by SouthernRailway
Ryand-Smith wrote:The issue is until literally 2 years ago there were no FRA compliant DMUs, and Amtrak does not own that track, 99% it is Norfolk Southern, which means that you have to get a time or grade separation waiver. The other issue is that you would have to run 2 sets of the Nippon Sharo DMU unless you get them to make an ABCBA custom setup instead of the AbA setup.Thanks--very helpful.
There are compliant DMUs now so why isn't NCDOT ordering those instead of customized bi-level cars? Surely multiple frequencies of 2-car DMUs would result in much more ridership than just a few frequencies of 3-car locomotive-hauled trains.
There are also plans for additional Piedmont frequencies so NS and the North Carolina Railroad must be OK with that.