If Brightline/Virgin Trains USA ever electrifies, do you think the FEC would follow suit?

[Jadebenn]

For the purposes of this hypothetical, let's assume there's VTUSA service to Jacksonville at this point, so we're talking about electrification of the entire FEC mainline.

Since the FEC already has a captive fleet (due to its cab signals), I don't think they'd be too worried about losing interoperability, and electric locomotives are more cheap to run.

[eolesen]

Catenary in hurricane alley? No thanks.

[BandA]

What's the power draw on a freight vs a Virgin passenger train? Diesel engines are a lot more efficient today than steam engines, and electric locomotives are more expensive than freight diesel locomotives. Cost of copper and of labor to install catenary are also much higher than years ago.