Author Question: Why does a truck transportation company have an advantage over a railroad in government subsidy? ... (Read 73 times)

MGLQZ · **on:** Jul 28, 2018

Why does a truck transportation company have an advantage over a railroad in government subsidy? Explain.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Consider methods to identify the major polluters from among the many cars on the road (a few are responsible for most of the pollution). List as many as you can and explain how they can help reduce the problem.

How many of these do you know are being used in your state?

xMRAZ · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The tracks and right of way must be maintained by the railroad companies, but the
state and federal governments construct and repair the roads. While this is done partly with
gasoline taxes, the fuel sold for passenger cars is far greater in volume than that sold to
truckers; in addition, the trucks are much harder on the roadbed than passenger cars, so road
repairs are due in large part to wear and tear from truck traffic, not car traffic.

Answer to Question 2

By eye: Observation of plumes of smoke from the tailpipe. By nose: Recognizing
the acrid smell of burnt oil, the stink of NOx, and unburned hydrocarbons (the other gases
are relatively lacking in smell). By instrument: Many states have inspection stations that
motorists must visit every year to catch major polluters, but conditions of the test are not
always the same as driving conditions. Mobile detectors would be more effective, but are
expensive and they require someone to drive them who is able to give a summons and make
it stick. Students will undoubtedly come up with more suggestions than are listed here.