dowlingm
Senior Member
Electrifying the Providence Line seems like a no brainer but there are some non-trivial impediments such as wiring some currently unwired tracks, wiring storage tracks, Rhode Island’s willingness to contribute and who would do maintenance. It would help Back Bay’s chronic diesel fumes issues a bit.
Siemens are apparently loaning two Chargers to MBTA for a short period with all maintenance other than fuel to be done by Siemens (because the locomotives are destined for Illinois who are not yet ready to accept them). This gives them a foot in the door for their ACS64 or any future dual mode whose cabs are likely very similar.
As for SEPTA’s mention in the piece, there is an arguable point that not operating dual modes or diesels means some routes could be operated which currently are not because they are not electric and cannot be made so. Amtrak fees for their electric overhead (which the Providence Line would use) are reputed to be steep.
Siemens are apparently loaning two Chargers to MBTA for a short period with all maintenance other than fuel to be done by Siemens (because the locomotives are destined for Illinois who are not yet ready to accept them). This gives them a foot in the door for their ACS64 or any future dual mode whose cabs are likely very similar.
As for SEPTA’s mention in the piece, there is an arguable point that not operating dual modes or diesels means some routes could be operated which currently are not because they are not electric and cannot be made so. Amtrak fees for their electric overhead (which the Providence Line would use) are reputed to be steep.