News

Now the Newark Transit Hub in Newark, DE is open.  This hub is located between Delaware Ave and Main Street.  Six routes serve this hub: routes 6, 33, 34, 39, 55, 65.  For more details about the changes to the routes that serve this hub, please view this PDF brochure: http://www.dartfirststate.com/press_releases/newark_transit_hubs_routes.pdf.  Please note that you need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the document.

Amtrak is trying to enhance the Northeast Corridor (NEC) service to increase ridership and revenue.  Starting in June, 2008, the line is now advertised as the Northeast Regional (as opposed to Acela Regional) with new logos.  Additionally, riders can expect these changes in the service:

*Cafe cars with tables that are located in the center of the train, rather than the ends
*Tighter on time performance tolerances
*restructured Business Class amenities
*New menu offerings
*en route cleaning

and much more!

In the future, more Amfleet coaches will be overhauled and new cars will be ordered to expand the fleet.

Source: Amtrak This Week Newsletter

As what Rider65 has reported on the forums . The Alleghany training of New Flyers has commenced. As a result, a trip on the Alleghany portion of the 65 has received #5489. This Comly New Flyer was sent due to the fact that during this fall the 14 is slated to get articulate buses.  Given to the rumors floating around, mainly the 5471-5500 batch of flyers assigned to Comly will be moved to Alleghany and mainly being used on the 27 as well as some trips on the 65.  Subsequently, on the Comly front, they will receive any artics to be used on the route 14.  Whether or not this is true remains to be seen so please keep an eye out!! 

We will keep you updated as to which buses have been reassigned!

Today, SEPTA have released a press release within regards to the eight (8) Comets which they will lease from New Jersey Transit (NJT).  This lease is currently set to $10,000 monthly.  Once these eight units are in service, they will turn push-puller consists from a six car consist into seven car consists.  As a result, this will address the additional ridership issues.  As previously noted, there is 12% increase in ridership last year due to the outrageous gasoline prices. Hopefully this will help ease the demand.

The lease of these eight cars is a necessary step.  Once the year (2010) is completed, the newly acquired Silverliners will replace these units.  By this time, the SEPTA train fleet which currently consists of 348 will increase to 400 cars meeting the ridership demands.

Any comments? please post about them here: 

http://philadelphiatransitforums.cjb.net/topic/7011047/1/?x=0#post8001402

Around 1:15PM today, #9036 broadsided a red SUV. As result, one person was hospitalized. The damage to the trolley appears to be minor.

If you don't already know, the R3 used to operate all the way to West Chester back in the day.  This electrified service, along with other diesel services, was a part of the Regional Rail line cuts in the 1980's.  Now, residents want it to return.  You can view and sign the petition by visiting the following website: http://www.petitiononline.com/railtowc/petition.html

The 40 foot Neoplan era has come to an end.  Now that school is out, the Neos are out of service as well.  Yesterday, I found only either Neoplan buses left on Frankford's property.  These Neos are: 3433, 3416, 3431, 3427, 3482, 3419, 3396, and 3428.  These buses were parked along the side of the wall.

RIP Neoplan friends…you surely will be missed.

Alex C on railroad.net was able to obtain pictures of the Silverliner V prototype at the Rotem plant in Korea.  It looks very similar to the artist rendering.  Click the link for the pictures: http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=72&t=52408

On Monday, June 16, Millbourne station will finally reopen to the public.  This station was closed since April of 2007.  The new station will be ADA accessible with elevators and a modern platform canopy, which the old station didn’t have one.  This, of course, is in addition to the new concrete platforms.  You may want to check it out; from what I saw during construction, this station will look a little different than the other Market Street Elevated Station.

Upgrading a long-closed station requires not only replacing worn-out elements but also reimagining the space to meet current accessibility standards and safety codes. From installing elevators to ensuring that platforms are durable and safe, each decision contributes to a smoother experience for daily commuters and visitors alike. Attention to detail in the concrete platforms and platform canopy ensures that the station is both functional and visually appealing, creating a welcoming environment for everyone who passes through.

When dealing with projects that involve high-traffic areas and long-standing structures, specialized expertise is crucial. The precision required for laying new concrete, reinforcing structures, and integrating modern amenities demands experienced teams who understand both the technical and aesthetic requirements of public construction. Collaborating with professionals such as http://atlantaconcretecontractors.com allows planners and engineers to execute these upgrades efficiently, providing strong, durable, and safe surfaces that will serve the community for decades while complementing the overall design of the station.

On the flip side, 63rd Street, the last of the old Market Street stations, closed on Friday, June 13, for reconstruction.  This station will be closed as the last part of the Market Street Elevated structure is replaced….finally!

The NABI demo, 5201, is now in Southern New Jersey.  However, it's located at Washington Twp garage, rather than Newton Ave.  You can find it running on routes 400, 403 and 406 during rush hours. 

[photographer: Mark De Loatch]