MattW
Conductor
http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/metros/marta-issues-rfi-for-new-metro-train-fleet.html?channel=000
This is great news, I'm quite looking forward to new vehicles. What's particularly interesting is the potential for pantograph-equipped vehicles. A lot of us are wondering if A. MARTA is intending to electrify the proposed extensions at 25kV to reduce costs, and B. if they are looking at possibly allowing grade crossings on the extensions (regardless of any voltage change) by eliminating the third rail. A sounds good to me, and other than backwards compatibility, I don't see much downside to using 25kV or another high voltage AC standard. B however, I'm unsure on, would grade crossings, even without the third rail, even be allowed on heavy rail? The only overhead heavy rail systems I know of are Cleveland's Red Line and part of Boston's Blue Line, however both are overhead DC so there's no additional electrical equipment needed on the trains. I know there are third rail grade crossings, LIRR and MNRR, and grade crossings on Chicago's CTA, but the former are FRA railroads, and the latter is legacy.METROPOLITAN Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (Marta) has issued requests for information by August 30 for a fleet of new trains and for the life-extension of two-thirds of its existing fleet.