In keeping with RP3’s efforts to encourage our elected representatives to take a longer-term view, and before they open the city to higher train volumes, we want all to know that a cleaner energy freight-handling solution will be available in the very near future.  That solution - electric semi-autonomous convoy trucks – is currently in production by Tesla and Daimler, and will be cleaner and cheaper than rail according to recent analysts (see e.g. CleanTechnica.)

The current freight-by-rail model involves the following steps.  1: trucks deliver product to rail terminals, 2: product is loaded onto rail cars, 3: product is later offloaded onto trucks, and finally 4: trucks deliver the product for the “last mile.”  Use of both diesel trains and trucks results in higher handling costs, less flexibility and more overall pollution.  The problem with this model in Pittsburgh is the higher volume of trains coming through densely-populated neighborhoods.  Watch this video to learn more.