by PRRTechFan
Mr. Norman wrote: For the benefit of those of us here with "whiskers' (you know what that term means Mr Jishnu; you evidently are in railroad service), I presume "Newark Penn - NLR - Newark Broad St. shuffle" translates to "Penn Station City Subway DL&W station".Correct as usual, Mr. Norman! What I knew as the Newark City Subway was extended from Newark Penn Station to the Broad Street Station, which prior to the advent of NJT was indeed on the DL&W.
MudLake wrote: It could be an issue related to track congestion. Metropark trains can only stop on Tracks 1 and 4, unlike Newark, EWR, and Trenton.When Metropark was originally constructed, track switches were installed just outside of the station to permit the higher speed long-distance trains that usually use the inside two "express" tracks 2 and 3 to cross over to local tracks 1 and 4 and access the platforms at Metropark. The opposite set of switches were just on the other side of the station, allowing them to cross back over to the inside tracks after leaving the station. I've seen Amtrak take a train making a Metropark stop off of the inside track to make the station stop, then allow a train not making the Metropark stop to run through on the inside track, and then put the train that made the Metropark stop back over on the inside track, now behind the train that passed; all without too much extra, unnecessary delay.
The same thing happens between NJT and Amtrak when both have closely timed stops at Metropark; the first train makes the station stop while the second slows for the stop at the signal and switches just outside of the station. As soon as the first train is out of the station and through the second set of switches, the route is changed, the signal is cleared and the second train is in the station a couple of minutes later.
Jishnu wrote: If you are traveling with a suitcase or two, I don't think the Newark Penn - NLR - Newark Broad St. is really a viable alternative... Things will improve a bit after the new elevators are put in service at Newark Broad St...I agree... Changing at Penn Newark for the next train stopping at Secaucus is most likely a "same platform" connection, and then changing levels at Secaucus for Morristown isn't as bad as getting down to the City Subway at Penn Newark and then getting back up to the platform at Broad Street. PATH from Penn Newark to Hoboken isn't too bad either, although I do not recall if there is an elevator or escalator from the PATH platform to station level. FWIW, I have never felt "uncomfortable" in Penn Station Newark at night... Stick to the waiting room next to the stationmaster's office on the platform level between tracks 3 & 4 or the main concourse. I assume that Secaucus is equally safe.
skitraindance wrote: Metro Park is the only station in New Jersey that has inexpensive, safe, long term parking. It is also extremely easy to get to being right off the Garden State Parkway. Anyone from Northern New Jersey can easily reach this station and use AMTRAK. The problem with commuter rail stops to connect with AMTRAK is usually the parking is residents only or monthly rates. There is no long term parking at any commuter staion I know except Metro Park.Amen. For those of you who are not familiar with this area of New Jersey, (...no "New Jersey? What exit?" please...) no truer words were ever spoken! It is convenient (...okay, exit 131A off the Parkway...), inexpensive, safe and you can actually get a place to park! I'll add to the complaint about local commuter lots that even if you are a resident and long term parking was permitted; if you are not there before 5:30am or after 5:30pm, you couldn't find a space anyway!