As train traffic to Grand Central increased dramatically at the end of the 19th century, the operation of steam locomotives in the tunnel resulted in both an extremely unpleasant experience for riders and a dangerously low level of visibility for train engineers dues to smoke from the engines. William J. Wilgus, the chief engineer of New York Central, had proposed electrifying the New York Central lines to Grand Central in 1899, using an electric third rail power system devised by Frank J. Sprague. Though Wilgus's plan was approved, it was not carried out due to a lack of funding.