[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Wilton2ParkAve

If it’s a few pennies how are ever going to amass billions needed for transportation infrastructure? Help me reconcile this common core math.

Are you really going to drive miles out of your way to avoid a 40 cent toll? It is common sense, not common core math, that tells someone that makes little sense. Even the 80 cent tolls would hardly warrant anyone to go out of their way.

As for the billions needed, understand these roads have anywhere from 50,000 to 150,000 vehicles per day. Multiply that by 365 days per year for 30 years and it adds up quickly. Also keep in mind that there is likely going to be federal money involved. Currently the Feds contribute approximately 50% to 60%.of the project cost so while it is a $21 billion program, Connecticut’s cost could be as low as $8 billion. The state is projecting tolls bringing in $300 million per year. Over 30 years that is $9 billion. Simple math. Jay

[Wilton2ParkAve]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Are you really going to drive miles out of your way to avoid a 40 cent toll? It is common sense, not common core math, that tells someone that makes little sense. Even the 80 cent tolls would hardly warrant anyone to go out of their way.

As for the billions needed, understand these roads have anywhere from 50,000 to 150,000 vehicles per day. Multiply that by 365 days per year for 30 years and it adds up quickly. Also keep in mind that there is likely going to be federal money involved. Currently the Feds contribute approximately 50% to 60%.of the project cost so while it is a $21 billion program, Connecticut’s cost could be as low as $8 billion. The state is projecting tolls bringing in $300 million per year. Over 30 years that is $9 billion. Simple math. Jay

Jay - simple math? You mean the same type of math behind the fastrack? The annual operating cost to run CTfastrak is $25.1 million. The system generates only $3.2 million in revenue. We had a right to be apprehensive.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Wilton2ParkAve

Jay - simple math? You mean the same type of math behind the fastrack? The annual operating cost to run CTfastrak is $25.1 million. The system generates only $3.2 million in revenue. We had a right to be apprehensive.

As I have noted many times before, no mass transit pays for itself. That’s why you don’t see private industry providing it. Ridership on CTfastrak is exceeding projections so it was well known that the service would lose money. The gap between what the service brings in verses what it costs will drop as ridership increases just like it did on Shoreline East. Remember there was a time when Rowland was ready to pull the plug on it but he couldn’t because of obligations made relating to the Q Bridge project. Today it is an important part of the shoreline. Jay

[Henry10]

Originally Posted by JayCT

As I have noted many times before, no mass transit pays for itself. That’s why you don’t see private industry providing it...

Thats like saying — “I cut your knees; see? You can’t run.”

[1000fc]

Originally Posted by Wilton2ParkAve

Jay - simple math? You mean the same type of math behind the fastrack? The annual operating cost to run CTfastrak is $25.1 million. The system generates only $3.2 million in revenue. We had a right to be apprehensive.

mass transit isn't designed to make a profit, its designed to reduce wear on tear on roads and highways as well as reduce congestion.

Thats a fundamental principle of mass transit.

[OyCrumbler]

Originally Posted by jxzz

No real widening of I-95 with more lanes. Just choke points relief. No electrified SLE. Malloy old version may have something, but this is Lamont, different plan.

No electrified SLE for sure? That seems like a dreadful mistake given the cheaper maintenance and operating expenses down the road and having better acceleration essentially means opening up more capacity wherever SLE shares tracks with an electrified services (i.e. the entire SLE route). Virtually all of the necessary components for electrification is there except for the rolling stock, so what's the hold up?

[jxzz]

Originally Posted by OyCrumbler

No electrified SLE for sure? That seems like a dreadful mistake given the cheaper maintenance and operating expenses down the road and having better acceleration essentially means opening up more capacity wherever SLE shares tracks with an electrified services (i.e. the entire SLE route). Virtually all of the necessary components for electrification is there except for the rolling stock, so what's the hold up?

That is claim you said. I have never seen a gov study or release saying SLE is almost electric ready. Most likely not.

SLE runs very differently from Metro North, you get real time tracking on MNR stations through APP "right track", how much delay, cancel, which track train runs. SLE has nothing like that.

[OyCrumbler]

Originally Posted by jxzz

That is claim you said. I have never seen a gov study or release saying SLE is almost electric ready. Most likely not.

SLE runs very differently from Metro North, you get real time tracking on MNR stations through APP "right track", how much delay, cancel, which track train runs. SLE has nothing like that.

I mean that as in there is currently electrification on the tracks right now since Acela and Northeast Regional run EMUs. Stations and tracks are definitely there already. Maybe there’s the chance that there needs to be more power substations, but that’s not particularly huge of an investment (and is good for Amtrak, too). You’re not a bit puzzled by this?

[jxzz]

Originally Posted by OyCrumbler

I mean that as in there is currently electrification on the tracks right now since Acela and Northeast Regional run EMUs. Stations and tracks are definitely there already. Maybe there’s the chance that there needs to be more power substations, but that’s not particularly huge of an investment (and is good for Amtrak, too). You’re not a bit puzzled by this?

There seems to be a lot of resistance in ConnDOT on EMUs, citing incompatible fleet, etc.

Amtrak hardly works well with commuter rail. I would not assume SLE tracks are that much ready.

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by jxzz

There seems to be a lot of resistance in ConnDOT on EMUs, citing incompatible fleet, etc.

Amtrak hardly works well with commuter rail. I would not assume SLE tracks are that much ready.

The axle loading on EMUs is a small fraction of a locomotive. The wear and tear on the track is brutal and the reason why the speed limits are so low. The rest of the planet uses lightweight EMUs on dedicated track and won’t allow freight on the track. In the long run considering track maintenance, it’s cheaper to electrify everything and import European lightweight EMUs.