A railway electrification system supplies electric power to railway trains and trams without an on-board prime mover or local fuel supply. Electrification has many advantages but requires significant capital expenditure. Selection of an electrification system is based on economics of energy supply, maintenance, and capital cost compared to the revenue obtained for freight and passenger traffic. Different systems are used for urban and intercity areas; some electric locomotives can switch to different supply voltages to allow flexibility in operation. COUNT 4
QSN1 What is of the factors the capital cost of electrification system depends on? ANS1 maintenance QSN2 How do some locomotives function in order to be more flexible in operation? ANS2 can switch to different supply voltages QSN3 What are two types of revenue obtained through railway transportation? ANS3 freight and passenger traffic QSN4 What is the main disadvantage of railway electrification? ANS4 significant capital expenditure