Originally Posted by mrnyc (Post 9657880)

i would say if it comes down to time and money then getting ibx up and running expediently is the prime concern. automation is a system wide issue. if they want to try it with ibx then fine, but i can’t imagine there is money or patience for that. maybe, we will see.

as far as expanding infill stations on commuter lines, there is very good news on that front as mta is definitely moving along with four new mnrr stations in the bronx. and perhaps even another new one in queens that would hopefully align with an ibx transfer:

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/loca...oject/3054435/

Originally Posted by nito (Post 9663357)

Infill stations on the commuter lines are certainly low hanging fruit, particularly on routes where there is line capacity, e.g. the Atlantic Branch where there are several closed stations. A big hurdle to reopening/new infill stations however will be the limited track capacity into Manhattan (12 regular service tracks, including ESA, compared to say 62 into Central London) because adding new stations could result in reduced line frequencies and impair journey times.

Implementing digital signalling on the core commuter lines into Manhattan would alleviate this issue and deliver a broad array of benefits across the wider region. One of the options being explored by Network Rail to enable more trains to run into London Waterloo is using European Train Control System to enable up to 44 trains per hour per track. Of course that would require far more efficient train turnaround, wider platforms and possibly through-running at Penn. Still thought it would be far cheaper than new lines.

Originally Posted by mrnyc (Post 9662470)

more guns yay! :rolleyes:


MTA reviewing rules allowing licensed concealed carry in transit after Supreme Court ruling on guns

https://www.amny.com/transit/mta-gun...-court-ruling/

Originally Posted by nito (Post 9655386)

The Economist noted this week that pre-pandemic ridership on the New York Subway was circa 60% (with violent crime and slow return to the office) being a drag on ridership recovery, but that won’t remain the case forever. Ridership levels will recover, and pressure will return on existing routes to increase capacity.

New rail lines to underserved areas will always draw a lot of support, and there is merit in the likes of the Interborough Express for a variety of reasons (orbital journeys, increased transit access, new journey options, etc…) especially utilised an existing rail corridor, although the price being floated around is rather crazy. Infill stations on the commuter lines would also help provide new transit access. Brand new alignments will be less likely due to New York’s otherworldly construction costs and less beneficial.

Automated signalling (aligned with rolling stock renewal) is one of the most cost effective upgrade projects to boost systemwide capacity on existing lines. The New York Subway has probably the most interlined network on the planet so automation goes beyond increasing the number of trains that can run on a single track each hour, fewer delays, faster speeds, with higher safety confidence and improved acceleration and deceleration. It takes time – London started work back in the early 2010’s and it won’t be complete until sometime in the 2030’s – but the uplift in capacity is equivalent to several new lines. Automation works on non-metro lines where there is heavy congestion/demand for high frequencies, so imagine the massive uplift in capacity into New York Penn.

Originally Posted by Gantz (Post 9665331)

Would probably be better. Maybe some of these crazies on the subway will think twice if some law abiding citizens could carry.

Originally Posted by Gantz (Post 9665331)

Would probably be better. Maybe some of these crazies on the subway will think twice if some law abiding citizens could carry.

Originally Posted by Gantz (Post 9665336)

Instead of infill stations, I think it would be better to just go ahead and integrate Subway, LIRR, and Metro North within city limits first under one payment system. Once that is done, you may want to do infill stations. As far as extensions, I think 2nd ave subway and IBX should get priority and focus from the MTA. Right now the ridership is still down, but that LEX line is going to be a disaster again soon.

Originally Posted by mrnyc (Post 9668604)

a big move forward for gateway --


N.J., N.Y. sign funding agreement on Gateway rail tunnel, bridge.
Tunnel work could begin in 2023.

Originally Posted by jmecklenborg (Post 9668691)

Are they going to re-use the work in New Jersey that Chris Christie cancelled mid-stride?

Would ARC have been up and running by now?

Originally Posted by TowerDude (Post 9668724)

Gateway would have been almost finished by now had Trump not blocked federal funding for it.

Originally Posted by Gantz (Post 9670261)

Nah, in truth the environmental review for the tunnels was projected to finish only in 2018 at the earliest (in reality more like 2020), so even with all of the funding lined up it wouldn't have started until then from the most optimistic standpoint, assuming no delays. Remember, this project was in fits and starts even before Trump. And even with Trump, he didn't completely cancel the funds for it either. This thing will still take at least a decade, although a lot of work was already being done for years for this.

Originally Posted by jmecklenborg (Post 9668691)

Are they going to re-use the work in New Jersey that Chris Christie cancelled mid-stride?

Would ARC have been up and running by now?

Originally Posted by mrnyc (Post 9670512)

no, they can’t use the arc plan anymore in part because the 7 train extension is in the way.

Originally Posted by Gantz (Post 9670261)

Nah, in truth the environmental review for the tunnels was projected to finish only in 2018 at the earliest (in reality more like 2020), so even with all of the funding lined up it wouldn't have started until then from the most optimistic standpoint, assuming no delays. Remember, this project was in fits and starts even before Trump. And even with Trump, he didn't completely cancel the funds for it either. This thing will still take at least a decade, although a lot of work was already being done for years for this.