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Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2021 1:47 pm
by DaveKCMO
Yes, they're setting the stage for a catalyst program of sorts. Big federal infusion from the new administration to woo states into their federally-obligated match for service. There's more than Ohio on their list, I'm sure, but the rest just hasn't been leaked. I know they are still very interested in closing the gap between Newton KS and OKC and a dedicated direct run between KC and CHI to compliment the SW Chief's schedule (so you'd probably have an AM and PM departure in each direction).
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2021 2:29 pm
by smh
That sounds real nice. Any chance the service speeds up since it wouldn't be part of the Chief?
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2021 2:41 pm
by normalthings
smh wrote: ↑Mon Feb 08, 2021 2:29 pm
That sounds real nice. Any chance the service speeds up since it wouldn't be part of the Chief?
I would remove Mendota, Princeton and Galesburg Illinois. Keep Ft Madison, Iowa and La Plata MO. Add Carlton, MO.
I recall going 90mph+ across Missouri. I wonder if the new Siemens equipment would be able to go faster.
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2021 3:46 pm
by Chris Stritzel
normalthings wrote: ↑Mon Feb 08, 2021 2:41 pm
smh wrote: ↑Mon Feb 08, 2021 2:29 pm
That sounds real nice. Any chance the service speeds up since it wouldn't be part of the Chief?
I would remove Mendota, Princeton and Galesburg Illinois. Keep Ft Madison, Iowa and La Plata MO. Add Carlton, MO.
I recall going 90mph+ across Missouri. I wonder if the new Siemens equipment would be able to go faster.
Considering that Brightline uses the same locomotives and coaches and will go 125mph in the future, I imagine ours can too.
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2021 4:04 pm
by DaveKCMO
I doubt a new KCY-CHI train would travel faster than the Chief since it's more about track conditions than equipment. That Chief segment across Illinois has a special exemption for going over 79mph that goes back to when it was run by Santa Fe. According to Wikipedia, the Superliners (Chief equipment) top out at 100mph. A separate train would probably not use that equipment since there are other options out of Chicago (like the Horizon cars used on the River Runner).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superliner_(railcar)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horizon_(railcar)
The other terminus of the Chief (LAX) is a maintenance base for Superliners, so that might negate using that equipment in favor of Horizons. Since the state DOTs purchased the new Siemens equipment (with some federal money), it's unlikely a KCY-CHI train would use those unless Missouri or Illinois is providing operational support. That leaves the crappy Horizons.
If Amtrak is footing the bill instead of a state DOT, I would anticipate they would maximize ridership and pick the stations that meet those goals rather than travel time. Generally, they don't want stations to be closer than 20 miles except in urban areas and don't really shy away from anything else. You forgot to mention Marceline MO, which was added as a flag stop on the Chief a few years ago due to local lobbying efforts (Walt Disney, etc.).
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2021 4:40 pm
by normalthings
DaveKCMO wrote: ↑Mon Feb 08, 2021 4:04 pm
I doubt a new KCY-CHI train would travel faster than the Chief since it's more about track conditions than equipment. That Chief segment across Illinois has a special exemption for going over 79mph that goes back to when it was run by Santa Fe. According to Wikipedia, the Superliners (Chief equipment) top out at 100mph. A separate train would probably not use that equipment since there are other options out of Chicago (like the Horizon cars used on the River Runner).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superliner_(railcar)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horizon_(railcar)
The other terminus of the Chief (LAX) is a maintenance base for Superliners, so that might negate using that equipment in favor of Horizons. Since the state DOTs purchased the new Siemens equipment (with some federal money), it's unlikely a KCY-CHI train would use those unless Missouri or Illinois is providing operational support. That leaves the crappy Horizons.
If Amtrak is footing the bill instead of a state DOT, I would anticipate they would maximize ridership and pick the stations that meet those goals rather than travel time. Generally, they don't want stations to be closer than 20 miles except in urban areas and don't really shy away from anything else. You forgot to mention Marceline MO, which was added as a flag stop on the Chief a few years ago due to local lobbying efforts (Walt Disney, etc.).
Amfleet 1 and other single-level cars may be replaced soon. Would be nice if those new cars were used here.
https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2 ... uperliners
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2021 5:04 pm
by normalthings
The US platform has construction tape and one side of tracks were ripped up
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2021 6:12 pm
by DaveKCMO
normalthings wrote: ↑Mon Mar 01, 2021 5:04 pm
The US platform has construction tape and one side of tracks were ripped up
I notice that over the weekend. With reduced frequency, I'm sure they're taking the change to make some needed repairs. The longer Chief consist usually uses that north side, while the River Runner uses the tracks on the south side of the platform.
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 8:58 am
by gfisch95
Do we know when the new cars will be in service? I've got a few upcoming rides on the River Runner this Spring and Summer and wondering if there's a chance I will see them.
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 10:24 am
by DaveKCMO
gfisch95 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 02, 2021 8:58 am
Do we know when the new cars will be in service? I've got a few upcoming rides on the River Runner this Spring and Summer and wondering if there's a chance I will see them.
Amtrak provides no notice, to my knowledge. I rely on message boards and Twitter.
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 11:35 am
by shinatoo
DaveKCMO wrote: ↑Tue Mar 02, 2021 10:24 am
gfisch95 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 02, 2021 8:58 am
Do we know when the new cars will be in service? I've got a few upcoming rides on the River Runner this Spring and Summer and wondering if there's a chance I will see them.
Amtrak provides no notice, to my knowledge. I rely on message boards and Twitter.
What twitter accounts should we follow?
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 10:21 pm
by DaveKCMO
shinatoo wrote: ↑Tue Mar 02, 2021 11:35 am
DaveKCMO wrote: ↑Tue Mar 02, 2021 10:24 am
gfisch95 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 02, 2021 8:58 am
Do we know when the new cars will be in service? I've got a few upcoming rides on the River Runner this Spring and Summer and wondering if there's a chance I will see them.
Amtrak provides no notice, to my knowledge. I rely on message boards and Twitter.
What twitter accounts should we follow?
Twitter:
@RAILMag
@rail_pro_mag
@RailwayAge
Forum:
https://www.amtraktrains.com/
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 10:39 pm
by normalthings
Has there ever been any serious talk about connecting KC to Omaha?
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 11:09 pm
by DaveKCMO
normalthings wrote: ↑Wed Mar 03, 2021 10:39 pm
Has there ever been any serious talk about connecting KC to Omaha?
Only on message boards.
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 3:50 pm
by normalthings
MoDot "virtual meeting" on passenger rail in the state. Infographics followed by a poll. MoDOT is asking about a third daily River Runner and new routes from KC to places like Springfield and St. Joe.
https://www.vpioutreach.com/public/even ... bae7221413
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 4:32 pm
by flyingember
It's not very long and the questions are actually good ones that could help focus efforts
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Mon May 31, 2021 11:02 am
by DaveKCMO
Full River Runner service (two daily round-trips) might be back this summer:
https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/gov ... 31fd0.html
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Mon May 31, 2021 11:17 pm
by normalthings
A third daily trip followed by speed enhancements would be wonderful. Something else I think would work well is bridging the gap between STL and Nashville. Would connect KC, Chicago, Minneapolis, and STL with the south and specifically Florida
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 12:51 pm
by DaveKCMO
normalthings wrote: ↑Mon May 31, 2021 11:17 pm
A third daily trip followed by speed enhancements would be wonderful. Something else I think would work well is bridging the gap between STL and Nashville. Would connect KC, Chicago, Minneapolis, and STL with the south and specifically Florida
Yes, it should be a midday departure from KC and STL.
Re: Missouri Amtrak Service
Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 7:52 am
by DaveKCMO
This poll has been extended to June 16.