This article in MKE headline seems to imply Amtrak is involved in this study but were not quoted at all. WI and MKE pols stating they want 4 - 5 additional trips MKE - CHI including 2 express. One additional train CHI - MSP and slightly beyond. Several items will need work.
1. Proposing to start with 90 MPH service ( eventually 110 ) which will require PTC cab signals and grade crossing improvements. Also higher speed trnouts ?
2. The equipment needs will have to be addressed - locos & cars although maybe the mothballed Talgos a partial possibility ? ?.
3. From reports from other posters the morning / evening rush hour train will require high capacity maybe all new California cars ?
4. The tracks from Westeern Ave - CHI Union station may need another main track to prevent delays there ?
5. Any other items ?
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/amtrak-considers-expanding-regional-routes-b9977124z1-220133441.html
blue streak 1 This article in MKE headline seems to imply Amtrak is involved in this study but were not quoted at all. WI and MKE pols stating they want 4 - 5 additional trips MKE - CHI including 2 express. One additional train CHI - MSP and slightly beyond. Several items will need work.
Streak,
As I read the article, ATK is doing the study for a second EB to St. Cloud. Their spokesman is quoted.
Mac
I think you are right on target with the word "Teasing." There are 193 comments to the article. They are typical of the comments often seen on this sight and range from people who say that Wisconsin needs more rail service to connect it with Minneapolis--St. Paul and Chicago and those who respond asking why spend another dime on rail transportation because roads are free.
John
Not so much teasing as 1) Letting the world (Minnesota & Illinois) know that we still have people planning for a future once we pull out of our political tailspin, and 2) Reminding our own residents what we have been tying to accomplish or the last 30 years to begin with (i.e., what progress would be possible if only progress were possible).
blue streak 1 2. The equipment needs will have to be addressed - locos & cars although maybe the mothballed Talgos a partial possibility ? ?. 3. From reports from other posters the morning / evening rush hour train will require high capacity maybe all new California cars ?
My understanding is that California cars are envisaged for eventual replacement of all Chicago based Midwestern routes. I assume, though, if the KRM (Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee) extension of Metra's former C&NW North Line ever happens, they would stick with gallery style cars.
P.S. Does anyone have seating capacities for the California cars? I can't find anything definite. The best number I can get is 81-which seems a minor increase over regular Superliner seating.
Kevin C. Smith Not so much teasing as 1) Letting the world (Minnesota & Illinois) know that we still have people planning for a future once we pull out of our political tailspin, and 2) Reminding our own residents what we have been tying to accomplish or the last 30 years to begin with (i.e., what progress would be possible if only progress were possible).
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
Kevin C. Smith blue streak 1 2. The equipment needs will have to be addressed - locos & cars although maybe the mothballed Talgos a partial possibility ? ?. 3. From reports from other posters the morning / evening rush hour train will require high capacity maybe all new California cars ? My understanding is that California cars are envisaged for eventual replacement of all Chicago based Midwestern routes. I assume, though, if the KRM (Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee) extension of Metra's former C&NW North Line ever happens, they would stick with gallery style cars. P.S. Does anyone have seating capacities for the California cars? I can't find anything definite. The best number I can get is 81-which seems a minor increase over regular Superliner seating.
I hunted a bit and can't find anything definitive, but my recollection is that the capacity is around 120-130 for a coach. There are about 80 seats upstairs, alone. They have roughly the same seat pitch as the NEC Amfleet cars.
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
Kevin C. Smith My understanding is that California cars are envisaged for eventual replacement of all Chicago based Midwestern routes. I assume, though, if the KRM (Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee) extension of Metra's former C&NW North Line ever happens, they would stick with gallery style cars. P.S. Does anyone have seating capacities for the California cars? I can't find anything definite. The best number I can get is 81-which seems a minor increase over regular Superliner seating.
KRM is dead, no way is Wisconsin going to pay $250 million to basically duplicate the Milwaukee Road line to the West on the C&NW to the East. Pretty sure the upgraded Hiawatha service will keep the existing Bombardier / Amfleet cars for now and will stay at 90 mph max for the short term.
As for PTC, I believe it has to be installed on the line by Congressional mandate via CP regardless of the proposed expansion JUST BECAUSE Amtrak is already on the lines involved.
Expanded Hiawatha service has the Governors support and he has already taken a public position for it because the Milwaukee Business Community is FOR IT. In regards to the additional service to St. Paul...........not sure what the Governor will say there but traditionally Wisconsin DOT has been rather unkind to MN in supporting any MN rail service which crosses the state. We'll see if that position has changed but I am skeptical on that part.
CMStPnP but traditionally Wisconsin DOT has been rather unkind to MN in supporting any MN rail service which crosses the state. We'll see if that position has changed but I am skeptical on that part.
but traditionally Wisconsin DOT has been rather unkind to MN in supporting any MN rail service which crosses the state. We'll see if that position has changed but I am skeptical on that part.
Yes, the focus on the opportunities in the CHI-MAD-MIL triangle has left the whole idea of connecting Hudson, Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls to the Twin Cities on the back burner. Sadly, I must agree with your skepticism.
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