Hope's hope dashed

[rusty spike]

" With respect to platform length, Amtrak generally supports full train length platform design, but will consider options based on individual conditions. Amtrak will make the final determination on platform length after consultation with stakeholders.."

Makes one wonder how they come up with a 115 ft. long platform at MRC. Because it is a crew change point the SL/TE has to make 4 stops to accomadate the head-end crew, trans-dorm, sleeper pax, anf finally, the coach pax. Amazing :blink:

 

[Eric S]

With respect to MRC, two thoughts come to mind: (1) do "individual conditions" prevent a longer platform? and (2) does the platform there pre-date Amtrak's stated desire for full length platforms?

 

[Aaron]

With respect to MRC, two thoughts come to mind: (1) do "individual conditions" prevent a longer platform? and (2) does the platform there pre-date Amtrak's stated desire for full length platforms?

I don't know a lot about MRC, but if you look at it on an aerial view, it looks like a pretty small chunk of property wedged between the major highway through town and what looks like a UP parking area/equipment lot. There appears to be space enough to almost double the length of the platform, but only if you but right up against the highway. There's probably some sort of law or regulation or zoning or something preventing that. Plans are afoot for the station to be moved, though, so this whole discussion would become moot.

 

[johnny.menhennet]

The platform does not pre-date, because Maricopa as a station was not served until the mid-90s

 

[Trogdor]

The platform does not pre-date, because Maricopa as a station was not served until the mid-90s

But how old are the current regulations?

 

[afigg]

With respect to MRC, two thoughts come to mind: (1) do "individual conditions" prevent a longer platform? and (2) does the platform there pre-date Amtrak's stated desire for full length platforms?

I don't know a lot about MRC, but if you look at it on an aerial view, it looks like a pretty small chunk of property wedged between the major highway through town and what looks like a UP parking area/equipment lot. There appears to be space enough to almost double the length of the platform, but only if you but right up against the highway. There's probably some sort of law or regulation or zoning or something preventing that. Plans are afoot for the station to be moved, though, so this whole discussion would become moot.

The short platform at Maricopa may have forced on Amtrak as the best of a range of poor choices given the funding situation in the mid-90s.

About the plans for a new station in MRC, found this local news article from June "Cost of Amtrak rail siding estimated at $4.2M". Turns out that blocking the traffic on a busy state road in the early morning and mid-evening rather than in the middle of the night provides a strong incentive to the local authorities to get Amtrak a new station location. Which would presumably have a 550' or longer platform to allow for a single stop at the new station and better be built to the right distance from the track!

Interesting sidebar: the city council is requesting $300K from the Gila River Indian Community to help pay for the design and engineering. Digging a little deeper, turns out that by blocking the road, Amtrak is also blocking traffic to the local Indian casino, so the casino has an incentive to help relocate Amtrak.

 

[zephyr17]

With respect to MRC, two thoughts come to mind: (1) do "individual conditions" prevent a longer platform? and (2) does the platform there pre-date Amtrak's stated desire for full length platforms?

I don't know a lot about MRC, but if you look at it on an aerial view, it looks like a pretty small chunk of property wedged between the major highway through town and what looks like a UP parking area/equipment lot. There appears to be space enough to almost double the length of the platform, but only if you but right up against the highway. There's probably some sort of law or regulation or zoning or something preventing that. Plans are afoot for the station to be moved, though, so this whole discussion would become moot.

The short platform at Maricopa may have forced on Amtrak as the best of a range of poor choices given the funding situation in the mid-90s.

About the plans for a new station in MRC, found this local news article from June "Cost of Amtrak rail siding estimated at $4.2M". Turns out that blocking the traffic on a busy state road in the early morning and mid-evening rather than in the middle of the night provides a strong incentive to the local authorities to get Amtrak a new station location. Which would presumably have a 550' or longer platform to allow for a single stop at the new station and better be built to the right distance from the track!

Interesting sidebar: the city council is requesting $300K from the Gila River Indian Community to help pay for the design and engineering. Digging a little deeper, turns out that by blocking the road, Amtrak is also blocking traffic to the local Indian casino, so the casino has an incentive to help relocate Amtrak.

Just got me thinking of why Maricopa? Gila Bend may be a bit further, but there is more there.

 

[johnny.menhennet]

With respect to MRC, two thoughts come to mind: (1) do "individual conditions" prevent a longer platform? and (2) does the platform there pre-date Amtrak's stated desire for full length platforms?

I don't know a lot about MRC, but if you look at it on an aerial view, it looks like a pretty small chunk of property wedged between the major highway through town and what looks like a UP parking area/equipment lot. There appears to be space enough to almost double the length of the platform, but only if you but right up against the highway. There's probably some sort of law or regulation or zoning or something preventing that. Plans are afoot for the station to be moved, though, so this whole discussion would become moot.

The short platform at Maricopa may have forced on Amtrak as the best of a range of poor choices given the funding situation in the mid-90s.

About the plans for a new station in MRC, found this local news article from June "Cost of Amtrak rail siding estimated at $4.2M". Turns out that blocking the traffic on a busy state road in the early morning and mid-evening rather than in the middle of the night provides a strong incentive to the local authorities to get Amtrak a new station location. Which would presumably have a 550' or longer platform to allow for a single stop at the new station and better be built to the right distance from the track!

Interesting sidebar: the city council is requesting $300K from the Gila River Indian Community to help pay for the design and engineering. Digging a little deeper, turns out that by blocking the road, Amtrak is also blocking traffic to the local Indian casino, so the casino has an incentive to help relocate Amtrak.

Just got me thinking of why Maricopa? Gila Bend may be a bit further, but there is more there.

Because of all towns along the Sunset route, Maricopa is geographically closest to downtown Phoenix. If either Gila Bend or Casa Grande build Amtrak a station (or both - there is definitely enough distance between them) then Amtrak will stop there. But Amtrak was looking at the actual convenience to Phoenix, even though IMO, Casa Grande is very easy as well. But now, because the suburban sprawl reached Maricopa more so than Casa Grande, the population of Maricopa was 43,000 at the last census and Casa Grande was at 48,000. Really not a big difference and no reason to switch out of Maricopa anymore unless the station relocation places the station way outside the city limits. Hey I have a better idea! Arizona buys the Phoenix West line, joint with CA starts LAX-PHX corridor service and then allows the Sunset to run up there! Everyone good with that!

Also, compared to pops in the 40Ks, Gila Bend is at 2K for comparison. Seems like more is there because all Maricopa has are sand colored foreclosed tract homes, but it is kinda a huge difference. i do think that Gila Bend could get a similar pax load though because it could pull a lot of people from the West Valley (Avondale, Buckeye)

 

[stntylr]

Just a quick update. The city has reported that they are about halfway done with the platform extension to get it within standards.

 

[the_traveler]

So Hope still has hope? :giggle:

 

[Notelvis]

Any estimate of how much time it will take to complete the job?

Any photos out there?

 

[VentureForth]

Well, if it took 6 months to finish half the job, then I'm guessing it'll be ready in July. A full 1 year later than anticipated for an 8" ADA platform gap.

Bureaucracy has never looked so bureaucratic.

 

[fillyjonk]

Incidentally, with the new BNL station? Once or twice I've still had to get off beyond the platform and walk up to it. I think some engineers/conductors don't want to do the "two spot," especially if there's just one sleeper passenger to get off or something. Not that that's an enormous problem for me, but if I were shepherding a couple small children or were disabled, it might be.

 

[Nathanael]

Incidentally, with the new BNL station? Once or twice I've still had to get off beyond the platform and walk up to it. I think some engineers/conductors don't want to do the "two spot," especially if there's just one sleeper passenger to get off or something. Not that that's an enormous problem for me, but if I were shepherding a couple small children or were disabled, it might be.

If you mean disembarking on the ballast, I'm quite sure that's against Amtrak policy; they're not supposed to board or disembark passengers on ballast except in an emergency. (They're definitely allowed to load and unload people at paved street and sidewalk crossings, though -- long step to the ground with a platform at 0" above top of rail, but at least you're getting onto pavement.)

If they keep unloading you on the ballast, you might want to talk to someone.

 

[fairviewroad]

According to this article, the Texas Eagle will begin stopping in Hope on April 4.

http://www.hopestar.com/article/20130321/NEWS/130329920

However, as of this morning, it is still not possible to book a ticket to/from Hope on Amtrak.com

Edit to add:

Just noticed that Amtrak issued a press release dated yesterday that largely includes the same information as the linked

article. The press release indicates "Tickets now on sale" but as of now, that's not case (on the website...haven't tried

the 800-number)

 

[the_traveler]

There is a current thread about the service to Hope starting April 4. Please make all posts in that thread only.

http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/54463-the-texas-eagle-finally-has-hope/

As this thread is no longer relevant, I am closing it.