111–120 of 168 posts
One thing that shouldn't change is the Caltrain ticketing UI. The interface is simple enough to use, and it responds to user input instantly. I can select the ticket I want with four taps in about a second, where the only slowdown is the actual payment.
- I tap my Clipper card.
- A Caltrain employee checks my card about every other time I'm on a train.
- Sometimes they threaten to arrest me because I didn't tap it hard enough 3 days ago.
> By any measure, Caltrain is the equivalent of a dated personal computer running Windows 95 way overdue for an upgrade. Rush-hour trains are so crowded that their aisles are filled with passengers. Trains break down frequently and the locomotives belch plumes of black smoke into the air — a sight more in line with the early industrial age than 21st century Silicon Valley. As a frequent commuter, I couldn't agree mor…
I thought that was normal. Is there anywhere that this isn't the case?
> By any measure, Caltrain is the equivalent of a dated personal computer running Windows 95 way overdue for an upgrade. Rush-hour trains are so crowded that their aisles are filled with passengers. Trains break down frequently and the locomotives belch plumes of black smoke into the air — a sight more in line with the early industrial age than 21st century Silicon Valley. As a frequent commuter, I couldn't agree mor…
> Rush-hour trains are so crowded that their aisles are filled with passengers I thought that was normal. Is there anywhere that this isn't the case?
Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Rush-hour trains are so crowded that their aisles are filled with passengers I thought that was normal. Is there anywhere that this isn't the case?
Here in Southern Ontario (GO train) I have never seen aisles full with passengers. Although on the lower level there are some people standing, the upper deck is usually all seated. Often with some free seats.
> By any measure, Caltrain is the equivalent of a dated personal computer running Windows 95 way overdue for an upgrade. Rush-hour trains are so crowded that their aisles are filled with passengers. Trains break down frequently and the locomotives belch plumes of black smoke into the air — a sight more in line with the early industrial age than 21st century Silicon Valley. As a frequent commuter, I couldn't agree mor…
Most of Caltrain's locomotives date back to 1985, so they are more like Windows 2.1
It would also have a big impact on journey times as electric trains can accelerate and decelerate a lot quicker than the current diesel ones.
Why don't they look at variable tolling on 101 (or at least an express toll lane) and divert funds to this project? That would seem like a win win: transit users get upgraded service which would encourage more people to switch and drivers have less traffic to deal with as people move to transit, plus they can pay for a more reliable journey if they are in a rush.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Most of Caltrain's locomotives date back to 1985, so they are more like Windows 2.1
You should see the old metro north ones that run from CT to NYC, they are even older.
The intercity 125 in the UK despite being over 40 years old is still fast (125mph), reliable (engines have all been replaced fairly recently) and very comfortable and quiet, even in standard class.
>Caltrain plans to use the money to switch to modern electric trains, from old diesel locomotives that are prone to failure. I ride the Caltrain about once a week and I haven't encountered a delay due to a locomotive failure. How often does this happen?
Happened to me once two weeks ago. I've also been on a train that had 'broken down' where it couldn't leave a station after coming to a stop. Also accidents with cars and pedestrians happens more frequently than they should. I don't know if the upgrades to the line include raising and separating the track wherever possible.
Tbh it's pretty nutty the US doesn't do more of this, even in new schemes like LAs light rail there are dozens of at grade crossings. While more expensive in the short term to build i think really you should be aiming for 100% grade seperation for new projects, even if that means closing some less used roads to make it affordable.
Only a small amount of that $647 million was going to Caltrain electrification. It was wrapped in a boondoggle of an omnibus transit spending bill. The real political battle here is to limit Federal spending on CA's ill-routed HSR. The Democrats are free to introduce a clean bill with just the Caltrain electrification funds. A clean bill (funding ALL of it, even) would sail through Congress.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Rush-hour trains are so crowded that their aisles are filled with passengers I thought that was normal. Is there anywhere that this isn't the case?
Here in Southern Ontario (GO train) I have never seen aisles full with passengers. Although on the lower level there are some people standing, the upper deck is usually all seated. Often with some free seats.