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Much is heard from the rail-lobby about the hidden subsidies which result in road transport costs appearing to be cheaper than rail transport. The argument is that if government accounting methods were the same for road as for rail the rail system would prove to be cheaper and/or more worthy of subsidy.
Even if possible, there are various interesting facts which indicate otherwise, and which tend to disfavour rail on environmental grounds also.
A modern 40-ton rail freight van weighs 16 tonnes in order to carry 24 tonnes payload (2:3) whereas a 32-ton road vehicle weighs 10.5 tons to carry 21.5 (1:2). Of course, the lorry includes its own motive power whereas a modern freight engine weighs a further 126 tons with an axle weight of 21 tons, twice the maximum proposed for road vehicles.
A modern British Rail Mk 3 coach weighs 34 tons with 72 empty seats, a modern bus only 91/2 tons for 76 seats, a coach less with 52 seats. The bus/coach has its own engine.
A new London Transport train costs £150,667 per 48-seat (228 including standing) car, which is £3,139 per seat or £661 per passenger place. Even if a new bus is £27,000 for 76 seats the cost is only £355 per seat (a ninth of the train cost) or £300 per place with 14 standing.
Any subsidies, open or hidden, must be used to support the least costly methods.
C. R. BALDWIN,