tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post3631253372174069292..comments2024-03-17T12:42:36.234-07:00Comments on Caltrain HSR Compatibility Blog: Focus on: MillbraeClemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01374282217135682245noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-48552197920487830112020-07-14T16:07:13.608-07:002020-07-14T16:07:13.608-07:00https://hsr.ca.gov/docs/programs/san_francisco_san...https://hsr.ca.gov/docs/programs/san_francisco_san_jose/Draft_EIRS_FJ_V3-05_Alternative_A_Book_A3_Stations.pdf<br /><br />CAHSRA's latest station plan from DEIR. The tunnel track/platform in the previous plans is gone, instead it seems the station west of the Caltrain/BART platform will be rebuilt, adding one island platform and one side platform with 4 platform faces for Caltrain/HSR.Williamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14234802218858306443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-48232804629489345102010-08-01T20:44:38.850-07:002010-08-01T20:44:38.850-07:00Some posters may have already stated the importanc...Some posters may have already stated the importance of continuing to have BART serve the Millbrae station. HSR is far more apt to succeed if there are good mass transit connections at its stations. Millbrae BART provides high speed passengers with an easy connection to northern San Mateo County and southern San Francisco (to stations and neighborhoods not served by Caltrain). As faulty as the original planning was, since Millbrae BART is in place it should be used. (Although a direct AirTrain connection to Millbrae, using BART's ROW if possible, would be the missing link to better connectivity.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-55388524472689607502009-04-19T10:40:00.000-07:002009-04-19T10:40:00.000-07:00At SwitchingModes there is an article that discuss...At <A HREF="http://www.switchingmodes.com" REL="nofollow">SwitchingModes</A> there is an <A HREF="http://switchingmodes.com/2009/04/18/so-close-and-yet-so-far/" REL="nofollow">article</A> that discusses why going to Millbrae is not right for HSR. Instead, HSR should have a terminal <I>in</I> SFO.Brian Tylerhttp://switchingmodes.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-76769374947692157502008-12-07T21:43:00.000-08:002008-12-07T21:43:00.000-08:00I think a good solution would be to take the weste...I think a good solution would be to take the western most track back from BART so BART would have the two eastern ones. Then another track would be added on the western part of the station. This would allow the express HSR trains to continue straight through the station without having to curve. The local trains' tracks would branch out before the station but that wouldn't matter because they were stopping anyways. Also, using the existing Caltrain tracks as the center express tracks would allow for Express to Local transfers at the station if the express trains did stop. I just don't think there is enough room for an additional 2 tracks to the west of the station. Adding in one on either side allows the express tracks to remain in the center (as it will be the rest of the route) without having to build expensive aerial structures.Alex M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04082494097195214427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-69657799702659886602008-12-07T13:48:00.000-08:002008-12-07T13:48:00.000-08:00Millbrae is a mess, isn't it?The most straightforw...Millbrae is a mess, isn't it?<BR/><BR/>The most straightforward solution is to reduce BART's track count at Millbrae. It can run out of one track (easternmost) or two tracks (easternmost and second-easternmost). At least the westernmost BART track should be converted to Caltrain. Add a track to the west of the westernmost Caltrain platform and you have four Caltrain tracks.<BR/><BR/>HSR needs more work because it needs straighter tracks.<BR/><BR/>However, again this is a case where running the express tracks on the west side makes sense. It makes sense here, it makes sense in the entire San Carlos area, and I think it's probably worth considering on a broader basis.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-32798884682507226722008-12-06T12:11:00.000-08:002008-12-06T12:11:00.000-08:00Millbrae: BART doesn't need 3 platforms.15 minute ...Millbrae: BART doesn't need 3 platforms.<BR/><BR/>15 minute headway can easily be operated to a single BART platform (the furthest east) <B>IF</B> -- if! -- there is any use in operating BART to Millbrae at all.<BR/><BR/>The most logical plan is simply to abandon BART south of the the SFIA station. (Thanks for the $200+ million wasted, Quentin Kopp!)<BR/><BR/>The existing, extraordinarily expensive BART guideway from SFIA on the southern leg of the wye would be reused by the airport people mover, itself extended to the Caltrain/HSR Millbrae station (preferably at an elevated level, to minimize stupid ups-and-downs for transfers). It probably makes sense for this to run at and above grade -- this is in an active surface rail ROW after all -- rather than perpetuate use of the BART cost-plus-plus-plus-plus tunnel.<BR/><BR/>If technology-inappropriate, wasteful urban subway BART service to Millbrae is to be retained for some non-economic, non-operational, purely political reason, that can be done via the existing (100% unnecessary) tunnels and to a SINGLE platform at grade on the eastern side of Millbrae station. People mover from SFIA above, Caltrain/HSR (four tracks, two island platforms) to the west.<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>BTW, Here's what an airport-external truly multi-modal station looks like when certified morons don't design it: <A HREF="http://www.gisa.es/gisa/documentos/especificos/Separata_21900445.pdf" REL="nofollow">El Prat</A><BR/><BR/>A few highlights:<BR/><BR/>P9. The mode split of "l'estaciĆ³ intermodal del Baix Llobregat" (rolls off the tongue just like "Millbrae Kopp Memorial Pan-Galactic Intermodal", no?)<BR/>is 30% rail, 30% taxi, 9% bus, 24% private automobile, 9% kiss+ride.<BR/><BR/>p 119. 642 parking spaces (possible future expansion to 912 -- compare 3000!! at Millbrae.)<BR/><BR/>p 130. Nice overview map of Barcelona airport (El Prat), El Prat intermodal station, central Barcelona, future L1 metro line extension, future L9 metro, existing R2/R10 commuter rail.<BR/><BR/>p 133. Commuter/HSR level cross-section.<BR/>Four tracks, four platforms faces for commuter.<BR/>Four tracks, two platform faces, two express tracks for HSR.<BR/><BR/>p 134. Commuter/HSR/metro interconnections plan.<BR/>p 138. Plan detail.<BR/>p 141. Section.<BR/>Compare and contrast with ultra-convenient and ultra-fast Millbrae Parking Fortress intermodality.<BR/><BR/>p 147. Future roadway (+ metro line) overview<BR/><BR/>p 152. Taxi(!!!!!!!) + kiss&ride + coach level.<BR/><BR/><BR/>It's all pretty straightforward to do this stuff right of anybody but grotesquely corrupt sub-morons have any design input. Just hire some Spaniards. Or Germans, Or Swiss. Or French. Or Swedes. Or Japanese. Or Norwegians. Or Koreans. Or ...<BR/><BR/>Best of luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-16722027173301033762008-12-06T09:03:00.000-08:002008-12-06T09:03:00.000-08:00Rafael, I think you underestimate the difficulty o...Rafael, I think you underestimate the difficulty of integrating differences in track gauge, loading gauge, weights, signal systems, traction systems, etc.<BR/><BR/>All for what? Preserving the idiotic two-change system to get from the peninsula rails to your airport terminal?<BR/><BR/>"Rupture de charge" is what we are trying to avoid, and running Caltrain into the SFO BART station won't do that. Running Airtrain to Millbrae will.Clemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374282217135682245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-49096432834124189802008-12-06T08:14:00.000-08:002008-12-06T08:14:00.000-08:00@ anon @ 14:33, timote -equipment with variable ga...@ anon @ 14:33, timote -<BR/><BR/>equipment with variable gauge trucks can be used on both standard and broad gauge tracks, that's the whole point. Ergo, Caltrain would be free to use it for Gilroy/SJ - SF (4th & King or TTC) as well. It's just that operationally, it probably would exercise that option very frequently.<BR/><BR/>Converting tracks at the SFO station to three rails (+ BART power rail) would allow Caltrain to avoid messing around with variable gauge equipment. However, BART tracks are laid on top of concrete sleepers that you cannot safely drill holes into after the event. Ripping up tracks inside the SFO station would result in massive disruption of BART service, so IMHO that's not an option.<BR/><BR/>The vertical clearance at the SFO station is definitely something to keep in mind. It's possible that bi-level EMUs would not fit. Worst-case, there's always the option of using standard-gauge subway equipment and slapping a pantograph on it. The point is that <I>direct</I> Caltrain service from Gilroy/SJ into SFO would be valuable.<BR/><BR/>As for the overhead catenaries, the pantographs are spring-loaded. At the low vehicle speeds that would apply in this case, the usual wire system could be replaced with a rigid overhead power rail running fairly close to the roof of the vehicle.<BR/><BR/>I'm not suggesting that Caltrain equip any of its trains with a third rail pickup unless there is both interest and opportunity to run Caltrain service through the transbay tube as a "guest" of BART's. That would give peninsula commuters direct service into/out of downtown SF and downtown Oakland long before the DTX tunnel is completed. I don't see that happening, though.<BR/><BR/>Wrt BART parking, there might be a need for a new parking structure at San Bruno if service to Millbrae were discontinued. E.g. at the Southern edge of Tanforan, next to I-380. They'd have to start charging for parking. Shoppers would get an hour or two of free parking if they spend enough money.Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-66221445249984010562008-12-05T16:34:00.000-08:002008-12-05T16:34:00.000-08:00Errr I shouldn't have made the San Bruno that defi...Errr I shouldn't have made the San Bruno that definitive. It would likely cause big issues with parking, let's put it that way, and Tanforan would not be happy to become BART's Millbrae parking lot...timotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05167049606237346501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-70994553017870886492008-12-05T16:29:00.000-08:002008-12-05T16:29:00.000-08:00@ Rafael-I think eliminating BART from Millbrae is...@ Rafael-<BR/><BR/>I think eliminating BART from Millbrae is a non-starter. It has too many riders (granted, not near what they expected) and too many parking spots. If Millbrae were eliminated and the passengers moved up to San Bruno, it would triple that station, but that won't happen cause the San Bruno parking lot fills at 8 am. <BR/><BR/>I'm not a fan of eliminating services that work, even if imperfectly. I'm down with reclaiming a berth that BART uses as parking and possibly reclaiming the Millbrae -> SFO track for AirTrain/Caltrain/whatever, but kicking BART out of Millbrae I'm not in favor of.<BR/><BR/>Also, I don't understand the AirTrain/heavy rail argument. From what I see on google maps, it appears that the center tracks that go to SFO are grade-separated from the outside tracks, that they fly over the outside track. If that's the case, then you could tear up the rails and AirTrain could own that center area of the tracks.<BR/><BR/>On the airport side, yes - the interconnects up to the existing AirTrain is definitely non-trivial. But for the benefit it would cause, I'm sure that they can figure it out...timotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05167049606237346501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-55057029649910176662008-12-05T14:33:00.000-08:002008-12-05T14:33:00.000-08:00If you've every used BART to SFO, most people end ...If you've every used BART to SFO, most people end up transferring to the AirTrain. By building an elevated Airtrain extension all the way to Millbrae, you get a connection to all terminals without a second transfer. If Millbrae's redevelopment at the station includes a hotel, you get that connection, as well as a connection to all the samTrans buses that serve Millbrae station. <BR/><BR/>Maintaining a dual-guage fleet will be an onerous task. Spain does it because they have to. To implement your (Rafael) solution, why not just re-gauge the 3/4 mile of tracks that make up the south wye for BART? You'll have to erect OCS anyway, or do you want to specify dual-guage, dual-voltage trains to save that cost?<BR/><BR/>Beyond that, the clearances into the SFO station would not permit standard rolling stock, let alone overhead electrification. I doubt the BART structure could carry a standard EMU either.<BR/><BR/>The Millbrae station and connection to SFO isn't a place to be penny wise and pound foolish.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-44306160370952204812008-12-05T13:26:00.000-08:002008-12-05T13:26:00.000-08:00@ Clem -what I proposed keeps all tracks at the Mi...@ Clem -<BR/><BR/>what I proposed keeps all tracks at the Millbrae station at grade and within the existing ROW. There would be no need for modifications, other than elevating platforms for level boarding (which Caltrain is planning to do anyway) and increasing their length to support full-length HSR trains.<BR/><BR/>No demolition of the mezzanine superstructure would be required at all. No eminent domain against nearby residents would be needed at all.<BR/><BR/>The only new land required would be about 1000 feet south from Lions Gate Park, where there are no private properties anyhow.<BR/><BR/>Plus, you'd have Caltrain service directly into SFO. Extending the AirTrain to Millbrae would be <I>much</I> harder>: it's a level above the BART tracks at SFO, so you'd need to construct something for the AirTrain to reach the existing ramp across 101. Also, the AirTrain uses concrete guideways, so you'd have to rip up the broad gauge tracks on that ramp. Finally, the ramp tracks are the middle two of four on the approach to Millbrae station. Crossing AirTrain and heavy rail tracks is point blank not possible, so that's the deal killer right there.<BR/><BR/>My objective is not to optimize the layout of Millbrae station, it's to minimize eminent domain, minimize station modifications and maximize utility for both Caltrain and HSR operators and customers.<BR/><BR/>As for "political" complications, puhleeze. Who do you think has more clout right now, CHSRA or BART?Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-526636169638305632008-12-05T11:54:00.000-08:002008-12-05T11:54:00.000-08:00@ Clem - Yes please, make the map, it sounds like ...@ Clem - <BR/><BR/>Yes please, make the map, it sounds like it could work. What do you mean by "have two Caltrains occupy the same platform at the same time, one behind each other?" What are the trade-offs between partially demolishing half of the Millbrae station and rebuilding it as opposed to making flyovers about a quarter of a mile past the station, i.e. which costs more?<BR/><BR/>And on another slightly relevant note, where do the freight tracks split away from the caltrain's tracks? Because you couldn't run a freight train on a flyover I'm pretty sure if that became the solution.Alex M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04082494097195214427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-25502211164239788402008-12-05T11:15:00.000-08:002008-12-05T11:15:00.000-08:00@anon, I like it a lot.Pros:- no major demolition ...@anon, I like it a lot.<BR/><BR/>Pros:<BR/>- no major demolition at Millbrae, no messing with BART<BR/>- reasonably compact<BR/>- no high speed movements on platform tracks<BR/><BR/>Cons: <BR/>- fewer cross-platform opportunities<BR/>- need for flyovers to turn the express tracks "inside out" at some point... although the outside config (with island stations) may work well in other locations as well... e.g. Belmont<BR/><BR/>I'll try to draw it up at some point. With 400 m platforms, would it be feasible / desirable to have two Caltrains occupy the same platform at the same time, one behind each other? This might make up for the loss of cross-platform opportunities.Clemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374282217135682245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-40288724738584892432008-12-04T22:42:00.000-08:002008-12-04T22:42:00.000-08:00Place two tracks west of the existing western Calt...Place two tracks west of the existing western Caltrain platform, seal the "cross-platform" platform, and let express HSR and Caltrain run on the outside and have stopping trains stop on the central platform.<BR/><BR/>The platform will need to be extended for HSR, so add a second mezzanine and more escalators and elevators. Assume/hope for a SFO Airtrain extension to Millbrae, stopping north of the existing mezzanine.<BR/><BR/>This Airtrain connection could support a very nice airport hotel in Millbrae, connected to the station. Also, the existing mezzanine can be extended through future development to El Camino.<BR/><BR/>South of the station, the historic depot needs to be moved out of the way, but it was moved once before, from right next to Millbrae Avenue. A move some feet to the west shouldn't be a problem.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-79488867465064040692008-12-04T21:55:00.000-08:002008-12-04T21:55:00.000-08:00@ Clem - I completely agree. It sounds like there...@ Clem - <BR/><BR/>I completely agree. It sounds like there are many different options for serving Millbrae effectively, but many will require more funds than necessary. I hope Caltrain can simply implement the proposed plans in the EIS/EIR documents and move on like you said. It sounds to me like too much aerial work would become prohibitively expensive because lots of concrete=$$$.<BR/><BR/>@ Rafael - <BR/><BR/>I still don't understand how someone with the wealth of knowledge about this project that you possess isn't part of the CHSRA. I could never look at a map and come up with as many imaginative and well thought out proposals as you have.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-57906598801021411792008-12-04T19:51:00.000-08:002008-12-04T19:51:00.000-08:00Those are interesting ideas, but I think you guys ...Those are interesting ideas, but I think you guys need to keep it simple and practical, both technically and politically. It's easy to dream up all kinds of ideas, but in the end the best ideas are usually the simplest.<BR/><BR/>Call me unambitious, but I'm not in favor of anything that complicates HSR or uses it as an opportunity to re-optimize another part of the pathetic configuration in Millbrae... just get the minimum for effective HSR and Caltrain, and move on.<BR/><BR/>Sorry, didn't mean to be a party pooper! Just my two cents.Clemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374282217135682245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-55149060695126380502008-12-04T18:18:00.000-08:002008-12-04T18:18:00.000-08:00@ Alex -I was just talking about ending BART servi...@ Alex -<BR/><BR/>I was just talking about ending BART service to Millbrae, not to SFO. BART still needs somewhere to park a number of trains overnight. See this <A HREF="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=107511680599374219842.00045d30458362a89c564&ll=37.614163,-122.39969&spn=0.010113,0.021479&t=h&z=16" REL="nofollow">map</A> for details, the green pin denotes where the BART tail tracks would terminate.<BR/><BR/>The HSR express bypass tracks would run west of them and the tracks shared by Caltrain and HSR to serve Millbrae station routed just east of them through Lions Field Park, where the BART tracks run underground.<BR/><BR/>The new set of standard gauge tracks woul run on top of the covered BART trench for almost 3000ft. Grade separation of the standard gauge tracks will probably require an aerial structure for that short section because the cover of that BART trench almost certainly wasn't built to support the weight of a berm, tracks plus a train. Once the alignments diverge just past I-380, CHSRA/Caltrain have more options for implementing grade separation.<BR/><BR/>Operationally, BART could choose to run its northbound early morning trains from San Bruno or, reverse up the ramp into SFO. Once the first trains of the day arrive from Pittsburg/Bay Point and either Dublin/Pleasanton or Richmond at SFO, normal service is delivered. Similarly, the last train or two at night would either not go to SFO or reverse to San Bruno before cutting over to the tail tracks for the night.<BR/><BR/>Caltrain would use the fifth track at Millbrae for overnight parking of the special trainsets deployed on the new Gilroy/SJ - SFO service that I'm proposing. The first trains of each morning could head directly to SJ or, backtrack to SFO and run to SJ via the regular tracks in the middle of Millbrae station.Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-10370694736387825722008-12-04T17:31:00.000-08:002008-12-04T17:31:00.000-08:00I think the best solution is to simply end BART se...I think the best solution is to simply end BART service to Millbrae and terminate the service at SFO. Rafael- You make a great point saying that the whole point of Millbrae is to allow transfer to Caltrains. That job will be filled by the TTC, therefore there is no reason for Millbrae. There could easily be a shuttle of some kind from Millbrae to SFO for local Caltrains passengers. Is it possible if BART was removed past SFO, that the BART tracks that were put in the Caltrains ROW could be removed? It sounds like an awful waste to destroy something you just build but it could mean 4 tracks could easily be fit going down the ROW and make life for the planners of HSR a whole lot easier.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-46015757680193369502008-12-04T16:32:00.000-08:002008-12-04T16:32:00.000-08:00Btw, there is a middle ground option. If BART agre...Btw, there is a middle ground option. If BART agrees to vacate Millbrae entirely so it can become a station with five standard gauge tracks, Caltrain could agree to equip some number of its new Siemens Desiro EMU trainsets with <A HREF="http://www.caf.net/ingles/id/brava.php" REL="nofollow">variable gauge trucks</A>. It's a retrofit solution, certified up to 150mph if the base equipment was designed for standard gauge. It is in commercial service in Spain.<BR/><BR/>In my kick-BART-out-of-Millbrae scenario, a single <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiH4kt14yGw" REL="nofollow">gauge change station</A> would be installed on the tracks heading up the ramp from Millbrae to the SFO station. Caltrain equipment would switch gauge on the way up and back again on the way down. This would avoid any disruption to BART service into SFO or Caltrain service to SF while Millbrae station is remodeled.<BR/><BR/>The problem of sharing tracks at SFO would reduce to the installation of overhead catenaries there, plus signaling and dispatch modifications to those trainsets Caltrain chooses to run between SJ/Gilroy and SFO.Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-81948549242433487142008-12-04T16:29:00.000-08:002008-12-04T16:29:00.000-08:00Rafael - I agree completely that a two-track solut...Rafael - I agree completely that a two-track solution is not feasible. I need to find out exactly what Samtrans (Caltrain) has promised the city and developer for Site One.Clemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374282217135682245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-39895121358247975462008-12-04T16:11:00.000-08:002008-12-04T16:11:00.000-08:00Does anyone actually use BART service to Millbrae ...Does anyone actually use BART service to Millbrae for anything other than transferring to/from Caltrain because it doesn't go to downtown SF?<BR/><BR/>With the DTX tunnel, Caltrain will go downtown and so will HSR. Transfers between the services would still be possible at the Embarcadero/TTC (2 block walk), San Bruno station (on block walk if Caltrain station is moved) and SFO (no walk at all).<BR/><BR/>As for the argument that BART was Kopp's baby, keep in mind that his original job description was to take BART to SFO. The whole subway-under-San-Bruno thing and the intermodal at Millbrae was something <I>he</I> claims San Mateo county insisted on, hence the cost escalations.<BR/><BR/>Besides, his new baby is HSR so if kicking BART out of Millbrae completely is the easiest way to get HSR its express bypass tracks, so be it. Simply sharing Caltrain's existing tracks at Millbrae - assuming FRA permits it - would create a bottleneck for both services while the adjacent BART platforms remain almost completely unused.Rafaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05471957286484454765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-66825254010766284902008-12-04T14:39:00.000-08:002008-12-04T14:39:00.000-08:00All I can say after studying the aerial photos is ...All I can say after studying the aerial photos is that Kopp and BART must have been smoking something to decide to take up so much of the Caltrain's ROW. They made the development of HSR infinitesimally more difficult and expensive. Hopefully Kopp realized he screwed up when he comes to work on the actual engineering plans.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-3980161890422838302008-12-04T14:33:00.000-08:002008-12-04T14:33:00.000-08:00Looking at the map on Google of the Millbrae stati...Looking at the map on Google of the Millbrae station, I don't see how it is possible to add in anymore space to the station given the space restrictions. How could you add in two more tracks without leaving the train ROW and entering onto that parking lot to the north and later that building? Is the proposal to quickly branch out of the two existing tracks to the north, enter the station, then exit onto the 3 tracks that already exist to the south + 1 new track added to the west of the existing tracks?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-55280694639600757522008-12-04T14:21:00.000-08:002008-12-04T14:21:00.000-08:00Ahh i guess i misunderstood your plan then, sorry ...Ahh i guess i misunderstood your plan then, sorry about that ;)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03190793286616071552noreply@blogger.com