Consider hybrid power for trains

I refer to this week’s Talking Point, “The day the trains stood still”. The Land Transport Authority could consider using trains that are partially self-powered. For example, this can be done by adding a diesel engine.

Self-powered trains, even underground, are not new. London’s Underground was initially run with steam-powered locomotives, as were regular trains of the day, until they were electrified in the early 1900s.

Self-powered trains have the benefit of not losing the ability to move when the power supply fails. It can also continue to power the air-conditioning and lighting.

In this way, we would be less vulnerable to a cascading power failure. The previous major breakdown was also a failure in power supply caused by dislodged rail claws.

The use of self-powered trains would have avoided both incidents and would improve reliability.

Hybrid vehicle engine technology is mature, and we can use the knowledge learnt to build better train engines.