if amtraks long view plan is to have a viable inland plan b to a flooded nec in rhode island, they will need full electrification from nh to springfield to boston.
Jeff Smith wrote: ↑Wed Mar 22, 2023 5:16 amI agree. Since the launch of CtDOT’s Hartford Line service traffic is at the tipping point for electrification. Given that infill stations may lead to more service, the time is probably right. Amtrak would most certainly love it for eliminating Regional engine changes.There is definitely room for growth with infill stations and connecting transit services. I do think that given the sprawled out nature of the area, they have a lot more potential as a sort of regional rail service than purely daily commuter traffic.
The other end is more problematic. It would be a primarily MBTA project; two or three extended inland regionals are not enough for Amtrak to chip in financial support. They would need DM’s to bridge the gap. The Lake Shore would likely remain diesel.
That's an interesting thought about Amtrak and Regional trains, I hadn't even thought about that. Amtrak needs dual-modes anyway, as there are all sorts of interesting routings that go a bit off of the NEC into diesel territory.
There also needs to be a nationwide push for major freight rail lines to be electrified, but the B&A doesn't justify electrification even though Selkirk to Chicago and Selkirk south do.
Jeff Smith wrote: ↑Wed Mar 22, 2023 6:00 amI think I do remember that. At this point, I would think CT would be all-in on electrification, and would simply order more 8's, or Sprinter-type power. So it seems Amtrak will have both types of DM power; DC and AC. Hopefully the AC DM's would be able to bridge the gap between SPG and BOS.The M-8's aren't really right for the service, but they are shoehorning them into SLE service, so who knows. They really should have either electric push-pull or overhead EMUs with 25hz and low-level capability for service into Penn and SLE service.