However, the heavy reliance on trucks has taken its toll on the region's environment and road network. Truck traffic contributes to air pollution and, insofar as increased truck traffic has to be accommodated by highway construction, to the loss of open space. It is also an important contributor to wear and tear and congestion on the road network. Thus, if alternative ways can be found to move freight which are less expensive, or trucks can be managed in a way that does not adversely affect the region's quality of life and economic activity, these must be explored. The potential savings to the public sector could be very significant.
Rail is such an alternative.
The rail and truck pair are the freight equivalents to the public transportation and automobile duo in passenger transportation. In terms of capacity, efficiency and environmental impact, the movement of freight by rail is much more desirable in similar fashion to the preferred movement of passengers by public transportation. The expansion of the rail system cannot be justified simply on the basis of anticipated traffic increases in this mode. However, the rail mode becomes much more attractive when all other concerns are taken into account and a shift from truck freight is incorporated. Although the private sector may not be willing or able to expand or improve the existing rail network, the public sector could take the initiative and participate in the financing of such a venture.