It is generally held that the most efficient method of railway operation, and ultimately the most economical, given a reasonably cheap electricity supply, is with electricity as the motive power. The electric locomotive is not dependent, like its steam counterpart, on the competence of driving and firing or the fuel burned. On the other hand, the speeds that will be possible with any given load are completely predictable and apart from signal or permanent way checks, or other delay-producing casualties, exact observance of schedule times can be guaranteed within narrow limits. With such accurate timetable observance trains can be operated with shorter turnaround times at terminals,which means that more intensive use can be made of rolling stock than is generally possible with steam power.

In suburban areas the rapid acceleration afforded by electric motors from rest and in recovery from speed restrictions makes it possible to work trains with very frequent stops at higher speeds and a closer headway than with steam locomotives. Multiple-unit working, which brings the motors of two or more sets of passenger stock, or two of more locomotives, under the control of one motorman in the leading driving cabin, would be impossible with steam, for each steam locomotive must be manned by its own driver and fireman. Moreover, except on the fastest and heaviest passenger and freight duties, on which it is advisable to have a second man at the head end to assist in the observation of signals and, if necessary, to attend to the electrical equipment, the equivalent of the steam locomotive fireman is unnecessary; thus the great majority of electric trains have a driver only, which makes for considerable economies in staffing.

So much for the credit side of the ledger with electric operation. It has also some obvious disadvantages...