by njtmnrrbuff
If only could it be easier to construct high level platforms on curves. That is true that Maplewood would probably have to use Ridgewood's approach. I agree that changes happen. If NJT decided to add full length high level platforms at the remaining stations on the Coastline at the time, the railroad would have operated a little better. It would have helped people with physical disabilities. High Bridge Station isn't that easily accessible to Rt. 78. It's no surprise that people who live closer to 78 and west of High Bridge are going to drive to Annandale to get the train during the week. Annandale could use high level platforms even though it's on a curve. From High Bridge to Raritan, it's almost a 25 minute drive. If you live in Annandale and want to drive to Raritan Station for more train service, it's more like 20 minutes.
Come to Montclair where I live. Our five of the six train stations in Montclair low level platforms. NJT should have added high level platforms during the time when the low door Comet Is left. Stations like Montclair Heights and Mountain Avenue Station are on straightaways. Upper Montclair is on a slight curve and the station there is historical landmark. The same thing goes with Watchung Avenue Station. Walnut Street Station is on a sharp curve. Watching those long Comet sets pickup and discharge passengers at the stations in Montclair for a long time at the height of the rush hour doesn't impress people from a business perspective given the fact that passengers have to go up and down a few steps into and out of the train. The stops in Montclair are very close to each other. In fact, on the electrified stretch of the MOBO, with the exception of between Watsessing Ave and NWK Broad Street, the stations are at least a mile apart from each other. It would have helped NJT if they ran MUs on all of the Midtown Directs as well. The old Lackawanna electric lines are suited for MU operations, not locomotive hauled trains that make every single stop. NJT's ALP power and the diesel power accelerate fine but when we are talking trains making every single stop on the schedule on the MOBO and going as far as MSU, then the Arrow IIIs would come in handy. NJT shouldn't be running long trains on the MOBO even during the off peak hours unless if there is a parade in the city. While many people might ride the train from Mtc into the city, even during off peak hours, the trains are often never more than half full during off peak hours. Back to high level platforms on the MOBO-the two Bloomfield stations and Glen Ridge should get them.
Come to Montclair where I live. Our five of the six train stations in Montclair low level platforms. NJT should have added high level platforms during the time when the low door Comet Is left. Stations like Montclair Heights and Mountain Avenue Station are on straightaways. Upper Montclair is on a slight curve and the station there is historical landmark. The same thing goes with Watchung Avenue Station. Walnut Street Station is on a sharp curve. Watching those long Comet sets pickup and discharge passengers at the stations in Montclair for a long time at the height of the rush hour doesn't impress people from a business perspective given the fact that passengers have to go up and down a few steps into and out of the train. The stops in Montclair are very close to each other. In fact, on the electrified stretch of the MOBO, with the exception of between Watsessing Ave and NWK Broad Street, the stations are at least a mile apart from each other. It would have helped NJT if they ran MUs on all of the Midtown Directs as well. The old Lackawanna electric lines are suited for MU operations, not locomotive hauled trains that make every single stop. NJT's ALP power and the diesel power accelerate fine but when we are talking trains making every single stop on the schedule on the MOBO and going as far as MSU, then the Arrow IIIs would come in handy. NJT shouldn't be running long trains on the MOBO even during the off peak hours unless if there is a parade in the city. While many people might ride the train from Mtc into the city, even during off peak hours, the trains are often never more than half full during off peak hours. Back to high level platforms on the MOBO-the two Bloomfield stations and Glen Ridge should get them.