Westside Express Rail Service opens in Portland

[Metro Jacksonville]

Westside Express Rail Service opens in Portland



While many of the First Coast's residents continue to suffer from the worst commute times in the state, Portland continues to expand its mass transit options with the opening of the suburban Westside Express Service commuter rail line.


Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-sep-westside-express-rail-service-opens-in-portland

[CS Foltz]

I see plenty of examples of what could be and look at what we have.......I am so dissapointed there are not words!

[JeffreyS]

9B 40.5 mil per mile but we can't afford rail it won't make a profit.

[ralpho37]

Tell me, since when is the goal of public transportation to turn a profit?

[thelakelander]

Good question.  I'm still waiting to see when the Buckman Bridge pays for itself.

[Ocklawaha]

Running the Gauntlet? A simple cure for wide freight train cargo.

P&W, which continues to run freight trains on the line, operates the commuter trains, and TriMet maintains them.

Exactly what I (we) suggested for the "S" line from Jacksonville Terminal to the Port, via Springfield. The freight access or lease back would provide a revenue stream to assist with costs.

A distinctive feature of the line is the gauntlet track sections installed at the Hall-Nimbus, Tigard and Tualatin stations. The feature allows P&W freight trains to swing clear of the high-level platforms at the stops, so that wider cars do not strike them.

Another feature that I (we) suggested when Lakelander posted his concept drawing of the Shand's Station. Someone mentioned if we used FTA funding (and I certainly hope NOT) they would require all high level platforms. So the gauntlet track arrangement instantly came to mind. The old Katy and Santa Fe, used one to cross the Cimarron River.

most notably the failure of Colorado Railcar (CR). TriMet lost $3 million from the delays and from its financial support of CR, which included paying CR's suppliers and providing "rail engineering expertise and on-site technical assistance." They provided bailout funds to CR, paying rent, phone, and power bills, and ultimately taking control of the failing company long enough to take delivery of its vehicles.

After some time in Miami, as well as onboard an 80 MPH version (in the cab) I reported to MJ that it was JUNK, and bet the company would fall apart. This is one of those times when I wish I had been very wrong. We're 3 for 3 boys!

Damn, you can't know how much several of us want JTA/FDOT/TPO etc. to create a citizens rail advisory commission.

OCKLAWAHA

[thelakelander]

Yes, 3 for 3.  Nice pic of the gaunlet track.

[Ocklawaha]

The gauntlet track can also be built from the outside in, rather then the inside out. In other words a place where two lines come together to cross a bridge, but neither actually connects with the other.
Something like that might be useful in the future as a quick solution to the Trout River Bridge, for example.

OCKLAWAHA

[DavidWilliams]

Good question.  I'm still waiting to see when the Buckman Bridge pays for itself.

It will need to be rebuilt before it pays for itself. I will refrain from mentioning a certain group of local politicos and contractors who have a serious interest in the rebuilding.