Latest / The Productivity Podcast with Fexingo: Output, Efficiency, and Long-Term Economic Growth
How Standardized Time Zones Boosted Railroad Productivity
In this episode of The Productivity Podcast, Lucas and Luna explore the surprising productivity gains from the adoption of standardized time zones in the late 19th century. Before 1883, US railroads operated on dozens of local sun times, causing chaos and inefficiency. The introduction of four continental time zones on November 18, 1883, known as 'The Day of Two Noons,' streamlined scheduling, reduced accidents, and cut operational costs. Lucas breaks down the specific efficiency gains: fewer collisions, simpler timetables, and faster freight movement. Luna highlights how this…
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