Use electric trains

Re “Ports considering maglev trains to cut smog,” Nov. 28

Maglev train technology is new and exciting, but experimental. The discussions of how to clean up dirty diesel locomotives hauling goods from the ports to downtown and inland never include the obvious solution: conventional electrification. String wires, trade the diesel locomotives in for electric locomotives and eliminate a significant contributor to our bad air. Metrolink: you too.

Electric trains run all over Europe, carrying passengers and freight. This is existing, proven technology that could be put in place with off-the-shelf equipment. It seems like a no-brainer but never seems to be on the table for discussion.

STEPHEN JACKSON

Los Angeles