orulz wrote: ↑Sun Mar 15, 2020 6:15 pm 4. Long Bridge/VirginiaExpanding on the thought from above, the VRE Fredericksburg line would be effectively electrified. They could get bilevel EMUs that can handle low and high level platforms, like the trains Caltrain is buying, and run through onto the MARC Penn line. It seems that the Caltrain trains (Stadler KISS) would fit just fine through both the First Street *and* B&P Tunnels?
Virginia has just committed a huge chunk of state funding toward passenger rail. Doubling down in Virginia by dropping an extra $2b on passenger rail on top of what the state is already planning to spend could provide the spark to turn what currently looks to be a generational, incremental program into a "big bang" with something like full buildout (including electrification) down to Richmond in 10 years.
So, in case you can't tell, number 4 (Long Bridge/Virginia) is my pick.
Meanwhile, the Manassas line would be a complication until it too can be electrified. Options:
1. Trains could continue using diesel equipment and run through onto Camden/Brunswick (Diesel trains are slower, and this would hurt the frequency of the line)
2. Tack on a locomotive somewhere south of Alexandria after the tracks split, like a new infill station at Van Dorn Street/Landmark (but this would mean at least a few minutes of stop over and passengers wouldn't like it)
3. Somehow fit an extra platform at Alexandria and short-turn there with a transfer to Metro or the Fredericksburg Line. (Is there room? Would passengers resent having to make this connection?)