Join the discussion on the following article:
Train speeds to increase in Vermont March 11
59 mph. Not impressive. Much slower than an automobile.
59 mph. Not impressive. Much slower than an automobile.
59 mph. Not impressive. Much slower than an automobile.
Is there a plan to increase speeds north of White River Junction, or does geography (curves, grades) largely prohibit any increase? The track was replaced all the way to St. Albans…
Up in WRJ last Summer. Glad to see these improvements. Now how about more services along this route using Diesel Railcars as would be the case along similar lines here in Europe. FRA take note here in Europe railcars operate profitably and safely along low density routes.
We finally made it to White River Jct. last fall as “slow speed.” It’s a quaint little town but if you need a taxi, don’t be in a hurry. The one operating in the evening was quite busy in that little hamlet; we waited over an hour in the dark at the station (when the Vermonter leaves, the lights go out and the station is locked). The taxi is a beat-up relic but moves. Returning to the station our driver was in her 90s. A memorable experience indeed!
Scott walker sure is a jackass. This bozo needs to take lessons from Vermont. I guess he would rather his subjects keep getting hosed by the oil companies.
Adding another train would help a lot. One train a day routes are very inconvenient for many travellers. Extra frequencies will make for many more possible day trips. The suggestion of using DMU cars is a good one. Another good possiblity might be to use some sort of train with tilting capability such as the
Talgo trainsets. Several commenters have pointed out the curviness of the tracks across Vermont. Being able to round curves faster than conventional trains would be a big help in reducing trip times.
Wonder if Drew Griffin from CNN is still jogging down the tracks up there in Vermont?
now, if they could find a way to restore the portion of the route between White River Junction and Montreal, we could have the Montrealer back!
59 MPH maximum for trains is federal law for territory without signals, such as the Vermonter route north of W R Jct.
Why only 59 mph between St. Albans to WRJ? that rerally ought to be 79 mph too.
The 59 MPH speed is a limit because it is a twisting route. By the way it takes a lot longer to get their by car because unless you are on I-89 or I-91 it is all back roads and all hills and valleys so you are limited by access or as they say up there “You can’t hardly get there from here.”
agree w/robert, not competitive with auto even considering vermont roads. rode twice because of weather factors
agree w/robert, not competitive with auto even considering vermont roads. rode twice because of weather factors
agree w/robert, not competitive with auto even considering vermont roads. rode twice because of weather factors
Robert Seddig, please read the story again. The speed limit will go up to 79 mph. While not the Northeast Corridor speeds, it’s an improvement and maybe the restoration of The Montrealer. Meanwhile, in Wisconson, the governor rejected federal funding to improve rail service and passenger trains.
59 mph is indeed impressive compared to what it was. Also, where in northern VT can you drive a car at 60 mph other than I-91 or I-89? The country roads are winding and hilly. Sure it would be nice to do 125 or 175 but that will take some time, so enjoy the upgrade mon ami.
The track north of White River Junction is not signaled, hence the slower speeds. There are also a large number of unprotected (No gates or lights) and farm crossings on the route. The real time savings will be when the trackwork and rerouting in Massachusetts and Connecticut is completed. It is expected to cut the travel time to New York by up to two hours.