by MariusP
rwk wrote:Why doesn't SEPTA do what Metro-North and perhaps NJT might do, use dual mode locomotives hauling normal coaches like the push-pull coaches from Qtown to 30th St.? That way, it could be a one seat ride into the city without a train or locomotive change. Perhaps a hybrid MU car that could operate on both diesel (or battery) and electric via pantographs. At Lansdale, raise the pantos at the station when heading south, and drop the pantos when heading north and change power modes.Probably the biggest reason is that SEPTA doesn't want a new mode of vehicles to maintain. I doubt they have the capacity now to care for a couple dozen diesel/electric locomotives. It would mean more facilities, mechanics, and money than they have readily available. The second obstacle for anything but an extension to Reading is track reconstruction. Getting to Quakertown, or West Chester for that matter, would require a total rebuild of the track and signals sans electrification. Ultimately thats way cheaper and more plausible than SEPTA's typical desire to electrify any new service, but its still pretty expensive. Then of course over those routes you have to get trackage rights and coordinate schedules. I'm not sure how amicable NS would be to SEPTA running passenger trains to Reading over their track. Still, dual-modes seem to be the way to go. It lowers the price of restoration by removing the need to electrify while allowing a one seat ride into downtown Philly and access to the commuter tunnel.
