This morning I took my regular 704 out of Montauk. The first thing I noticed was that the platform was basically full, and I was a good 20 minutes early. There were tons of taxis letting out the tourist crowd and the platform became even more full. Shoved by 416 and led by cab car 5016, we departed on time, but that was the end of that idea. On arrival at Amagansett we took on more passengers, and even more at East Hampton. At this point it was standing room only. At Southampton, many couldn't get on and were left behind. Each station down the line more and more tried cramming in, but it was for nought, as the train was full. At Westhampton they announced that the LIRR had dispatched an extra train and it would be about an hour behind. Not many took the hook, but at least the folks at Westhampton found out they'd get transport.
When we approached Speonk, we ended up in the yard for the passing maneuver, as there was an eastbound on the main, maybe the extra, as it woupd be running to Southampton, then coming back to Speonk, where maybe it'll continue on West. At Shirley we were held for another east-bound. At the same time, they held the 810 Jamaics departure at Patchogue for a full 27 minutes while we made our way west. At Patchogue, we again used the siding to get around that 810 Jamaica train. I got out at Patchogue, but there was still a crowd trying to get on. I can only imagine how tough it will be for those stuck standing to Manhattan. Some were even going farther. Maybe at Babylon they'll offer additional electric service to alleviate the crowding. I can only imagine the tough day it's going to be in dispatch. At least it's the weekend, and there should be extra equipment, and I'm sure some crews will make solid OT money as well.
It's trips like this that really emphasize how badly the DM30/C3 order was botched in the 90's and how desperately we need new equipment. Also, the LIRR could probably make a killing with additional Cannonballs and east end scoots. Also would be interesting to hear if anything came of that study to bring Amtrak service to the Island. I'm sure some of the Manhattan folks would pay premium for Amfleet service to Montauk in the summer.
When we approached Speonk, we ended up in the yard for the passing maneuver, as there was an eastbound on the main, maybe the extra, as it woupd be running to Southampton, then coming back to Speonk, where maybe it'll continue on West. At Shirley we were held for another east-bound. At the same time, they held the 810 Jamaics departure at Patchogue for a full 27 minutes while we made our way west. At Patchogue, we again used the siding to get around that 810 Jamaica train. I got out at Patchogue, but there was still a crowd trying to get on. I can only imagine how tough it will be for those stuck standing to Manhattan. Some were even going farther. Maybe at Babylon they'll offer additional electric service to alleviate the crowding. I can only imagine the tough day it's going to be in dispatch. At least it's the weekend, and there should be extra equipment, and I'm sure some crews will make solid OT money as well.
It's trips like this that really emphasize how badly the DM30/C3 order was botched in the 90's and how desperately we need new equipment. Also, the LIRR could probably make a killing with additional Cannonballs and east end scoots. Also would be interesting to hear if anything came of that study to bring Amtrak service to the Island. I'm sure some of the Manhattan folks would pay premium for Amfleet service to Montauk in the summer.
