Energy consumption in rail traffic

This report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) presents the first results of a short study made on the energy consumption of the Swiss rail-bound systems for the transport of persons and goods. In this initial short study, data collected on the electricity and fossil fuel consumption of the Swiss Federal Railways and further railway companies in Switzerland is presented. The consumption is split into various categories such as person and goods traffic, internal traffic, building-infrastructure (stations, workshops, tunnels etc.) and equipment (signals, point-heaters, lighting, safety equipment). Data is presented in tables and in graphical form in relation to person-kilometres and tonne-kilometres. The development of consumption over a period of years is discussed and comparisons are made with figures for the German rail system