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| Re: Future expansion wish list? (877901) | |||
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Re: Future expansion wish list? |
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Posted by AEM-7AC #901 on Fri Dec 25 21:16:29 2009, in response to Re: Future expansion wish list?, posted by trainsarefun on Fri Dec 25 21:00:40 2009. I view that as politically infeasible, for the reasons given in my prior post.It depends on determining who can attract the pandering of local politicians, Staten Island residents with high voter turnout, or the sometimes despised transit workers. Ultimately, it's sad that regional transport is hampered by unions and their territoriality... While you do note the complications of the DBOM, the contract for its operation will end at some point (15 year contract, IIRC), and it remains to be seen if New Jersey Transit will self-operate upon the end of such contracts, or if O&M will be handed off again to a contractor. Regardless, there's always to potential for the slightly inefficient, but operationally feasible method of having NYCTA crews operate the MTA paid for branch, and NJT operations for the service north of whatever transition point is selected. Of course, given TWU, there's probably some other means of bribing them in exchange for the ability of NJT's crews to operate. The only real way to change the situation is to spike the fares to kill the service. Express bus riders seem to be in a demographic that's politically "noisy", and I don't see politicians interfering with the buses to sustain the votes of that demographic. Admittedly, there's a part of me that wonders about the effects on local real estate if the express network is killed off. Given your emphasis on efficiency, I don't see you planning a multi-billion dollar line to pander to such groups... |
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