Post

I still don’t know why this doesn’t have all of the MBTA in Boston or anything west of SLC.

@realeric4real.bsky.social

The freight routes are based on the highest-volume corridors. SF-SLC doesn't have too much traffic. MBTA is discussed in the report so not sure why it is not shown on the map. www.energy.gov/sites/defaul...

energy.govenergy.gov

Eric the Red

The report does have some errors 😅 The mileage they list for the Keystone as electrified is the entire line to Pittsburgh, when it is only electrified to Harrisburg So I assume MBTA not being on the map is a similar error

We can electrify the ports to Barstow for freight and passenger rail. Let's put this plan into action! calelectricrail.org/the-b-i-g-is...

CleanAirEnthusiast

@cleanair22.bsky.social

@realeric4real.bsky.social

What stops the very climate conscious California state legislature from simply enacting it right now? (including the metrolink)? I don't get it? The air quality improvements alone justifies it? Let alone CO2 and diesel savings.

Eric the Red

Unfortunately many of them are all in on vaporware like hydrogen and not enthusiastic about overhead wire

20 Sept

Freight railroads have a lot of power and CA's recent attempt to create this outcome via regulation (the In-Use Locomotive Rule) was defeated. California can and should build the infrastructure themselves (or provide financial incentives for the freights) but that takes money and state capacity.

We can also electrify Metrolink! We've got some hard work to do in terms of governance reform and reducing capital costs, but it's worth it for the 30% faster trips and better service. calelectricrail.org/electrolink-...

Jonathan Eby

@jonathaneby.bsky.social

@catransitnerd.bsky.social

the only reason i can see to not do LOSSAN is because it's falling into the sea.

California Transit Nerd

We can start with Goleta to San Juan Capistrano along with San Onofre beach to San Diego skipping Del Ma. We should finish double tracking that whole way. We can then fill in the gaps after San Clemente and Del Mar bypass are built. In the mean time small battery packs can cover the gaps

Jonathan Eby

@jonathaneby.bsky.social

@catransitnerd.bsky.social

is there a san clemente bypass in the works? i thought it was just del mar

California Transit Nerd

In the study and early concepts phase

The line from Cleveland to Cincinnati should also be Electrified to allow Commuter service on each section like between Cleveland and Akron or Cincinnati and Dayton, and obviously around Columbus (which needs Rail Transit very badly)

The Manassas and Fredericksburg Lines in Virginia should also be Electrified since they interface with the Northeast Corridor and they are partially owned by the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and they have lots of Commuter service into DC

It would also be worthwhile to Electrify the Mainline North of Boston for the Downeaster and MBTA Commuter service, in addition the Harrisburg to Pittsburgh like should be Electrified and the Danbury Branch, Port Road Branch, and Trenton cutoff should be reelectrified, so should Cleveland Union Term

Also Electrifying from Denver to San Jose over the Moffat route and Donner Pass via Salt Lake City, Reno, Sacramento and Oakland would be very worthwhile