tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post3928457790540538222..comments2024-03-25T08:35:51.364-07:00Comments on Caltrain HSR Compatibility Blog: The Overtake That Won't BeClemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01374282217135682245noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-59431255380303025582017-08-09T01:12:55.021-07:002017-08-09T01:12:55.021-07:00Looks like Stadler did not need the Caltrain EMU o...Looks like Stadler did not need the Caltrain EMU order to build a factory in Salt Lake after all: http://www.metro-report.com/news/news-by-region/americas/single-view/view/stadler-completes-first-tex-rail-dmu.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-83010208741914495392017-08-02T22:54:40.323-07:002017-08-02T22:54:40.323-07:00Honestly I'm unconcerned how this ruling would...Honestly I'm unconcerned how this ruling would/could affect CHSRA than it could the NCRA, which is in a much more perilous predicament vis-a-vis their own project. Which is a shame because the north coast deserves rail service, even if it's a decrepit corridor it's a corridor that should have adequate connections into the rest of the state's rail network.Aarondnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-49017015107324731112017-07-27T20:39:37.759-07:002017-07-27T20:39:37.759-07:00California Supreme Court reinforces environmental ...<a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/california-high-court-reinforces-environmental-review-rail-projects/" rel="nofollow"><b>California Supreme Court reinforces environmental review of rail projects</b></a><br /><br /><i>In a <a href="http://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/CSC-Rail-RULING.pdf" rel="nofollow">ruling</a> with implications for the future of high-speed rail in California, the state’s highest court ruled that while federal laws governing transportation trump state environmental laws for the most part, there are still areas where those state laws can prevail.<br /><br />The California Supreme Court <a href="http://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/CSC-Rail-RULING.pdf" rel="nofollow">ruled</a> that because the state has a controlling interest in the railroad line in question, it must adhere to its environmental laws when deciding whether to reopen a freight rail line that traverses through Northern California.</i>Reality Checkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06974156676436895262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-30766776913716224012017-07-27T18:37:52.631-07:002017-07-27T18:37:52.631-07:00http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/business...http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/business/california-supreme-court-ruling-bolsters-bullet-train-foes-article-1.3362055Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-66255817561096325892017-07-27T11:54:37.508-07:002017-07-27T11:54:37.508-07:00California Supreme Court ruling expected today cou...<a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/27/california-supreme-court-ruling-could-end-bullet-train-suits" rel="nofollow"><b>California Supreme Court ruling expected today could end CEQA-based HSR lawsuits</b></a>Reality Checkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06974156676436895262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-84184369650213070992017-07-23T18:01:19.619-07:002017-07-23T18:01:19.619-07:00Will San Jose to Fresno Bullet Train Become the Si...<a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/23/will-san-jose-to-fresno-bullet-train-become-the-silicon-valley-express/" rel="nofollow">Will San Jose to Fresno Bullet Train Become the Silicon Valley Express"</a><br /><br />It's happening.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-18087640866423364052017-07-19T15:27:30.834-07:002017-07-19T15:27:30.834-07:00What could possibly go wrong? http://www.mercuryne...What could possibly go wrong? http://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/sjm-l-googbuy-0620-90.jpgAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-53880873338418848422017-07-19T15:23:40.975-07:002017-07-19T15:23:40.975-07:00Please write to Board@caltrain.com or (even better...Please write to Board@caltrain.com or (even better) consider attending the Caltrain Board meeting on August 3rd and share your frustration with the Board members: http://www.caltrain.com/about/bod/Board_of_Directors_Meeting_Calendar.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-30375671033556487882017-07-19T09:43:27.091-07:002017-07-19T09:43:27.091-07:0089-year-old Ukiah man builds hyperloop "compe...<a href="http://www.sfgate.com/technology/article/89-year-old-Ukiah-man-builds-hyperloop-competitor-11236661.php" rel="nofollow">89-year-old Ukiah man builds hyperloop "competitor" (vacuum train) in backyard vinyard</a>Reality Checkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06974156676436895262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-6333891220335574812017-07-18T10:38:50.970-07:002017-07-18T10:38:50.970-07:00I was specifically told that the plan would be to ...I was specifically told that the plan would be to go back later and build a second set of overpasses next the ones they are building now, as opposed to just doing it right the first time. As a resident nearby it is beyond frustrating.Adamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04639926593565683599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-27543144296815496482017-07-17T13:33:48.078-07:002017-07-17T13:33:48.078-07:00HSRA has posted some new YouTube videos:
Geotechni...HSRA has posted some new YouTube videos:<br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE94LlnosLk" rel="nofollow">Geotechnical work on Pacheco Pass</a> (drilling for rock & soil samples)<br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5qZ6e8MVdE" rel="nofollow">San Jose vertical & horizontal alignment alternatives</a> (viaduct, at-grade, trench)Reality Checkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06974156676436895262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-89211649555850355952017-07-14T22:16:47.220-07:002017-07-14T22:16:47.220-07:00I'm getting a bit fed up with some of the &quo...I'm getting a bit fed up with some of the "not to preclude" engineering going on these days. At some point, whether it's about four-track bridge abutments or level boarding platforms, you have to decide on a plan and stick to it. Indecisive "not to preclude" solutions will only get you so far. There. I got it off my chest.Clemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374282217135682245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-82251917788240351432017-07-14T22:03:17.778-07:002017-07-14T22:03:17.778-07:00Perhaps they sloppily said "will accommodate&...Perhaps they sloppily said "<b>will accommodate</b>" when what they really meant was "<b>won't preclude</b>" 4 tracks?Reality Checkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06974156676436895262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-37250818444557673682017-07-14T18:11:32.288-07:002017-07-14T18:11:32.288-07:00FWIW the new 25th Ave grade sep doesn't accomm...FWIW the new 25th Ave grade sep doesn't accommodate four tracks either. They say it will, but I've seen the engineering drawings and all the bridge abutments are built for exactly two tracks.Clemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374282217135682245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-26392529596219685982017-07-14T17:23:59.578-07:002017-07-14T17:23:59.578-07:00@ Clem:
from:
http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/_Pl...@ Clem:<br /><br />from:<br /><br />http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/_Planning/Caltrain+Strategic+Plan+2004/Caltrain+Strategic+Plan.pdf<br /><br />'The Build-Out Scenario includes several major infrastructure modifications that would allow HSR and Caltrain to operate on the same line. The Build-Out Scenario includes a fully grade-separated alignment and widening of the entire route to<br />accommodate four tracks.....'<br /><br />I also recall when Caltrain built the grade sep project in Belmont/San Carlos, Caltrain was saying this would be the last such project that didn't accommodate 4 tracks.<br /><br />The Stadler EMUs provide less seated capacity than the present diesel pulled train sets. We have been over all of the this before, but such issues are ignored by the FTC, which approved the FFGA, when it was so obvious that the FFGA did not meet the requested 10% capacity increase.<br /><br />I'll take your word for it, that the "blended plan" is supposed to accommodate higher speeds for HSR train sets. That was not my understanding. AS I implied, I understood the studies for the "blended plan" only worked if all the trains operated at the same speed.<br /><br />Your comment <br /><br />"Something has to give and it sure won't be Caltrain.", certainly in no way reflects the history thus far.<br /><br />Please recall, HSR was to run on it own dedicated tracks and the whole Peninsula corridor was to be grade separated, all paid for by HSR.<br /><br />Morris Brownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-21559334706504451102017-07-14T14:47:55.935-07:002017-07-14T14:47:55.935-07:00You'd have to convince the local zoning boards...You'd have to convince the local zoning boards that being as dense as Staten Island won't convert their green leafy suburbs into Manhattan. Adirondacker12800https://www.blogger.com/profile/17108712932656586797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-20109830222550697712017-07-13T22:18:44.416-07:002017-07-13T22:18:44.416-07:00A low-speed heritage/museum railway is what we hav...A low-speed heritage/museum railway is what we have today, with not very much exaggeration. As to a Hyperloop, show me one and give me the specs on it. White papers don't count.Clemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374282217135682245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-11352835235659178502017-07-13T22:13:50.661-07:002017-07-13T22:13:50.661-07:00@Morris, if you actually read them, the studies as...@Morris, if you actually read them, the studies assume two speed limits: 110 mph, or the existing limit of 79 mph (not 89 mph).<br /><br />It has never been Caltrain's goal to quad-track the corridor, not even before HSR, unless you reach all the way back to the pre-war Southern Pacific days. See my comment re: Palo Alto University Ave above; that structure was built in 1940.<br /><br />The Stadler EMUs are actually the perfect choice for blending on two tracks, because their high performance can reduce the speed differential between commuter trains and high-speed trains, which reduces the need for passing (and the much-reviled passing tracks). A lower speed differential is key to increasing the corridor's capacity in trains per hour. Giving up a few seats per train in exchange for high performance in the short term (before adding the seats back with longer EMUs) is a cost well worth paying, if you want a successful blend that fits primarily on two tracks.<br /><br />Longer term (two generations from now) I think you're right and we'll need four tracks, just like we'll need 12 lanes of 101.Clemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374282217135682245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-86075608808999272322017-07-13T21:59:01.834-07:002017-07-13T21:59:01.834-07:00Good question. I wanted to say send letters or mak...Good question. I wanted to say send letters or make public comments, but those will be politely waved aside since scoping is already closed and the range of alternatives is "frozen". The only stimulus that might work is the credible threat of a CEQA lawsuit, on the basis that a reasonable range of alternatives was not properly studied. So everything centers on promoting the idea that the three-track option is among the most reasonable, in that it creates a compromise where everybody (Caltrain, HSR, peninsula towns) gives something and gets something.Clemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374282217135682245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-33906181673888313582017-07-13T21:51:43.117-07:002017-07-13T21:51:43.117-07:00TLDR: HSR tries to use Belmont to push Caltrain of...TLDR: HSR tries to use Belmont to push Caltrain off their own corridor.<br /><br />The way forward is to tell HSR that if they don't want passing tracks they can have two trains an hour, not four. Something has to give and it sure won't be Caltrain. Then if they want four trains an hour build what their own consultant told them was best: 3 tracks, with bonus grade separations through all of PAMPA.Clemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374282217135682245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-57835549761652714412017-07-13T21:38:13.424-07:002017-07-13T21:38:13.424-07:00High-speed rail rattles Belmont
Officials, residen...<a href="https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/high-speed-rail-rattles-belmont/article_df19c28c-6785-11e7-8198-cfb89016d8a1.html" rel="nofollow"><b>High-speed rail rattles Belmont</b></a><br />Officials, residents warn against major track changes to accommodate HSR passing track<br /><br />Belmont Councilman Warren Lieberman urged the HSRA and Caltrain to try using existing infrastructure as thoroughly as possible before considering passing tracks. He said he had questions as to whether 4 high-speed trains an hour would be needed and forecasted opposition from Belmont resident and councilmembers to the adjustment to the Belmont stretch of tracks officials floated Tuesday.<br /><br />“I would tell you that if there is any significant likelihood that a passing track is needed because you’re going from two to three to four trains an hour, you will get such resistance from this community and likely from this council,” he said.<br /><br />Mary Morrissey Parden said she represented the Belmont Chamber of Commerce and city’s business community in opposing the passing tracks option, which HSR authorities said could also entail acquiring 5-30 feet of property from businesses on Old County Road to expand the corridor’s right-of-way on either side.<br /><br />“The Belmont business community will not support it,” she said. “They did not support [blended service] during any of our initial discussions until we heard the words ‘no passing track.’”Reality Checkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06974156676436895262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-3140430835496601342017-07-13T15:36:09.024-07:002017-07-13T15:36:09.024-07:00Yeah dude, it will probably have to eventually be ...Yeah dude, it will probably have to eventually be 4 tracks all or most of the way. Good thing SP had the foresight to purchase a wide enough ROW!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-78678068119142982132017-07-13T12:45:05.173-07:002017-07-13T12:45:05.173-07:00What action can members of the public take to ensu...What action can members of the public take to ensure the 3 track option is given a fair study?Calhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11464619404589532308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-70996102819972623752017-07-13T10:17:38.993-07:002017-07-13T10:17:38.993-07:00So if you exaggerate the difference between Caltra...So if you exaggerate the difference between Caltrain and HSR, you get a low-speed heritage/museum railway and a Hyperloop?DoctorDothrakihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04733370881962832513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419444332771213285.post-85182767094276599702017-07-13T09:31:39.928-07:002017-07-13T09:31:39.928-07:00All of this points to the obvious truth that the &...All of this points to the obvious truth that the "blended plan" is a big fraud.<br />The endpoint which is the goal of both Caltrain and CHSRA is 4 tracks through the peninsula. This has been Caltrain's goal well before HSR was on the scene.<br /><br />As mentioned here, the studies assume trains will all (both Caltrain and HSR) run at 89 MPH, else the studies won't produce the desired capacity needs. (this is being made even worse by the choice of the Stadler EMUs, which have capacity / unit deficiencies compared to the capacity per car of the present diesels.)<br /><br />Running at 89 MPH kills off any chance of HSR making trip times specified in Prop 1A. This will drag on for years and years. Despite claims of better service, the end result will be we need 4 tracks. morris brownnoreply@blogger.com