The railroad industry is the oldest transportation industry that is just as relevant today as it was at its invention. In fact, in light of the current state of the world, the railroad industry could not be more promising.
As we contemplate the role railroads may play in our future, it is important (and fun) to take stock of what we know about railroads and their history.
Keep reading, and we’ll tell you all about 5 railroad industry facts that you may have never heard before.
1. The U.S. Has the World’s Leading Freight Rail System
You might be wondering: how big is the railroad industry? In the United States, the railroad industry is enormous. In fact, the U.S. has the world’s largest and safest railroad system.
The U.S. freight rail system runs over 140,000 miles. The industry is currently worth almost $80 billion, and it is likely to grow in the coming years.
2. The Transcontinental Railroad Was Built by Hand
Another common question about railroads is: how are railroads built? How do people build railroads? Believe it or not, the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. was built by hand.
It took six years, but American workers built transcontinental railroads by digging, hammering, and welding with their bare hands; day in and day out.
3. Railroad Work Can Be Dangerous
As you can imagine, working on a railroad isn’t all fun and games. That’s where FELA comes in.
You may ask, what is a FELA? FELA are the laws that are in place to protect railroad workers in case of an accident. The Supreme Court recognizes the inherent danger of railroad work, which is why FELA laws were created to protect railroad workers.
4. Railroads Are Crucial to American History
Railroads have played a crucial role in much of American History. Railroads were crucial to the North’s victory in the American Civil War, which was a turning point in the history of our nation.
Railroads are also responsible for the invention of standardized time zones, an idea that is essential to the ordering of our world.
5. The People Want Rail Travel
Public opinion is steadily turning in favor of rail travel over other methods. In fact, 75% of Americans support the idea of shifting some transportation to passenger rail.
Rail travel is good for the environment, and it is less crowded than airplane travel. In the post-pandemic world, people care more and more about keeping their space on public transportation. Expanding railroad infrastructure could be the key to a more sustainable United States.
Stay Up to Date on the Railroad Industry
The railroad industry is still developing to this day. Stay up to date on all the latest facts about trains and the railroad industry.
In the coming years, you might end up riding the train more often than you’d expect!
For more transportation industry news, check out the rest of our blog.
