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Caltrain launches electrification environmental review
how the??? the states bankrupt !! broke!!
This is a great step forward and I agree with the JPB leadership. It’s been a long sought goal to electrify the line way back when it was originally controlled by Harriman in early 1900. The plans for electrification stopped when the US Gov’t broke up the Harriman empire splitting UP and SP. Fast forward today, since the '80’s when electrification study was done by the State of CA, it was clear then, that it will lowered operational cost and yet be able to carry more passenger volumes beyond the (record) amount now carried by diesel powered commuter trains. Doing nothing approach will actually be more costly in the long term for communities along the SJ-SF corridor - especially considering that the present diesel powered fleet will be need of replacement around 2015 and the present amount of trains on the corridor (under diesel powered) is getting maxed out.
Most of the money is coming from the Feds. And California is not broke.
In the former East Germany there has been a lot of additional electrification of the busiest lines since the end of the previous regime. This is paid for, in large part, by a “reunification tax” that falls mostly on those living in the former West Germany. The “westies,” as they’re called, may gripe a bit about having to pull the “easties” out of an economic hole, but most people, even those who will never ride the upgraded lines, know such updates benefit the country in general. But then, that’s what a widespread concept of “common good” will do, vs. our rugged individualism, “I got mine; you get your own” approach to life.
The first priority should be grade separation - elimination of most or all road crossings. It is most unwise to start running trains at 125 mph while people and vehicles insist on getting in front of a moving train.
How about modern electric locomotives that look like GG-1s ?
hopefully the 1.5 billion will cover grade separations. If not then we are being ripped off as electrification based on similar projects should cost under a billion including new locomotives. One interesting issue would be the need to either enlarge the numerous tunnels in San Franciso or use a third rail. That would necessitate the use of locomotives that can operate off both a catenary or a third rail. Assume the simple but expensive approach to raise the roof of the tunnels.
K