Page "Electric locomotive" Paragraph 9

In Europe and elsewhere, railway networks are considered part of the national transport infrastructure, just like roads, highways and waterways, so are often financed by the state.

Operators of the rolling stock pay fees according to rail use.

This makes possible the large investments required for the technically, and in the long-term also, economically advantageous electrification.

Because railroad infrastructure is privately owned in the US, railroads are unwilling to make the necessary investments for electrification.