Search

"Limited" meaning a limited number of stops is actually a misnomer. It was originally used to refer to the limited seating availability on high end/express trains.

The comments here that GRS gets paid well for running the Downeaster made me do a little research into what they really get... some stats from ATK's website are pretty interesting: In 2003, ATK paid $96.2 million to "host" railroads for running rights. In April, 2004, they ran 2.159 millio...

Are you upset with MMA or with the government here? (or Guilford?)

Three crewmen on road trains? That's not even status quo - that's going back in time. If the road train has a lot of work, how 'bout a utility man in a vehicle that can service more than one train at a time. Yes, given the light density on MMA and distances involved, this may be impractical... but I...

I heard recently that MMA is bringing lines up to 286k standards. I was surprised... until I saw today that they have applied for a $34 million "loan" from the FRA. And then I see that MMA is installing welded rail and 20,000 ties north of Brownville Jct. Yep, most of the funding will come...

It is a shame (but not surprising) that many feel that employee job protection is the only acceptable road to prosperity. In reality, it's the opposite. I'd like to know how many RCL detractors use ATMs (oops, you just put a teller out on the street), pump their own gas (not only did you put an atte...

Anyone have information on what business, if any, GRS is doing on the Everett waterfront? They access the area (adjacent to the NE produce distribution center) over a CSX spur, I believe. Thanks!

Gee, and here I was thinking all along that MBTA and ATK investments are taxpayer funded, too! Thanks for the clarifcation, 407!

Like it or not, GRS had a legitimate gripe about rail size. If you look at Amtrak/MBTA, new lines, e.g., to Newburyport and replacement rail is 132lbs/yd standard... and most of those lines see little if any freight service. So why spec a smaller size for a route with exponentially more ton-miles?

Isn't it just wonderful that the state of Maine already spent $25 million in rehabbing the Rockland branch.... for nothing. If those responsible were in the real world of private industry, they'd be out on their butts long ago... but then again, private industry wouldn't have allowed such a boondogg...

What is the approximate volume that they're running across the old CP west of Bvl Jct? Any word on recent financial results?

Things have sure quieted down since this forum's format changed. What is the latest with MMA regarding new customers, traffic growth, service, solvency???

The "yellow tie" is just a visual marker- a tie and rail painted bright yellow- to identify clearance points on yard ladder tracks. It is a very low-tech solution (no critisism here) to in-yard sideswipes caused by equipment fouling another track... it's not there to prevent crews running ...

A lot of employees volunteered and others took early retirement, so that blunted the pain... but a lot of people left with long faces this week. With another round to come in April/May, not too many are expecting service improvements any time soon.