[Bordercollie]

Looks like you are reading from

https://www.tsb.gc.ca/sites/default/files/recommandations-recommendations/rail/eng/rec-r0101.pdf

The intent of the speed restriction is as you suggest - crew has more time to potentially spot the misaligned switch, more reaction time to initiate a brake application, and hopefully reduction of momentum.

Not really a guarantee that the train will stop safely, but lowers the potential for harm as even in worst case the force of impact or derailment is probably somewhat less than if there were no speed restriction.

- Paul

So routes such as the ocean should really be upgraded to CTC for safety reasons...

 

[crs1026]

So routes such as the ocean should really be upgraded to CTC for safety reasons...

I can't argue with that conclusion.....the cost is the killer. Both the cost to i stall and the cost to maintain. It could sink the Ocean.

For a route like the Ocean, where there are so few trains out there, technologies less than full CTC might be used.... but still expensive.

- Paul

 

[Bordercollie]

I can't argue with that conclusion.....the cost is the killer. Both the cost to i stall and the cost to maintain. It could sink the Ocean.

For a route like the Ocean, where there are so few trains out there, technologies less than full CTC might be used.... but still expensive.

- Paul

Once the fleet renewal is complete, will we see a restoration of frequencies? Given that the new equipment should require less maintenance?

 

[Urban Sky]

Once the fleet renewal is complete, will we see a restoration of frequencies? Given that the new equipment should require less maintenance?

Everything beyond 3 trains per week (or one train every 2 days) will require an additional trainset and of course additional operating funding compared to the current three departures per week…

 

[Bordercollie]

Everything beyond 3 trains per week (or one train every 2 days) will require an additional trainset and of course additional operating funding compared to the current three departures per week…

So that's a no.

 

[Urban Sky]

So that's a no.

It‘s not necessarily a „no“, but it‘s a political decision and will reflect the kind of political vision for the future of passenger rail outside the Q-W Corridor…

 

[ShonTron]

I can't argue with that conclusion.....the cost is the killer. Both the cost to i stall and the cost to maintain. It could sink the Ocean.

For a route like the Ocean, where there are so few trains out there, technologies less than full CTC might be used.... but still expensive.

- Paul

Or shifted to the CN mainline through New Brunswick northwest of Moncton, which is fully CTC. It’d be a faster trip but a less scenic one.

 

[Bordercollie]

Or shifted to the CN mainline through New Brunswick northwest of Moncton, which is fully CTC. It’d be a faster trip but a less scenic one.

But you would need to build new stations. It would be better if they bought the line and converted it to CTC like they did with the Chatham sub

 

[lenaitch]

But you would need to build new stations. It would be better if they bought the line and converted it to CTC like they did with the Chatham sub

The only community of any size on that subdivision is Edmundston. Using that route would also strand any renewed Gaspe service.

 

[crs1026]

I'm not sure that Moncton- Matapedia is all that scenic, other than the Matapedia valley which happens before breakfast and in dark for part of the year.

The bigger problem is the scarcity of sidings on the Napadogan route and the potential for CN to give priority to freight.

The Ocean operates on a shoestring, and its survival depends on politics. Those towns along the Matapedia route do provide some business. It's a bit of Northlander 2.0 Perhaps some investment in a Matapedia-Moncton-Halifax day train is possible, although past studies haven't supported this idea. The Trans Canada Highway thru that stretch has had some nasty tragedies and a non highway travel option might be more popular than is imagined. And, the route is increasingly economically challenged. Possibly Sudbury-SSM is a valid comparator. Rail service is a nice fantasy but the cost envelope may not be realistic.

The number of track switches thru New Brunswick is small, and speeds aren't that much higher than the restriction. The potential for harm is not the same as in the corridor. So while the risk is there, perhaps moving off this route and/or signalling it is overthinking. It remains to be seen whether maintaining the Ocean beyond end of life for the current equipment is really a priority..... we have submarines and fighter jets to pay for, and the national budget can't afford everything. I'm not optimistic.

- Paul