Standards, Classification, and Designation of Lines of Class I Railroads in the United States (Final). Volume I

摘要

The final standards have been applied to classify the rail system into six distinct categories embracing both mainlines and branchlines. All rail lines have been designated into these categories. The process results in a prioritizing of rail lines which can serve as a guideline for future investment in track, and, from an initial standpoint, begins to depict those portions of the rail system most important to the flow of interstate commerce. The process, which is continuous in nature, should further aid railroad management with future decisions regarding investment, operations, and facilities rationalization, lead to safer operations, and furnish a useful tool to both federal and state planning agencies.