by Noel Weaver
I have operated many diesel and electric powered passenger trains over the years and there is no comparison in performance. If the line was not electrified it might make sense to leave things as they are but the line is electrified for Amtrak trains and commuter trains would operate much better with MU equipment or electric locomotives than it presently does. Using MU equipment would amount to an increase in track capacity without adding more tracks, much faster getting up to track speed between station stops, Amtrak is presently disposing of some good capable second hand electric motors that would out perform any diesel that they now roster or are likely to roster any time in the future. Look at Metro-North and compare it with the New Haven, Metro-North MU trains make better time between New York and New Haven making all stops than the New Haven did making half as many stops, common sense dictates electric and the sooner the better things will be.
Noel Weaver
Noel Weaver