in vehicle mass, an improved aerodynamic profile,
"Furthermore, rail transport is constantly endeavouring to reduce its energy consumption. A recent UIC study showed that a reduction of between 30 and 40% in specific energy consumption could be achieved, in the medium term, by using improved driving patterns, regenerative braking, reduction in vehicle mass, an improved aerodynamic profile,