Amtrak Downeaster Discussion Thread

No, they would not run with MBTA equipment for a whole host of potential reasons. The most significant of these being passenger comfort and the costs associated with equipment maintenance of having two fleets (Amflerts + T equipment).

Most of the MBTA cars are battle-worn and not comfy for long periods of time to sit in,also NO BATHROOMS!

The speed of Siemens constructing the new "Brightline type cars" may mean there will be some open slots for more cars to Amtrak? Of course there a lot of agencies all wanting more cars . More cars would probably get assigned to California and the Midwest allowing for Amfleet and Horizon to trickle down to other agencies ? Oh almost forgot about the Talgo replacement cars now needed.

It's not online for some reason, but there's a blurb in today's Press Herald that NNEPRA has informed the affected midcoast communities that the Coastal Connection will not happen this summer. She said that, although progress has been made, there wouldn't be time to qualify crews. etc.

That is very significant. Money is no longer the problem. All aboard in 2020 likely for many years to come after that.

From yesterday's paper (I had to look at the E-edition to find it):

Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, informed communities of the decision Monday.

“We are very disappointed, but still believe this is a great opportunity and will continue to actively pursue it,” Quinn said in her email.

Quinn said that despite efforts of the rail authority, it was simply not possible to begin seasonal passenger service this summer.

“There are many regulatory requirements which need to get settled, and although progress continues to be made, there simply is not enough time to qualify crews and do the other work necessary to commence service in time for the summer season,” the executive director stated in her message.

Also, the state land near County Way has been taken off the land swap table for now, as Maine DOT wants to study if they need to build the wye after all. This is all very strange.

Almost looks to me like NNEPRAs sudden interest in moving from the PTC was related to the possible loss of the wye.

The seasonal service issues with Rockland are interesting to say the least.

gokeefe wrote: ↑Thu Jun 06, 2019 9:16 pm Almost looks to me like NNEPRAs sudden interest in moving from the PTC was related to the possible loss of the wye.

The seasonal service issues with Rockland are interesting to say the least.

Is that the route the Morris and Essex ran the Maine Eastern on?

Yes. And its in generally good condition too.

Backshophoss wrote: ↑Tue Jun 04, 2019 12:50 am Most of the MBTA cars are battle-worn and not comfy for long periods of time to sit in,also NO BATHROOMS!

Are you confusing MBTA Commuter Rail and SEPTA ??
MBTA Commuter Rail trains have bathrooms, SEPTAs do not. I would hardly call the bi level coaches battle worn, and the older single level cars are actually preferred by many as being more comfortable.

Ken

Regardless ... This proposal would receive an absolute, "No" from the concerned parties.

MBTA has locked restrooms in the past,unless Keolis has their act together enough to service them on a regular basis at present.

Backshophoss wrote: ↑Fri Jun 07, 2019 6:21 pm MBTA has locked restrooms in the past,unless Keolis has their act together enough to service them on a regular basis at present.

They have never locked them on any train I have been on and we use commuter rail often, even more so with the 10.00 unlimited weekend fare.

T trains do have restrooms, but sometimes only one per train.
It is fun though, to watch the post-game drunken passengers pounding on the locked doors of the electrical cabinets thinking they are toilets.

Can we suspect that Rockland is not possible due to NTSB report about lack of training of crew for the Washington accident? Will take too long to train Amtrak crews ?