The higher friction and increased rolling resistance cause disadvantages (compared to steel wheel on steel rail):
• Higher energy consumption
• More heat is generated
• Weather variance. Losing the traction-advantage in inclement weather (snow and ice)[2]
• Heavier; steel rails remain for switching purposes, to provide electricity to the trains and as a safety backup[3]
• Tyre replacement cost[4]
• In-tunnel noise is higher than normal trains due to the roaring sound caused by the tires
• Higher energy consumption
• More heat is generated
• Weather variance. Losing the traction-advantage in inclement weather (snow and ice)[2]
• Heavier; steel rails remain for switching purposes, to provide electricity to the trains and as a safety backup[3]
• Tyre replacement cost[4]
• In-tunnel noise is higher than normal trains due to the roaring sound caused by the tires