rcthompson04 wrote: ↑Thu Aug 15, 2019 8:51 am At what point would NEC trains start losing a material number of passengers if runs like the Adirondack and some of the Empire Service started running south of NYP. One or two more would not dent the current passenger numbers, but you would think extending more would hurt the existing runs.It is possible, but it is not probable for Amtrak to run Empire Service trains south of NYP.
The main problem that arises is Amtrak’s limited number of dual power locomotives. Every one going south of NYP is one less available for Empire Service trains. Of course the simple solution would be switching locomotives types at NYP, but is it probable that Amtrak will want to do so at it’s busiest station. Empire Service trains are turned around using the loop track at Sunnyside Yard to avoid locomotive switching at NYP for a reason. And I doubt through passengers will enjoy the short detour to Sunnyside Yard for locomotive switching. So that is why I do not think it will ever happen with Amtrak’s existing rolling stock.
Another just as un-probable but possible solution is for NY or Amtrak to buy Stadler FLIRT’s dual power train sets. They operate on diesels in New York and switch to catenary power upon entering NYP. The driver/engineer switches ends, performs a break test, and departs on catenary power towards New Jersey. I do not think this possibility is likely either.
Another just as un-probable but possible solution is for NY or Amtrak to hang catenary power over the Empire corridor - at least as far as Albany. Then a train with electric locomotives on both ends could enter NYP, the driver/engineer switches ends, performs a break test, then departs NYP. I just do not think it is probable for NY or Amtrak to hang catenary power over the Empire corridor in our lifetimes.