I just photographed a southbound commuter train stopping at the New Hamburg station on the MNCR Hudson River line.
I was naturally expecting MNCR equipment to show up. But the cab car was Connecticut Commuter Rail, and the engine was MTA. I believe the cars may have been a mix of CCR and MNCR.
What's up with that?
Still in training.
Perfectly normal. NY State owned and Connecticut State owned locomotives and trailer locomotive-hauled and pushed coaches are all in a common pool, and any can show up on any of the three MN commuter lines.
The DC-only MUs, all owened by NY State, are all on Hudson and Harlem. THe Connecticut-owned (plus a few NY-State-owned, painted to match the Connwcticut-owned) AC-DC cars run ojmly oin the N ew Haven line and its New Canaan brach.
Also:
"Into the Northern Lights: An Immersive Experience” Presented by Canada, the Home of Winter, Is Coming to Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal from December 9-11, 2021
Editor's Note: The MTA offers the following comment to supplement the press release below. “We saw 85% of pre-pandemic ridership last Saturday which shows that the energy, enthusiasm and vitality of New York City is back and we are thrilled to welcome everyone,” said Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. “This majestic multimedia display fits perfectly in the most beautiful train terminal in the world."Canada is one of the best places on the planet for viewing the northern lights. To give New Yorkers a taste of the majestic aurora borealis, Destination Canada is bringing an immersive northern lights experience to one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, Grand Central Terminal. From December 9 to 11, commuters and visitors who pass through Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Hall will find themselves walking into a Canadian landscape, where they can step inside an interactive northern lights installation presented by Canada, the Home of Winter.
Into the Northern Lights: An Immersive Experience is brought to life in collaboration with world renowned Montréal-based multimedia entertainment studio, Moment Factory. The immersive experience gives visitors the perspective of walking through the northern lights, thanks to a floor-to-ceiling, mirrored light display that incorporates breathtaking audio and interactive visuals to emulate the mesmerizing beauty of the northern lights.
“As a Montréal-based company with a studio in New York, we’re proud to be able to bring a bit of our Canadian culture—and winter magic—to the most iconic transportation hub in the city,” said Jamie Reilly, producer at Moment Factory. “For the first time, New Yorkers will experience what it feels like to walk through the northern lights in their own city.”
“Canada is the home of winter, and we are thrilled to bring one of Canada’s most memorable and iconic travel experiences–the northern lights–to our friends in New York,'' said Gloria Loree, Senior Vice President, Marketing Strategy & Chief Marketing Officer, Destination Canada.
“Whether it’s marveling at the northern lights as they dance across the sky, spending time with family at one of our vibrant winter festivals, or hitting the slopes with friends, it’s these moments together that make winter in Canada nothing short of magical. This installation is designed to give Americans a taste of the beauty, wide open space and adventure that awaits them in Canada, and encourage them to visit this winter.”
Destination Canada wants to send one lucky winner and their guest on a dream trip to Canada to experience the Home of Winter in its most beautiful form. To enter to win and for full contest details please visit: canadawintergiveaway.dja.com
Winter is when Canada comes to life. It’s a season full of spectacular outdoor experiences and indoor comfort—one that Canadians take pride in and are eager to share. From world-class ski resorts, to charming towns, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, we invite travelers to head north this winter to discover the beauty and adventure that awaits in Canada. To discover more and book your next winter vacation in Canada, visit CanadaHomeofWinter.com
Lithonia Operator I just photographed a southbound commuter train stopping at the New Hamburg station on the MNCR Hudson River line. I was naturally expecting MNCR equipment to show up. But the cab car was Connecticut Commuter Rail, and the engine was MTA. I believe the cars may have been a mix of CCR and MNCR. What's up with that?
We have had a number of posts about the Metro-North presence on the Port Jervis trains.
The question in context here is just a little different: was the train seen on the Hudson Line going to the connection via New Rochelle, or was it purely a Hudson Line train using 'pooled' equipment (we routinely saw the New Haven-painted FL9s in Garrison and Cold Spring when they were running)?
I have never seen a MNCR cab car on anything but a Port Jervis train, and I can't recall seeing one of the Metro-North locomotives on anything but one. So there might be that difference...
Again, the Hudson, Harlem, nand New Haven non-MU equipment, locomotives and coaches, are in a common pool. So Connecticut equipmwnt can be seem on Hudson and Harlem trains. This pool dows not incude west-of-Hudson trains.
There is no Hudson Line connection via New Rochelle, except a round-about non-revernue poaaible equipment move.
Metro-North Railroad today announced that 2021 was another excellent year for on-time performance, with 97.1% of Metro-North trains operating on time. The 2021 on-time performance marks only the second time on-time performance has been above 97% for two consecutive years since Metro-North was founded in 1983. This feat was accomplished as Metro-North gradually restored service to pre-pandemic levels and undertook extensive repairs in response to Hurricane Ida in September.
In 2021, Metro-North continued to increase service levels. The first service increase in 2021 was reflected in the April 12 schedule update, which restored weekend service to Wassaic, and another increase in June which brought service up to 67% of pre-pandemic weekday service and 100% of weekend service. Following further increases in ridership as customers returned, the latest major increase occurred just before Labor Day, bringing weekday service up to 82% of pre-COVID levels.
“Maintaining safe and reliable service while restoring more trains and welcoming back more riders is emblematic of Metro-North's commitment to our customers,” said Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi. “All of the accomplishments made in 2021 were made possible by the diligent work of the Metro-North workforce. Moving forward into 2022, the goal will be to keep the strong progress going, and welcome even more riders back as the region continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In June, Metro-North launched Way Ahead – Moving Forward, the railroad’s updated strategy for a strong regional recovery and continued commitment to safety, reliability and innovation in the delivery of excellent customer service.
The strategy reaffirmed Metro-North's focus on meeting the changing needs of the railroad and region as it recovers from the pandemic and adjusts to structural shifts in people’s work and transportation patterns. Metro-North’s three top priorities have not changed — customers, people, and infrastructure — but the updated strategies are responsive to today’s current challenges.
In November, Metro-North hit a historic milestone that captured core of the Way Ahead- Moving Forward vision. In partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), Metro-North brought the final segment of the railroad online with Positive Train Control (PTC). The project included the installation of PTC, passing sidings and signals on the Waterbury Branch. The installations will allow an increased level of service frequencies on the branch.
PTC automates key operational functions and reduces the potential of human error to contribute to certain types of train accidents. With its activation on the Waterbury Branch, all Metro-North lines are now operating with the PTC safety system.
The service and infrastructure accomplishments were complemented by strong state-of-repair work. Metro-North crews replaced 54,583 crossties, 8 miles of rail, 1,869 deck ties and 28 switches, and resurfaced 130 miles of track to improve service reliability, ensure operational flexibility and provide smoother rides. Crews also undercut 3 miles of track between Larchmont and Harrison on the New Haven Line to restore proper clearance to the overhead catenary for freight service on the line.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.