BandA wrote: ↑Sat Jun 08, 2019 1:09 pm
Glad to be wrong! How do Amtrak costs compare with MBTA costs, per train or per coach? Can I assume the Downeaster has a longer MTBF than the MBTA? Presumably Amtrak is maintained to a higher standard.
The Downeaster uses three train sets to provide the services it does today. I'm not sure MBTA has three train sets available to send trains all the way to Maine?
Of course Amtrak provides a better service, all one has to do is look at what is provided in the coaches.
Amfleet I capacity = coaches have up to 84 seats (basically 21 rows 4 seats abreast), each with 2 restrooms per car, one of which is handicap accessible, plus one AmCafe per train.
MBTA Horizon equivalent (BTC and CTC- 1s) capacity = coaches have up to 122 seats (basically 24 rows 5 seats abreast), none with a restroom, and only one cafe version (car#224) available for MBTA. All CTC-1 are used as BTC-1 today because all their cab controls have been deactivated.
MBTA MBB (BTC-3 and CTC-3s) capacity = coaches have up to 96 seats ( basically 24 rows 4 seats abreast), all with restrooms, and no cafe versions available. Having restrooms may be why ConnDOT leased MBB coaches vs Comets from MBTA.
I do not think Maine will be interested in bilevel coaches soon. I have never ridden in either a Comet or MBB coach before, so I can't compare their ride quality.