At Dover: why do trains go to the yard, not back to NY?

[SouthernRailway]

Each time I've taken NJ Transit to Dover, which is at the end of the line, the train that arrives from NY immediately goes to the yard, and a new train comes from the yard, picks up passengers at Dover and heads to NY.

Why have trains at the end of the line head to the yard, with a new train starting in the yard and picking up passengers?

Wouldn't it be more efficient for trains that arrive at end stations such as Dover to just stop at the station and then go back to NY?

It only takes a few minutes for the train to head to the yard and a new train to start from the yard, go to the station and pick up passengers, but it still seems like a waste.

[DutchRailnut]

could it be need for servicing ? fuel/bathrooms /cleaning .

[Backshophoss]

Except at NY Penn,NJT turns the train in the yard,instead of a quick change ends and go,Dover is a NJT crew base,and that crew may be done and going
off duty,also give the coach cleaning crew a chance for a quick sweep and trash dump off.
Better to swap a set out at a yard any way,if there're bad order cars that need to be set out.

[GSC]

Not knowing the scheduling, maybe another train set was needed to be there for the next eastbound run, without waiting for a return train from NYP.

[kilroy]

Also, train sets are not locked onto one line. The next train out might have a set that is required to cover trains on another line.

[R36 Combine Coach]

Also, train sets are not locked onto one line. The next train out might have a set that is required to cover trains on another line.

Indeed true with NYP service. NEC/NJCL/M&E/Montclair trainsets are rotated.

[eolesen]

Nothing says "ride me" like a lav that hasn't been serviced in over 24 hours...

When equipment is immediately turned, lavs don't get dumped.

Multiply that times multiple turn & burn's during the day, and you eventually have full tanks... and that's going to require a trip to the yard. You don't want that done in the terminal/station. "Stuff" inevitably spills...

[JasW]

Nothing says "ride me" like a lav that hasn't been serviced in over 24 hours...

When equipment is immediately turned, lavs don't get dumped.

Multiply that times multiple turn & burn's during the day, and you eventually have full tanks... and that's going to require a trip to the yard. You don't want that done in the terminal/station. "Stuff" inevitably spills...

Never was a problem with the old MUs!

[TDowling]

Are you referring to the Lackawanna electrics? Those were built with quality

[ExCon90]

Are you referring to the Lackawanna electrics? Those were built with quality

And waste disposal took place en route on a current basis, thus saving time at terminals. Couldn't do that today ...

[DutchRailnut]

sure the nimbies and EPA would love sh*t on the rail.