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| Re: CALTRAIN Prepares for Electrification (918529) | |||
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Re: CALTRAIN Prepares for Electrification |
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Posted by Jersey Mike on Tue Mar 30 08:39:06 2010, in response to Re: CALTRAIN Prepares for Electrification, posted by WillD on Mon Mar 29 16:35:20 2010. Of course, but if they can use the EMUs to cover those express runs then they gain economies of scale which can offset the greater marginal cost of the EMUs relative to a mixed fleet. It doesn't make much sense to buy 10 locomotives and the equipment to maintain them just to cover a few express runs when they can just go with a full EMU fleet and eliminate the additional costs of the locomotives and push pull cars.Why do you think NJT uses Push-pulls? EMU's have much higher costs associated with them because in addition to all of the propulsion kit they are all locomotives and required to be inspected as such. Every EMU that can be eliminated from a fleet saves money. I'm surprised LIRR and MNRR haven't bought single-mode DC electric locomotives to get rid of some of their own MU's on express runs. Even addition In addition buying FRA compatible single level M8-like crap would require longer trainsets and the adoption of 3x2 seating, decreasing passenger comfort and increasing the cost for the rolling stock changeover. An M8-like car would accelerate slower and have a lower top speed than any of the European EMU designs. The only Caltrain runs that will benefit from EMU acceleration are the off-peak locals and there isn't a big capacity issue with them. Second all trains should use 3-2 seating as anything less is a waste of space. Finally, Europe basically runs BART style rapid transit operation. In the United States we have these things called Railroads, which, although slower, are safer, cheaper, more fault tolerant, provide more spacious accommodations and come with a cup holder. The CAHSR project will require the Caltrain line to be converted for use by non-FRA compatible rolling stock. As a result it is foolish to stick with the FRA's requirements for Caltrain's rolling stock. Caltrain stands to gain real savings from acquiring actual off the shelf equipment which reduces the cost of operation all while increasing the convenience and comfort for passengers. It's funny how you think that will actually be built, but I hope the FRA will get involved and require proper rolling stock. Remember when your system can tolerate crashes everything else becomes cheaper. The Germans tried to go the whole no-crash route with their ICE network, but they still had one and it killed 101 people. |
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