Nasadowsk wrote: ↑Fri Jan 05, 2024 6:24 pm
But, for main line operations, it’s insane that Metra is still diesel, especially in a state that is drowning in nuclear power.
Diesels are loud, slow, dirty, and have no place in regional transit, beyond short branch lines that can use DMUs.
The nice thing about Metra is that they have a varied and vibrant existing diesel and electric system. They don't have to mobilize, electrify all of it at once, then demobilize this great machinery. The could hire a team of 300 construction workers of various crafts and trades and spend the next 10-15 years electrifying the busier routes. 2-3 years per line. Start with the Rock, then BNSF, then the two Milwaukees, then the three UP lines.
Further, its not necessary to scrap all of the trailer gallery cars and convert entirely to MU. The folks at NJT have shown us that locals and 4-8 car trains are for EMU's, while the expresses and longer trains can still be diesel-hauled or electric motor-hauled trailer cars. Ergo 1000+ cars are not immediately surplus.
So it takes 3-5 years for funding and politics.
Then by 2030 you have wire from LaSalle through suburban branch to Blue Island. Suburban locals use existing 1200 cars, diesels pull gallery cars on Express, Main Line, and Joliet trains.
By 2032 you have wire all the way to Joliet with motors pulling gallery cars on the express, main line, and Joliet trains.
By 2035 you have wire to Lisle, 2037 to Aurora. Same pattern with EMU's on locals and short turns, motor-hauled gallery cars on express and Aurora trains.
TLDR what this does is set up a vibrant economic eco-system for stringing wire and the crews and planners actually get good at the process. Also it sets up a model where a carbuilder(s) are ready to sign multi-year contracts to build 100 cars per year, both trailers and EMU, to a fairly standard design that is improved over a few years.
Amtrak is proud to announce a new train to Florida that doesn't stink: The Floaterian. An all-star just like Babe Ruth.