by ACeInTheHole
Am I the only one of the opinion that they should fix the damaged dual modes before even thinking of offering this type of service?
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alewifebp wrote:I think that incentive increases dramatically to build new tubes. Give them a taste, and they'll be craving it, and so will everyone else once wind of this starts to spread. What would be the ultimate testament to the success of this pilot program is if RVL passengers purposely move their work schedules around and make the off peak service a tremendous success.If the same off peak definition is used as noted in the timetable for quiet commute cars, few would be willing to move to a 4:46 a.m. departure from Raritan or the earliest return arriving Raritan at 9:10 p.m. On the other hand, I've noted the concern and confusion of facial expression of first time riders going to NY when the crew member hands back the ticket and says you need to change at Newark, usually to Track 1. For those in that category, probably going to NY for other than work reasons, the off peak direct service would be a plus for sure.
beanbag wrote:Am I the only one of the opinion that they should fix the damaged dual modes before even thinking of offering this type of service?
necrails wrote:While it is nice that NJT will be offering one seat rides, the times offered provide no value to commuters on the RVL. Unless there is a way to provide at least 2 trains in the morning and 2 in the evening this is nothing but a stunt to keep folks quiet. ...I dont know i'd say "stunt" but otherwise yes it's a way to keep people quiet and show some progress. There's not much else they can do during 'the peak' for a variety of reasons all posted here in various threads.
necrails wrote:... I wonder what would happen if one train on the NJCL was terminated at Newark Penn and one on the M & E was sent on to Hoboken. Would the slots into New York then be open or would the outcry be so great that the folks who live along the RVL would just have to continue to have degraded service levels?I'd love to see it as I live closest to the RVL- but there would be a giant angry outcry with no way to fix it except give the slots back to the others and stealing all the joy from us RVL. Pissing us off that much more as we 'almost' had it that 'one time'....
necrails wrote: Progress? I guess you could spin it that way because it is something offered that has not been available prior to now, but the real issue is to help the commuters get to work. Off peak trains do not serve that purpose. No company is going to change their workers hours because the trains do not run at the appropriate times. RVL riders will be the last to arrive at the party simply because they are the last invited. And any additional tunnels or platform space at Penn is more that a decade away after the plans finalized and funding is secured.I'm curious as to how many of the offended and whiny Raritan Valley line passengers would lobby and fight the NIMBYism that would result if NJT electrified the line from High Bridge to CP Aldene. The reality of the situation is that is what would truly help the cause. When the Raritan Valley Line trains are in the position to have longer trains because they are equipped with stronger, electric locomotives and can ferry equipment for connecting passengers, then they can throw barbs. They are not because the line is not electrified.
ThirdRail7 wrote:necrails wrote: Progress? I guess you could spin it that way because it is something offered that has not been available prior to now, but the real issue is to help the commuters get to work. Off peak trains do not serve that purpose. No company is going to change their workers hours because the trains do not run at the appropriate times. RVL riders will be the last to arrive at the party simply because they are the last invited. And any additional tunnels or platform space at Penn is more that a decade away after the plans finalized and funding is secured.I'm curious as to how many of the offended and whiny Raritan Valley line passengers would lobby and fight the NIMBYism that would result if NJT electrified the line from High Bridge to CP Aldene. The reality of the situation is that is what would truly help the cause. When the Raritan Valley Line trains are in the position to have longer trains because they are equipped with stronger, electric locomotives and can ferry equipment for connecting passengers, then they can throw barbs. They are not because the line is not electrified.
So, how many one seat whiners are REALLY interested in the solution? How many will agree to electric poles surrounding the line? How many politicians in the towns that are passing ludicrous resolutions are ready to commit to electrification of the line? How many commuters would lobby their politicians for a quicker and most likely better long term solution?
The upper Coast Line passengers put their money where their mouths are years ago. If everyone on the line is serious, the line could be electrified quicker than building a new tunnel.
michaelk wrote: Not sure where anyone said the problem is "becasue the line is not electrified" - there's dual modes now so that's basically moot.Nothing could be further from the truth. We went over this like a school play. This is not some imagined limitation. According to some higher ups, it is very real. In diesel mode, the Alp-45 would have a difficult time maintaining the schedule it if carried around the necessary equipment it need to replace an existing slot. They aren't comparable to the electrics, which can.