Engineering Feasibility Study for Rail-Based Automobile Transport

The Triangle Railroad Holding Company seeks an engineering study to evaluate the current equipment used for loading, offloading, and transporting passenger vehicles via rail. The goal is to determine the feasibility of integrating personal automobile ferrying into their passenger rail service. This study will involve a comprehensive analysis of the types of equipment required, the costs associated with setup and maintenance over a 20-year period, and the maximum weight and size limitations of the rail ferry equipment. Additionally, the study will assess the maximum number of vehicles and rail flatcars that can be hauled per train set, the required annual number of passenger vehicles to be hauled to cover costs, and the distance needed to justify the transport of vehicle sets. The impact of ramp-up and ramp-off times on rail service will also be evaluated.