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Re: SMART, freight trains can share tracks?
Author: synonymouse
Date: 10-08-2008 - 22:38
Democracy didn't make BART go broad gauge. Someone at the top made the decision. Obviously the Sprinter salesmen got to somebody at the top at SMART.
Electric rail will never get a fair hearing if professional mainline railroad people are involved. I remember only too well the era when steam was replaced by diesel - it was more like a holy war than merely a question of superior operating efficiency. The sales campaign was incredibly successful and a knee jerk loyalty to diesel technology remains to this day.
SMART is essentially a railroad themed concept not a transit concept. It is colored by the idea that the NWP can be restored to its former glory. I believe that to be a fantasy.
We will have to see what happens with the election and with the NWP. Transit in the North Bay is not doing that well - I see the northbound commute buses leaving downtown Petaluma with just a handful of passengers. The fare increases have taken their toll on patronage. Over the years Sonoma County has been very tight with operating subsidies. SMART will find itself in a bitter competition with local buses for funds.
Electric rail will never get a fair hearing if professional mainline railroad people are involved. I remember only too well the era when steam was replaced by diesel - it was more like a holy war than merely a question of superior operating efficiency. The sales campaign was incredibly successful and a knee jerk loyalty to diesel technology remains to this day.
SMART is essentially a railroad themed concept not a transit concept. It is colored by the idea that the NWP can be restored to its former glory. I believe that to be a fantasy.
We will have to see what happens with the election and with the NWP. Transit in the North Bay is not doing that well - I see the northbound commute buses leaving downtown Petaluma with just a handful of passengers. The fare increases have taken their toll on patronage. Over the years Sonoma County has been very tight with operating subsidies. SMART will find itself in a bitter competition with local buses for funds.
