Why are Amtrak California trains on time but long-distance Amtrak trains are delayed?

[homersimpson101]

Why are Amtrak California (Capitol Corridor) trains almost always on time but long-distance Amtrak trains are mostly delayed by a few hours? They both run on Union Pacific tracks, but it seems long-distance trains suffer the most. Why?

 

[George Harris]

If we are talking Sacramento to San Jose, two things initially come to mind: First, the state supported removing the few single track sections, so the route is double track throughout. Second, the line is near dead flat, so freight trains can maintain their speed, so delays due to slow freights are minimal.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Because long distance trains travel a longer distance and therefore have a lot more opportunities to be delayed.

As George mentioned single track areas - which there a lot of for LD trains - have delays because trains have to go into sidings and many of those sidings are not long enough for the super long freight trains, so Amtrak usually gets stopped frequently on sidings to let freight trains pass.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Single track areas, toothless passenger priority, limited rerouting options, and excessive length freights (relative to available sidings) all play a role with slowing down the national network. California leverages pro-passenger regulations and funding that improves performance with their own trains.

 

[railiner]

Not to mention, due to their nature, long distance trains are more complex, and are more prone to initial terminal delays…
Things like commissary stocking, linens, a lot more crew that can result in last minute staffing issues, harder to resolve mechanical issues, lack of sufficient specialty cars, etc…