CSXfoamer1997
OBS Chief
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2015
- Messages
- 575
I'm curious about why SEPTA no longer uses diesel rolling stock. All they have are electric locomotives and EMU's.
They inherited two different power systems, the Pennsy side and the Reading side. I believe the entire Pennsy side system is managed by Amtrak and SEPTA simply buys power from them. The Reading side OTOH is most likely managed by them. I am not quite sure. Maybe PRR60 knows the layout with greater certainty since he used to work for PECO.Of course, they may have some diesel powered maintenance equipment.... Metra certainly does. But do they have a contract for the power or just with Amtrak?
You're correct about that. You sure wouldn't wanna be breathing "diseasel" while waiting for a train. :lol:Because all SEPTA regional trains run through a tunnel under downtown Philadelphia that connects what had been two different commuter rail systems. Breathing while waiting for a train would be rather difficult if SEPTA used diesels. :giggle:
Much easier to just electrify everything that you can, and have transfers.You're correct about that. You sure wouldn't wanna be breathing "diseasel" while waiting for a train. :lol:Because all SEPTA regional trains run through a tunnel under downtown Philadelphia that connects what had been two different commuter rail systems. Breathing while waiting for a train would be rather difficult if SEPTA used diesels. :giggle:
As a matter of fact, this is the main purpose for Dual Mode locos in certain areas.
When I rode Metra a few years ago, I am not even sure I noticed the uniforms because the train was so bad. Trash everywhere and the windows were so dirty it was like watching a scrambled cable channel.Not to offend any Philadephians, but when I took Septa to and from the airport I wasn't particularly impressed, it felt like the 1950's onboard (or the South Shore) with small windows, slow trains and schlubby uniforms (windbreakers!!! I guess I'm used to Metra's comparatively spiffy uniforms which most of the conductors wear pretty proudly).
Obviously one of the west suburban lines.When I rode Metra a few years ago, I am not even sure I noticed the uniforms because the train was so bad. Trash everywhere and the windows were so dirty it was like watching a scrambled cable channel.Not to offend any Philadephians, but when I took Septa to and from the airport I wasn't particularly impressed, it felt like the 1950's onboard (or the South Shore) with small windows, slow trains and schlubby uniforms (windbreakers!!! I guess I'm used to Metra's comparatively spiffy uniforms which most of the conductors wear pretty proudly).
I'd have to disagree about Metra, my line is generally very clean and 95% of the staff are friendly and professional (I have witnessed some odd, two in fact, one regarding the quiet car and I've forgotten the other, incidents lately from conductors when I've been on different trains than usual). Can't speak for the diesel lines, since I rarely ever ride them.SEPTA and NJT are both known to their riders for their cleanliness and friendly, professional staff! Not!!
Ditto for METRA!!
There might be as they just got a new director.Glad to hear that SEPTA is doing better and it looks like METRA is cleaning up its act too?!!
Is there any hope for NJT???
( after all the NYC Subways have really cleaned up their act in the past few years!)
Both times in recent years that I took Septa to the airport the cars were old. Very strange to me for an airport line there was no place for luggage and the conductor said to put my 24 inch bag in a seat.Metra Electric Rider--
When you took SEPTA to the airport, were you on one of the old ones that looks like it has 100-year-old coffee stains ingrained in the floor? They have been introducing new trains for a while now, and they are much nicer.
I like SEPTA's new trains, and I have almost always had friendly and professional conductors when on SEPTA. In fact, I love SEPTA. But that may be because my daily commute is on NJ Transit, and the grass is always greener on the other side of the river!
Yeah us Philadelphians love our disgusting public transit system.. Why do you think some people call it Septic?SEPTA and NJT are both known to their riders for their cleanliness and friendly, professional staff! Not!!
Ditto for METRA!!
Those cars, the Budd SL II's and St. Louis SL III's were the best cars that Septa had.Metra Electric Rider--
When you took SEPTA to the airport, were you on one of the old ones that looks like it has 100-year-old coffee stains ingrained in the floor? They have been introducing new trains for a while now, and they are much nicer.
I like SEPTA's new trains, and I have almost always had friendly and professional conductors when on SEPTA. In fact, I love SEPTA. But that may be because my daily commute is on NJ Transit, and the grass is always greener on the other side of the river!
I can completely understand that. From a riders standpoint it's nice to have "new stuff"Acela150--
I agree, the SEPTA employees I've talked to told me the same thing--the quality of the new cars is awful, and they don't like them.
I was looking at it from a rider's perspective (new and clean, as opposed to old and grimy). Also, remember what I get to compare it to on a daily basis--the bar doesn't have to be set high to look good next to NJT!
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