by gokeefe
There are several significant advantages. One of them can be improved On Time Performance by allowing a quick turn when the arriving trainset is delayed. The Downeaster frequently is able to benefit from this practice both in Brunswick and North Station.
As a general rule corridor trains don't get serviced midday. I'm sure there are exceptions but it's not something I've heard or seen before. Consequently there's very little advantage to taking the train away from the platform in the middle of the operational platform. At NYP this could be a necessity but at other terminal stations there is usually no need.
In terms of turn times my impression has been that these can be up to an hour or more for NYP to Sunnyside and back. Given the frequency of service it is my impression that the Empire Service would want to run on 40 minute headways (or less). In that case it is potentially very significant to be able to turn trainsets at the platform.
As a general rule corridor trains don't get serviced midday. I'm sure there are exceptions but it's not something I've heard or seen before. Consequently there's very little advantage to taking the train away from the platform in the middle of the operational platform. At NYP this could be a necessity but at other terminal stations there is usually no need.
In terms of turn times my impression has been that these can be up to an hour or more for NYP to Sunnyside and back. Given the frequency of service it is my impression that the Empire Service would want to run on 40 minute headways (or less). In that case it is potentially very significant to be able to turn trainsets at the platform.
gokeefe