by electricron
bdawe wrote:I don't really understand the plan. For one, why dual modes? Either VIA is going to operating only fairly short distances under commuter wires or they'll be building the whole electric trunk that they're planning. Straight diesels or straight electrics would be cheaper and easier to procure. I suppose that they just can't wait for HrSR to be done, or maybe there are some unresolved gaps?Buying dual modes locomotives now will allow piecemeal construction of the electrification of the entire corridor. Let's face realities, the entire corridor will not be electrified overnight, within a year, or within one locomotive's useful life. It's going to be done a piece at a time; within 20 miles of Toronto and Montreal, within 20 miles of Quebec and Ottawa, within 20 miles of Windsor, Quebec, London, Hamilton, Kingston, etc., then at last filling in the gaps remaining. As each electrification section gets built, the dual mode trains can use it. Exclusive electric only trains could not run until all the electrification projects are finished, while exclusive diesel locomotives can't use the electrification upgrades at all. Why spend a small fortune on electrification and never use it? Dual mode trains can use it as each upgraded section of track is finished.