by Jeff Smith
There's been a lot of talk recently about WOH service issues, for both the PJ and PV lines. The County Executive in Rockland has been pointing out the "Value Gap": https://www.rocklandtimes.com/2019/03/2 ... x-the-mta/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Now, this is not an MTA issue; NJT operates both lines. But the Exec has a point; a $42m point to be exact.
I'll hunt them down, but there have also been articles on service issues: a shortage of PTC equipped equipment at NJT, and a shortage of locomotive engineers, many of whom moved over to MNRR for various reasons, including better wages. In particular, on the PV line.
Now, there's nothing that can be done for the Pascack Valley; it has only a couple stops in NYS, and NJT owns the yard in NYS. It would not make any sense to change operators.
However, what's to stop NYS and MNRR to take over the operation of the Port Jervis line in NYS north of Suffern? And negotiate access rights to the NJT Main Line into Hoboken? Who owns the Suffern yard? As I understand it, NYS owns and maintains the stations above and including Suffern, and leases with option to buy the ROW from Norfolk Southern.
It seems to me staffing issues would stop and MNRR already owns WOH equipment. Service would improve; I'm not familiar with schedules, but MNRR could keep their slots into Hoboken and trains could run express from Suffern. And, more jobs for ACRE!
Maybe they could even run some Piermont branch trains terminating in Spring Valley (just kidding).
Now, this is not an MTA issue; NJT operates both lines. But the Exec has a point; a $42m point to be exact.
I'll hunt them down, but there have also been articles on service issues: a shortage of PTC equipped equipment at NJT, and a shortage of locomotive engineers, many of whom moved over to MNRR for various reasons, including better wages. In particular, on the PV line.
Now, there's nothing that can be done for the Pascack Valley; it has only a couple stops in NYS, and NJT owns the yard in NYS. It would not make any sense to change operators.
However, what's to stop NYS and MNRR to take over the operation of the Port Jervis line in NYS north of Suffern? And negotiate access rights to the NJT Main Line into Hoboken? Who owns the Suffern yard? As I understand it, NYS owns and maintains the stations above and including Suffern, and leases with option to buy the ROW from Norfolk Southern.
It seems to me staffing issues would stop and MNRR already owns WOH equipment. Service would improve; I'm not familiar with schedules, but MNRR could keep their slots into Hoboken and trains could run express from Suffern. And, more jobs for ACRE!
Maybe they could even run some Piermont branch trains terminating in Spring Valley (just kidding).
Next stop, Willoughby
~el Jefe :: RAILROAD.NET Site Administrator/Co-Owner; Carman at Naugatuck Railroad
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~el Jefe :: RAILROAD.NET Site Administrator/Co-Owner; Carman at Naugatuck Railroad
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