PSR and Amtrak

[bostontrainguy]

So with just about all of the host freight railroads out there going with some type of scheduled train operation, would this bode well for Amtrak? Wouldn't this create a fairly consistent flow of trains across the networks that would possibly improve Amtrak's timekeeping? Wouldn't it be much easier to add a passenger train into the flow when most trains are running on a scheduled platform?

It certainly seems that the big guys are running fewer trains (albeit much much longer trains with mid DPUs) and this would eliminate many conflicts that exist now.

Perhaps once the host railroads are running their PSR operations at upmost efficiency, adding a new Amtrak train here and there would not be such a difficult task. This is a game changer for freight rail but maybe it could also benefit passenger rail too.

[mtuandrew]

If Amtrak doesn’t mind running all of its off-Corridor trains at 40 mph, Precision Scheduled Railroading would be great

[David Benton]

I would think there would be tougher penalties for missing your "slot" too , i.e Amtrak caused delays .

[bostontrainguy]

If Amtrak doesn’t mind running all of its off-Corridor trains at 40 mph, Precision Scheduled Railroading would be great

There are going to be large gaps between trains which would allow Amtrak to run at track speed. Say two 40 MPH freight trains leave an hour or two apart from point A. An Amtrak train could be scheduled to leave just before the second train. It might never catch up with the first train because that train enters a yard somewhere or diverges along the way or maybe it waits at a set passing point.

Sure it would take some scheduling models but it certainly could be done and perhaps things might run a bit smoother than they do now.

[electricron]

Which could work in an unrealistic world, but the real world has trains owned and operated by other companies that cross the tracks ahead at diamond crossings that could and will eventually cause the freight out Amtrak train to slow down throwing off your carefully planned schedule timing.

Just as an example, the tracks Amtrak’s Hiawatha trains use has at least five diamond crossings, and that is not including other branches lines and turnouts where there could be conflicting traffic.

[east point]

Railroading would be but the real world has trains owned and operated by other companies that cross the tracks ahead at diamond crossings that could and will eventually cause the freight out Amtrak train to slow down throwing off your carefully planned schedule timing.

Just as an example, the tracks Amtrak’s Hiawatha trains use has at least five diamond crossings, and that is not including other branches lines and turnouts where there could be conflicting traffic.

And of course there is CSX's diamond crossing of NS at Atlanta infoumas Howell CP that has delayed Crescents as much as 1:30.

[Gilbert B Norman]

Here is the latest "Mark Manifesto":

https://ntbraymer.wordpress.com/2019/08 ... directors/

It's of course the usual litany, but I guess the reason I add it to this topic of Precision Railroading is his implication that the Class I roads should be enjoined from such to the extent they interfere with Amtrak operations:

How knowledgeable is Amtrak’s Board on the advent of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) that runs elongated freights with no sidings capable of holding them to allow passenger trains running at a different velocity to overcome at speed? Just look at what happened to VIA’s “The Canadian” operating in that new environment, where another 36+ hours have been added to the schedule to no avail. But that’s not even the primary issue between Amtrak as a tenant on the privately-owned infrastructure of the Class 1s, given Amtrak’s persistence responding to a basic economic issue by taking a position of litigation, backed up by “Uncle Sam.” So much for the friendly tenant to fight over OTP while totally ignoring the equally aggrieved position of the Class 1s to recognize the market value today of track access and timely dispatching. Time for the FRA to mentor Amtrak to recognize much has changed from 1971…

What he "conveniently overlooks/forgets" is that the Class I system over which Amtrak operates its National Network (seems to be "newspeak" for the LD's) is investor owned roads and governed by Boards of Directors who are charged with maximizing shareholder value. Like it or not (and the Amtrak advocacy community clearly does not), railroads are finding significant operating economies where Precision Railroading is implemented - most notably in the handling of bulk commodities. Apparently, the rail shipping community would sooner have the lower rates PSR enables to be offered - just as airline passengers have chosen to accept municipal bus transit conditions in exchange for the lesser fares than previously.

disclaimer: although a while back, I have met Mark Singer "face to face". I'm honestly not surprised how he has become a " gadfly" to the extent he has.