Jeff Smith wrote: βSun Mar 22, 2020 11:24 am
As for NYS, I"m kinda surprised Cuomo, who likes big visibility/big ticket items, with the A-II actually being built in his own state, has not explored Empire service as a destination. Could they throw on a non-electric option? No, it won't go 160. But it would be a heckuva lot better than the crap they run, and a redemption for the train whose name shall not be spoken (cough, Matt, cough LOL). But the line has huge complications, not the least of which is MNRR ownership south of Poughkeepsie, and DC electrification below Croton Harmon.
There's a lot to this idea. It's not the high speed that sells Acela. It's the fact it's competitive with air, and positioned as a premium service. Part of that positioning is the price and amenities and clientele, and a bit is the halo of high speed. But we all know it's not really high speed. That train spends far more time below 89 than above 100.
I have always maintained that a fast-looking, reliable, premium product would sell very well in other dense corridors. It doesn't need to actually go fast. Whether it's Avelia/Acela 2 or something else that looks fast and modern with premium-positioned service, you could probably do well in corridors like Albany, Richmond, or San Diego. Mabye some day the Texas triangle.
Contrast that with the current state of affairs on the Detroit line where you have "business class" that is $15-30 extra, no real amenities, ancient cars, late trains, and the clientele is drunk housewives looking to party in Chicago and "treat yourself" for the "fancy" ticket. Not that same by a country mile. the high powered NEC "Almost Amtrak Joe" types do not want that ticket.
And if you think I'm joking about the drunk housewives thing, indulge me for a sec. I often ride the Wolverine between meetings in Detroit and home in Chicago area. Chicago celebrates Saint Pats on the saturday before the actual holiday, which often falls on a week day. The celebrations include huge parades and parties, its a very fun mess. Two years ago, I'm on my way back to Chicago the day after SPD when four loud tipsy housewives board in Battle Creek and head straight for business. I'm not thrilled as my goals for the trip were (a) sleep; (b) hour or two of work. But I play ball, and ask them where the're going given their prolific green attire.
"We're headed for chicago, baby! Going to party like crazy at the parade!".
"Uh, ladies, the parade was last weekend..." The air left that balloon so fast. I gave them a few adult bar suggestions. I felt a bid bad for them. Besides I wasn't going to get much sleep anyway with the shape the combo Amfleet cafe/business/snare drum was in.
The new Acela: It's not Aveliable.