They call it a fact sheet. Actually, there are very few (if any) facts
on this sheet.

Let's start with costs. Don't we already know that this number will at
least double if not triple? Also, being "construction", it does not
include the rolling stock. How much will that rolling stock cost? What
will they do with the "old" Diesel rolling stock, including the recently
purchased Bombadier red and gray hardware? What is the market value of
second hand Diesel locomotives these days?

And, by the way, they don't talk about all the trees along the rail
corridor that will come down to make room for the electric towers and
catenary cables.

How about the start and end date? When did any of these types of
projects ever start on time and when did they ever finish on the
projected date?

Let's move on. How about "environmentally friendly?" Diesel is dirty
(although it is becoming much cleaner) but electricity is both clean and
cheap, right? Wrong. The daily papers are full of information about
electric power plants that burn coal, and that over 150 new ones in the
Western states are in the pipe-line for construction. The fact is that
electricity is dirty and it's expensive.

Air pollution from Diesel? Getting better. Air pollution from
electricity? They don't want to talk about it. But, it's really bad news
and responsible for 50% of all the CO2 global warming in the US.
Caltrain wants to be a bait-and-switch energy consumer!

Then, they say it will reduce travel time. While it is true that
electric trains can accelerate and decelerate somewhat faster than
Diesel, actual travel time reductions are the result of skipping
stations, such as Atherton and Menlo Park. Conversion to electric itself
will produce negligible time differences.

Yes, faster times produce more riders, especially the ones that travel
the farthest. But, this comes at the cost of reducing or eliminating
services at stations that in the past have generated fewer riders. And,
that issue is a part of the problem we have already discussed
extensively. Caltrain is not in business for itself, contrary to what
they may believe. It either is or it isn't a part of an urban mass
transit system. So far, it isn't.

They want to go 90 mph? They can't without grade separations all ALL
intersections. That won't happen.
Diesel, electric or nuclear rockets, they are locked in at 79 mph tops
by the FRA. Period.

Don't you get tired of being treated like a simpleton? I do.

Martin
=========================
Rail Electrification Projects

Caltrain Rail Corridor Electrification: San Francisco - San Jose
Factsheet
Lead Agency:
Caltrain
Contractor:
To be determined by competitive bid
Project Limits:
52 mile rail corridor from San Francisco to San Jose
Construction Cost:
$471 Million
Begin Construction:
2009
End Construction:
2012
Reason for Project:
This project will result in a faster, more efficient and more
environmentally friendly rail system, than current diesel powered
trains. Electric trains can accelerate and decelerate faster than diesel
trains. The electric system could provide a savings of 13% in travel
time between San Francisco and San Jose, which would further stimulate
ridership. Greater ridership would, in turn, reduce congestion on Bay
Area freeways, and reduce the demand for parking space in local cities.

Another benefit is that electric powered trains are significantly
quieter, which will benefit neighbors residing along the corridor.
Additionally, the switch to electric locomotives will reduce air
pollutant emissions from trains by up to 90%, and decrease power
consumption. With current fuel prices, Caltrain has estimated an annual
energy cost savings of $3 million, by operating an electrical service.
Scope of Work:
This project requires the installation of two power substations and
eight auto-transformer stations, with capacity for 172 trains at peak
five-minute headways. Work will occur along the length of the rail
corridor to string wires for the overhead contact system, which will
provide power to trains at up to 90 mph, with the capability to adjust
for 125 mph high speed rail.

During the same timeframe, electric locomotives or electric multiple
unit trainsets will be purchased and brought into revenue service, as
part of this project.

-- 
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Martin Engel
1621 Stone Pine Lane
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650:323-1670
martinengel@earthlink.net
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