[MrGompers]

Originally Posted by okbymeman

I have to wonder what use is it being the “richest state” if we can’t even have acceptable infrastructure because it is “too expensive”?

CT is the capital of neo liberalism. That's why infrastructure hasn't been improved for 30+ years. And we'll be in the same position 30+ years from now. Only thing that will fix this is rocket packs that you can strap on your back.

[SteveM85]

Originally Posted by MrGompers

CT is the capital of neo liberalism. That's why infrastructure hasn't been improved for 30+ years. And we'll be in the same position 30+ years from now. Only thing that will fix this is rocket packs that you can strap on your back.

If only CT were as aggressive on infrastructure as it is on Pride/Gender Month and criminal justice reform, we'd have the most robust transportation system the world has ever known. CT would be the global blueprint.

[norcal2k19]

60 new rail cars just announced today for the commuter rail lines.

There's also a transit customer experience plan that's pretty comprehensive and forward thinking. https://www.transitcx.com/ and https://www.transitcx.com/wp-content...nglish-WEB.pdf

These assets weren't hard to find online.

[BobNJ1960]

Originally Posted by norcal2k19

60 new rail cars just announced today for the commuter rail lines.

There's also a transit customer experience plan that's pretty comprehensive and forward thinking. https://www.transitcx.com/ and https://www.transitcx.com/wp-content...nglish-WEB.pdf

These assets weren't hard to find online.

We need more trains being run, in the early morning and evening, on all secondary lines. Not simply more cars. Rail Cars should be a means to an end, but this is about true service levels.

[OyCrumbler]

Originally Posted by norcal2k19

60 new rail cars just announced today for the commuter rail lines.

There's also a transit customer experience plan that's pretty comprehensive and forward thinking. https://www.transitcx.com/ and https://www.transitcx.com/wp-content...nglish-WEB.pdf

These assets weren't hard to find online.

Are these replacements for existing vehicles or is the total fleet size going up? If it's the latter then that can ostensibly be helpful in having higher peak frequencies--that is to say, more services run.

[norcal2k19]

Originally Posted by OyCrumbler

Are these replacements for existing vehicles or is the total fleet size going up? If it's the latter then that can ostensibly be helpful in having higher peak frequencies--that is to say, more services run.

>> Are these replacements for existing vehicles or is the total fleet size going up?

It's both as the M8s are still in decent condition and were top of the line when they were first introduced, so the total fleet size will go up. The diesel-only trains will likely be sunsetting as the entire fleet will be either hybrid diesel/electric and electric going forward. Looking forward to seeing new trains on the Danbury branch.

Looks like the Hartford Line and Waterbury Branch of the MNR are the big winners here, but the New Haven line (the main one and my line) for sure will see new trains, upgraded rails between the Bridgeport/Stratford chokepoint, along with the big renovation of Stamford's train station, reconfiguration of South Norwalk station's successful TOD area entry/traffic configuration, and eventually New Haven Union Station's transformation.

I'm impressed by the quick improvements they've made on the Bus side of the portfolio too.

[OyCrumbler]

Originally Posted by norcal2k19

>> Are these replacements for existing vehicles or is the total fleet size going up?

It's both as the M8s are still in decent condition and were top of the line when they were first introduced, so the total fleet size will go up. The diesel-only trains will likely be sunsetting as the entire fleet will be either hybrid diesel/electric and electric going forward. Looking forward to seeing new trains on the Danbury branch.

Looks like the Hartford Line and Waterbury Branch of the MNR are the big winners here, but the New Haven line (the main one and my line) for sure will see new trains, upgraded rails between the Bridgeport/Stratford chokepoint, along with the big renovation of Stamford's train station, reconfiguration of South Norwalk station's successful TOD area entry/traffic configuration, and eventually New Haven Union Station's transformation.

I'm impressed by the quick improvements they've made on the Bus side of the portfolio too.

These are great! I wish there was some announcement of projections for how and when this would affect service timetables. I reckon going hybrid and electric means better acceleration and thus shorten timetables and potentially open things up for greater frequencies. That increase in speed between Bridgeport and Stratford would supposedly do something similar. I still don't quite understand what the bottleneck on Waterbury services is given that they put in those passing sidings--is it the Bridgeport / Stratford stretch and conflicts with New Haven line main branch? Is it not enough rolling stock?

[bomgd3]

Very excited to have new train cars on CT Rail! The current service is good but the train cars are ancient.

[SteveM85]

Originally Posted by bomgd3

Very excited to have new train cars on CT Rail! The current service is good but the train cars are ancient.

Metro North cabs are practically brand new. Every seat has its own plug for charging. One of the few positives in CT transportation.

[BPt111]

Will CT use AI in near future help make Metro North more efficient as artificial intelligence gaining ground in all industries.

“By analysing data on passenger demand, train schedules, and track availability, AI algorithms can determine the most efficient use of resources. This can minimise delays and improve the overall passenger experience”