ACES service

[amamba]

I am planning a trip to my high school reunion in Atlantic City, NJ (traveling from BOS) and I noticed what looks to be a new service: ACES. It appears to be part of NJT but you have to buy tickets from Amtrak. Has anyone taken this service? Also, I noticed on the NJT website that due to track work, there will be some bus-titution starting March 5 and continuing through the summer in two phases. Would I be correct to assume that this would also apply to the ACES train?

Also, does anyone know if the amtrak guaranteed connection would apply between a NE regional or acela and the aces train? The amtrak system doesn't want to allow me to book from BOS to ACE but will allow NYP to ACE. Love to hear any feedback from anyone with this service. Also, I apologize if this should have gone in a different forum, but since ticketing is through amtrak it appeared to make sense to put it here.

At the end of the day, I am trying to decide if it would be better to do BOS - NYP - ACE with the ACES line or just do BOS - PHL - ACE on standard NJT scheduled service between 30th Street STation and Atlantic City.

 

[Acela150]

The ACES service started last friday, and only Friday, Saturday, and Sunday's. I would suggest going from BOS-NYP-ACE, and try coach from NYP-ACE and First Class from ACE-NYP. My guess it that it's also cheaper.

Thanks,

Stephen

 

[amamba]

Yes, I noticed that the trip is only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. But I'll be going South on Friday and North on Sunday, so that works perfectly for me. The ACES is not that much more expensive - only a few bucks - when I add in taking amtrak farther south. These are all things I found by quickly looking at the website. Thanks for your help, but you didn't actually answer any of my questions.

 

[AlanB]

Amamba,

The ACES won't be affected by the track work overall, as the track work is all M-F, and only the first north bound train from Atlantic City would be affected. All southbound trains won't hit that area until after the track work is done, or so I've been told.

Next, ACES is run by New Jersey Transit at the behest of some of the AC casinos. NJT can't handle taking reservations, much less classes of service, so they contracted with Amtrak to sell the tickets. An ACES trip cannot be booked in conjunction with any other Amtrak trip. It must be on its own seperate reservation. Therefore no guarantees apply should Amtrak deliver you late to NY. I'm pretty sure that you can get reticketed on the next train, but I'm not 100% sure. And if there are no more trains that day, then you're on your own. So try not to hit the last run of the day if you can.

Should you opt to ride Amtrak to Philly, then you can book all the way to AC. Even though NJT also runs the train from Philly to AC, that is considered an Amtrak thruway connection. Therefore not only is it guaranteed, you'll also get AGR points for the whole trip, although you'll probably have to call AGR to get the final leg to post.

As for which way you'll do better price wise, I can't really say. ACES is more expensive than the 8 bucks you'll be charged to go from Philly to AC on the thruway service. On the other hand, both Regionals and Acela taken past NYP will jump in price considerably. Work the numbers for your dates of travel to see what works best for you. Note that ACES is a nicer service, with leather seating and if you opt for the $25 extra for First Class, you'll get a meal served to you on the way. Something else to consider.

I expect to be taking my first ride on ACES this Saturday, along with LongTrainsRunning, so we'll try to get up a bit of a post about that shortly thereafter.

 

[Steve4031]

Alan,

What kind of equipment will be used on the ACES train?

 

[Long Train Runnin']

I expect to be taking my first ride on ACES this Saturday, along with LongTrainsRunning, so we'll try to get up a bit of a post about that shortly thereafter.

I can say with confidence that I will have my report posted most likely on saturday night, however its a long day the way we elected to take our trip so we'll see. My reports are easy, I write them while I'm on board and am usually to lazy to edit them so don't expect much, but it will be something!

 

[AlanB]

What kind of equipment will be used on the ACES train?

Steve,

ACES is using souped up NJT Multi-Levels. These cars were tacked onto the end of the original ML order, but have leather seats with greater pitch than the rest of the fleet. Additionally the upper level on some cars is the First class area with 2 & 1 seating, instead of 2 & 2. And of course as I mentioned before, FC will serve meals and I believe drinks. There is also a bar car that was specially built in the shell of the ML's. Each train is supposed to run with 4 cars in the consist.

The power will be provided by one ALP-46 electric engine for use on the NEC and in NYP, as well as a former Amtrak P40 that NJT purchased from Amtrak. Actually they brought 4 of the P40's and repainted them in NJT livery.

 

[Steve4031]

Those should make for a fun ride. It will be interesting to see the new equipment the next time i'm in NYC. Thanks

 

[Rafi]

I'll be curious to see how the reverse move works. You know, where they stop, how long it takes to stop going one way and start going the other; will the engineer walk the train from one engine to the other; will there be a power reboot to switch from ALP-46 to the P40 or are they able to have both overlap power; etc etc. Can't wait to see the report guys, and have fun!!

Rafi

 

[Long Train Runnin']

I'll be curious to see how the reverse move works. You know, where they stop, how long it takes to stop going one way and start going the other; will the engineer walk the train from one engine to the other; will there be a power reboot to switch from ALP-46 to the P40 or are they able to have both overlap power; etc etc. Can't wait to see the report guys, and have fun!!
Rafi

HAHAHA first I gotta say that this was post number 777 for you and its about Atlantic City :lol: .

I'm looking forward to the trip, I think the power overlaps and the engineer stays in the front p40 the whole ride based on the youtube videos Ive seen.

 

[wayman]

I'll be curious to see how the reverse move works. You know, where they stop, how long it takes to stop going one way and start going the other; will the engineer walk the train from one engine to the other; will there be a power reboot to switch from ALP-46 to the P40 or are they able to have both overlap power; etc etc. Can't wait to see the report guys, and have fun!!
Rafi

HAHAHA first I gotta say that this was post number 777 for you and its about Atlantic City :lol: .

I'm looking forward to the trip, I think the power overlaps and the engineer stays in the front p40 the whole ride based on the youtube videos Ive seen.

As I understand it, the train has to switch direction in North Philly so each engine is the "front" engine for half the trip. But my guess is that the engine providing power is always the rear engine (southbound), with the lead engine (southbound) the entire time acting as a cab car controlling the train. The reason being that in Atlantic City the diesel is always the furthest from the station because otherwise the diesel fumes will be trapped by the train shed: all NJT trains from Philadelphia are push-pull, with the diesel on the Philadelphia end of the train. If the diesel is on the north/west end of the train for the NoP-ACE leg, it's on the south/east end of the train for the NYP-NoP leg (with the electric on the other end providing NEC power). Obviously, northbound the power engine is always in the lead with no need of cab car control the entire trip.

(Edited to make a note that my entire original post was only labeling engine positions for southbound without saying so, further confusing matters.)

Rafi, are you aware of any non-trespassing spots with a view of the North Philly "partial wye"? I know where there are great spots to watch the ZOO wye (well, it's nearly a partial wye too, now) but not North Philly.

 

[jis]

The power will be provided by one ALP-46 electric engine for use on the NEC and in NYP, as well as a former Amtrak P40 that NJT purchased from Amtrak. Actually they brought 4 of the P40's and repainted them in NJT livery.

Normally power will be provided by ALP-44, not ALP-46. ALP-46 would be an overkill for a puny little train like ACES is. The ALP-46s will meanwhile be busy lugging around 9, 10 and 11 car MLV trains on the NJT weekend routes.

BTW, I am doing ACES on Saturday too, going out on 7171 by first class and returning by 7174 coach.

 

[AlanB]

I'll be curious to see how the reverse move works. You know, where they stop, how long it takes to stop going one way and start going the other; will the engineer walk the train from one engine to the other; will there be a power reboot to switch from ALP-46 to the P40 or are they able to have both overlap power; etc etc. Can't wait to see the report guys, and have fun!!
Rafi

HAHAHA first I gotta say that this was post number 777 for you and its about Atlantic City :lol: .

I'm looking forward to the trip, I think the power overlaps and the engineer stays in the front p40 the whole ride based on the youtube videos Ive seen.

The engineer can't stay in the P40 for the whole ride, unless you mean the whole ride down the NEC. The engineer must change ends to the ALP when the train stops on the siding in North Philly. FRA regulations would prevent him from operating the train from the rear once the ALP takes over as the head end of the train.

 

[AlanB]

The power will be provided by one ALP-46 electric engine for use on the NEC and in NYP, as well as a former Amtrak P40 that NJT purchased from Amtrak. Actually they brought 4 of the P40's and repainted them in NJT livery.

Normally power will be provided by ALP-44, not ALP-46. ALP-46 would be an overkill for a puny little train like ACES is. The ALP-46s will meanwhile be busy lugging around 9, 10 and 11 car MLV trains on the NJT weekend routes.

BTW, I am doing ACES on Saturday too, going out on 7171 by first class and returning by 7174 coach.

While I wouldn't debate the expert on which version of ALP runs, I do have to think that dragging a dead P40 through the North River tunnels is probably like adding two or three more MLV's to the consist.

And LTR and I will be on 7171 also, but in coach. We're taking a much more circuitous route back home though.

 

[wayman]

The power will be provided by one ALP-46 electric engine for use on the NEC and in NYP, as well as a former Amtrak P40 that NJT purchased from Amtrak. Actually they brought 4 of the P40's and repainted them in NJT livery.

Normally power will be provided by ALP-44, not ALP-46. ALP-46 would be an overkill for a puny little train like ACES is. The ALP-46s will meanwhile be busy lugging around 9, 10 and 11 car MLV trains on the NJT weekend routes.

BTW, I am doing ACES on Saturday too, going out on 7171 by first class and returning by 7174 coach.

While I wouldn't debate the expert on which version of ALP runs, I do have to think that dragging a dead P40 through the North River tunnels is probably like adding two or three more MLV's to the consist.

And LTR and I will be on 7171 also, but in coach. We're taking a much more circuitous route back home though.

NJTACL to Lindenwold, PATCO to Camden, RiverLine to Trenton, NJTNEC to NYP? Or something else? Rafi and I enjoyed this, though we started in PHL and hence traveled to Lindenwold from the other direction.

 

[Long Train Runnin']

The power will be provided by one ALP-46 electric engine for use on the NEC and in NYP, as well as a former Amtrak P40 that NJT purchased from Amtrak. Actually they brought 4 of the P40's and repainted them in NJT livery.

Normally power will be provided by ALP-44, not ALP-46. ALP-46 would be an overkill for a puny little train like ACES is. The ALP-46s will meanwhile be busy lugging around 9, 10 and 11 car MLV trains on the NJT weekend routes.

BTW, I am doing ACES on Saturday too, going out on 7171 by first class and returning by 7174 coach.

While I wouldn't debate the expert on which version of ALP runs, I do have to think that dragging a dead P40 through the North River tunnels is probably like adding two or three more MLV's to the consist.

And LTR and I will be on 7171 also, but in coach. We're taking a much more circuitous route back home though.

NJTACL to Lindenwold, PATCO to Camden, RiverLine to Trenton, NJTNEC to NYP? Or something else? Rafi and I enjoyed this, though we started in PHL and hence traveled to Lindenwold from the other direction.

Close from were doing the whole Atlantic City Line then in philly going to market east getting on PATCO to Camden then River line to trenton then NEC to new york.

 

[jis]

While I wouldn't debate the expert on which version of ALP runs, I do have to think that dragging a dead P40 through the North River tunnels is probably like adding two or three more MLV's to the consist.

Yeah probably about 2 MLVs. Those suckers are heavy! Anyhow, the normal allocation is an ALP-44.

And LTR and I will be on 7171 also, but in coach. We're taking a much more circuitous route back home though.

OK I'll see you on 7171 then.

Depending on how the day goes I might cash in my return ticket and join you on the circuitous route. I wonder what the refund terms are for ACES tickets.

 

[wayman]

The power will be provided by one ALP-46 electric engine for use on the NEC and in NYP, as well as a former Amtrak P40 that NJT purchased from Amtrak. Actually they brought 4 of the P40's and repainted them in NJT livery.

Normally power will be provided by ALP-44, not ALP-46. ALP-46 would be an overkill for a puny little train like ACES is. The ALP-46s will meanwhile be busy lugging around 9, 10 and 11 car MLV trains on the NJT weekend routes.

BTW, I am doing ACES on Saturday too, going out on 7171 by first class and returning by 7174 coach.

While I wouldn't debate the expert on which version of ALP runs, I do have to think that dragging a dead P40 through the North River tunnels is probably like adding two or three more MLV's to the consist.

And LTR and I will be on 7171 also, but in coach. We're taking a much more circuitous route back home though.

NJTACL to Lindenwold, PATCO to Camden, RiverLine to Trenton, NJTNEC to NYP? Or something else? Rafi and I enjoyed this, though we started in PHL and hence traveled to Lindenwold from the other direction.

Close from were doing the whole Atlantic City Line then in philly going to market east getting on PATCO to Camden then River line to trenton then NEC to new york.

RiverLine is fantastic. Try to get "the engineer seat" on PATCO, as I've heard the view crossing the river is quite something.

 

[Long Train Runnin']

RiverLine is fantastic. Try to get "the engineer seat" on PATCO, as I've heard the view crossing the river is quite something.

I am looking forward to the river line for sure! I've never been on either but on PACTO I know that you can see forward if you sit in the right seats, which is awesome.

 

[AlanB]

I've never been on either but on PACTO I know that you can see forward if you sit in the right seats, which is awesome.

That's just because the right seats are on the right side of the car. :lol:

 

[Rafi]

Rafi, are you aware of any non-trespassing spots with a view of the North Philly "partial wye"? I know where there are great spots to watch the ZOO wye (well, it's nearly a partial wye too, now) but not North Philly.

Hey Will!

Shoot, I should be the one asking YOU that question!

Rafi

P.S. ARGH... That took me off of the lucky 777 post!!

 

[Long Train Runnin']

I've never been on either but on PACTO I know that you can see forward if you sit in the right seats, which is awesome.

That's just because the right seats are on the right side of the car. :lol:

:lol: :lol: lucky guess on my part then lol.

 

[wayman]

Rafi, are you aware of any non-trespassing spots with a view of the North Philly "partial wye"? I know where there are great spots to watch the ZOO wye (well, it's nearly a partial wye too, now) but not North Philly.

Hey Will!

Shoot, I should be the one asking YOU that question!

Rafi

P.S. ARGH... That took me off of the lucky 777 post!!

But your user number 614 is still awesome

I'll play with Google Maps, see if I can turn up any promising potential viewing spots, and then investigate in person to see if there are in fact good (or any) views open to the public. Sounds fun

 

[AlanB]

I've never been on either but on PACTO I know that you can see forward if you sit in the right seats, which is awesome.

That's just because the right seats are on the right side of the car. :lol:

:lol: :lol: lucky guess on my part then lol.

Yes it was.

But just think about the oddity of that statement for a moment and what it means for the placement of the motorman/engineer. ........ ....... ........ .......

........... ................ ...............

This is the only line in the US that I know of where the engineer sits on the fireman's side of the train to operate it.

 

[Long Train Runnin']

I've never been on either but on PACTO I know that you can see forward if you sit in the right seats, which is awesome.

That's just because the right seats are on the right side of the car. :lol:

:lol: :lol: lucky guess on my part then lol.

Yes it was.

But just think about the oddity of that statement for a moment and what it means for the placement of the motorman/engineer. ........ ....... ........ .......

........... ................ ...............

This is the only line in the US that I know of where the engineer sits on the fireman's side of the train to operate it.

True, but isnt this so there can only be one operator and he can see the platform and know when to close the doors and get the train rolling? At least thats what I read about it.