steveintoronto
Superstar
Don't research the facts? Not sure what you're talking about but stay classy as always, Steve.
1. Given how many long posts you're doing and how defensive you are, it can be difficult to see what the actual topic is about.
Feel absolutely free to show reference to an RDC beside the grandfathered Budd that is available and approved by TC and in production at this time. And the Budds wouldn't even come close to being approved now-days. They're allowed to run because they were approved about fifty years ago, albeit I assume they're re-certified after the refits. There's many excellent RDCs (DMUs) produced in the world at this time, and the FRA has approved Stadler (with caveats that the Nippon-Sharyos must also meet) and the Stadler is in production in the US, and approved.The ultimate point is that RDCs have no available replacement in Canada at this time. TC guarantees that to be the case.
Why isn't it being approved here? Ditto the FLIRT and other MUs. Ontario claims to be promoting Hydrail FLIRTS to ostensibly run on federally regulated tracks.
No mention of TC permitting it though. OCTranspo got an effective 'waiver' for DMUs (two models, one BBD, the other Alstom) but the waiver isn't general, it's specific to OCTranspo and just one line.
If that's the progress we can expect from TC, we're doomed.
Here's how far ahead the US is:
Source: Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) Jun 5, 2012 (Over five years ago)
http://www.masstransitmag.com/press...ated-use-of-stadler-gtw-rail-vehicle-for-dctaFRA Approves First Integrated Use of Stadler GTW Rail Vehicle for DCTA
On Monday, June 4, 2012, Administrator Joseph Szabo of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in conjunction with the American Public Transportation Association Annual Rail Conference formally announced approval of DCTA’s request to operate the Stadler GTW concurrent with traditional, compliant equipment. This means that for the first time ever; light-weight/fuel efficient, eco-friendly low-floor vehicles will be permitted to operate in rail corridors concurrently with traditionally compliant vehicles. The waiver, a first of its kind, will expand commuter rail options for transportation authorities across the United States. [...]
http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/...e-deck-emu-and-electrification-contracts.htmlCaltrain signs double-deck EMU and electrification contracts
16 Aug 2016
[...]
Stadler is to supply 16 six-car EMUs under its $551m contract, and there is an option for a further 96 cars worth $385m. Stadler said its seventh and by far the biggest US order means its KISS family of double-deck trainsets would be used in nine different countries. The 157·1 m long units will have a maximum speed of 177 km/h, and can be extended to seven or eight cars if required. The first EMU is scheduled to be handed over for testing in August 2019 and enter service in 2020.
Stadler owner and CEO Peter Spuhler said the KISS ‘is a high-tech product, perfectly suited for Silicon Valley’. Stadler said the replacement of the ‘heavy steel construction diesel fleet’ currently used on the route with ‘state-of-the-art lightweight aluminium EMUs’ offering ‘high performance and passenger capacity’ would significantly reduce greenhouse gas and noise emissions. The EMUs would meet FRA Alternative Compliance requirements for operating in mixed traffic, with a high level of passive safety.
[...]
I could post more reference, but then be accused of it "being too long". Texas and various other states are hosting "European style designs" too.
Maybe some day it might happen in Canada? Not unless Transport Canada changes.
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