BM6569 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 12, 2021 1:35 pm
Is the Long Island route for the NEC alternative still in play?
Also, isn't there an old topic about this in the LIRR forum?
BM: There is a previous discussion elsewhere about this same subject about Amtrak service to LI...
The problem that I will address if Amtrak establishes a Ronkonkoma-terminating service is the track capacity
in the Ronkonkoma Station itself - I think that the station should have been constructed with three tracks in a
way similar to Babylon and Hicksville to not only allow more convenient transfers - this would allow added
service to use the station without compromising the core LIRR commuter operations out of Ronkonkoma.
With the added track capacity of the new Mid-Suffolk Yard Facility Amtrak can be reasonably accommodated.
The problem would be tying up one of the two station tracks for Amtrak boarding - if this causes problems with
LIRR trains arriving and/or leaving Ronkonkoma there will be a loud and clear backlash from commuters.
Adding a third track today would be an expensive undertaking - with modification or even outright removal of
Platform C on the south side required along with stair case and paralleling roadway modifications.
The other (and more practical service option) would be Montauk Branch service to the East End/Hamptons
resort area that would serve these stations: Babylon (comparable to Croton-Harmon on the Hudson Line in
terms of distance from Manhattan and the end of electrified territory and frequent intermediate service).
Patchogue (largest South Shore village in Suffolk County-offers more intermediate LIRR connections).
Westhampton, Southampton and East Hampton (most important "Hamptons" LIRR stations) and Montauk.
These stations served are far enough apart from each other making this service a good alternative to the HJ
competition - and the traffic using NYS 27 - for Amtrak working along with the LIRR to consider.
Will Amtrak ever directly serve Long Island? Only time will tell if something can be worked out...MACTRAXX
EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS