Newsday's Editorial Board out in strong support of expanding electrification over buying new dual modes "MTA can’t rely on diesel-electric locomotives over the long term. The only real solution for upgrading public transit on eastern LI lies in electrification." www.newsday.com/opinion/edit... - ThreadSky

thelirrtoday.bsky.social • 76 days ago

Newsday's Editorial Board out in strong support of expanding electrification over buying new dual modes

"MTA can’t rely on diesel-electric locomotives over the long term. The only real solution for upgrading public transit on eastern LI lies in electrification." https://www.newsday.com/opinion/editorials/lirr-dual-use-locomotives-mta-ronkonkoma-yaphank-ijy7ye2r

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thelirrtoday.bsky.social•76 days ago

Expanding electrification has widespread support across the spectrum—except with LIRR management.

If only we had a big new toll generating billions in new capital funding that could be put towards ambitious expansion projects 🤔 🤔🤔

neipate.bsky.social•75 days ago

maybe battery electric would be a good compromise?

davesimon.bsky.social•76 days ago

I like the idea, but, how much construction would need to occur with lengthening platforms at these stations, and how many more m9a type cars would they need as well (which I’d think is cheaper than maintaining dual modes)

aryasaj.bsky.social•76 days ago

Why would they need to lengthen platforms? It’s obviously ideal but evidently it’s fine enough for Forest Hills to only fit the front half of the train. Same can be done in far less used Eastern LI stations in lieu of pricey station renovations.

davesimon.bsky.social•76 days ago

Yes, agree that, but to even do that, what would need to be done. I haven’t done that far east on the LIRR, that’s why I’m asking.

Didn’t know if any platforms were bigger than a few cars.

railfangxy.bsky.social•76 days ago

Probably because the loco-hauled trains are completely walk-through, so most passengers can move to where the platform will be. You can’t really do that safely with how the M-series cars are designed

nilo.bsky.social•76 days ago

The LIRR could buy a dual voltage, single level, walk through train if it wished.

railfangxy.bsky.social•75 days ago

They could, but I think we’re looking for a dual-MODE multiple unit in this case. The closest available unit that would fit isn’t completely walkthrough, unless the trains only run as single units…which seems unlikely for LIRR even for those eastern branches

nilo.bsky.social•75 days ago

They should not buy a dual mode unit.

khyber.bsky.social•75 days ago

For their upcoming M9A/M10 orders, they could easily (and should) buy open gangway cars, just like they have started to for their subway orders.

railfangxy.bsky.social•75 days ago

The R211T’s are just the same as the M-series, but spread across 5 cars instead of 2 or 3. It’s better, but you still can’t easily move between the ends of a set. With older single-unit MU’s you had vestibules and gates/chains which sorta acted like a makeshift gangway, but rarely true diaphragms

railfangxy.bsky.social•75 days ago

Now what they could do is have the vestibules built ON the cab ends of the next M’s, that’d be simpler. They could also do what the Metroliners did and have gangways built in BEHIND the doors, and use them for routes where passengers NEED to move between cars. Just a thought

khyber.bsky.social•75 days ago

They'd need more EMUs yes, but 1) the locomotives and coaches are nearing end of life anyways. 2) EMUs are cheaper than coaches + locos ($210k/m for single level coaches, $112k/m for M8s).

khyber.bsky.social•75 days ago

3) EMUs accelerate much faster than locomotives (diesel and electric), so an EMU can run more service in the same time. And 4) diesels are far less reliable, so you need extra of them since more will/may be out of service at the same time compared to reliable EMUs.

pdfguru.bsky.social•73 days ago

First and foremost, forget about the current style EMUs; they are just obese and not worth much. The idea is to get vehicles which do a very good job worldwide, such as built by Stadler.

A BEMU option would be possible, if needed with feeding points at the terminal stations.
1/n

pdfguru.bsky.social•73 days ago

And also gradually convert to 25 kV/60 Hz electrification; way more powerful and cost effective than this third rail stuff.

2/2

perspectiveonrisk.bsky.social•76 days ago

If we are at all serious about addressing climate change, electrification is the only option. Should have been done years ago.

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