Re: No more Sonoma NASCAR train I guess?
Author: a previous commenter...
Date: 07-10-2018 - 19:54
...mentioned PTC. That's yet another problem, beyond the "no more specials" Amtrak position and the railroad that doesn't want to handle the train. No PTC on NWP except where SMART regularly runs. So there's another reason AMTK can use for refusing service - they will only run on PTC-equipped lines (even if their own equipment still isn't fully set up to use it).
If SMART could work a deal with the racetrack to install PTC (or figure out a way to do it temporarily on big race days) on the line between Novato and Napa Jct., perhaps they could promote some more money to install a big remote parking lot at the Jct (accessible from 80 via American Canyon Rd.), then run shuttles between there, Sears Point, and Novato for race traffic. Better than shuttle buses because not stuck in the race traffic, but still with a 15mph speed limit unless the track itself is upgraded.
Yes, I know you were pulling the Mouse's leg, but there might be a grain of interest in the idea. All it needs is cash, and a spare train or 2 on weekends.
(The tweaker chimes in: hey, why not sell it to BART? It would get lots of money then! Ducks for incoming Mouse...)