We cannot look for solutions for the CT problems in a vaccum. There a lot of agencies that want or need extra cars on their trains or more trains. A partial list. Down easter, Vermonter, CT, Ethan allen, NY state, Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Hiawatha. California north and south and of course the NER trains. Then we have to consider what is going to happen to LD trains. We have no idea what the confidential contracts Amtrak has with any agency says as far as more equipment ? There may be a priority for the cars that are returned to service . Since CT is the last modified contract signed they may have to wait ?
This all goes back to the need for more total equipment not just replacements. We need to fight to see Amtrak does not retire any serviceable equipment as the Siemens and Acela-2 cars come into service. There are also hints that the New Haven BOS 39 train limit may be raised or even completely cancelled. that would certainly increase the need for more cars on the NER . BOS <> NYP is always the first route to sell out. That is even with more trains over the limit during the Thanksgiving and Christmas rush.
Good point or even stop selling it's own " surplus " cars. Or return out of service cars to service.
Even if Amtrak had no more coaches available in it's fleet it could work out a lease deal with VIA Rail Canada or a number of other transit agencies that have cars available. I have serious doubts that making such cars Amtrak compatible would be a huge expense.
Hell it could even lease Amtrak compatible private coaches from private individuals to cover the shortage. We are only talking two additional cars per trainset.
Amtrak's two car shuttle trains are getting over crowded and some passengers holding CT tickets are being put off Amtrak trains. CT trains have 4 cars which for now appears adequate. For Amtrak to get more cars for one or two train sets appears doubtful. Amtrak would need to rob 2 - 4 cars from the NER trains. Those cars can get much more revenue from NER trains than CT especially for the upcoming Thanksgiving - New Year's holiday season. Does not make sense to rob the NER trains ?
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-biz-hartford-amtrak-ctrail-passengers-kicked-of-20181026-story.html?fbclid=IwAR1RCxmrOWk2i101nhvJbnUx3hxwUjfTiTeTElcHuPrCylqPWz0LtcnAQL0
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