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Re: SMART real target of Novato lawsuit?
Author: Synonymouse
Date: 07-31-2008 - 10:12
I am curious as to the relative weight of the Sprinter versus a Budd RDC? I do know that a locomotive hauled train will clear out an intersection and protect the rail passengers in the process. And I sure do hope they are planning to erect an adequate fence between their bike path and the track.
I actually did vote for SMART the last time around but the more I learn about it now the more underwhelmed I am. It looks like the local political machine has created another expensive elite toy like the ferry boats.
SMART can't make up its mind whether it is light rail or heavy rail. The grade separation engineering parameters are very different for the two. In particular real light rail can negotiate much steeper gradients than heavy rail. Take a look at the hill on Muni's 3rd Street line. SMART could end up with with a situation where their fabled passenger train to Eureka couldn't even travel to Larkspur.
If I understood my friend correctly who went to a SMART public meeting a few days ago SMART is claiming it is light rail.
I actually did vote for SMART the last time around but the more I learn about it now the more underwhelmed I am. It looks like the local political machine has created another expensive elite toy like the ferry boats.
SMART can't make up its mind whether it is light rail or heavy rail. The grade separation engineering parameters are very different for the two. In particular real light rail can negotiate much steeper gradients than heavy rail. Take a look at the hill on Muni's 3rd Street line. SMART could end up with with a situation where their fabled passenger train to Eureka couldn't even travel to Larkspur.
If I understood my friend correctly who went to a SMART public meeting a few days ago SMART is claiming it is light rail.
