Rumor of Elkhart-Grand Rapids Watco deal again? Jan 09

[J T]

Their plan would be a Morning run to GR and Evening run to CHI. We'll see if the state decides to come up with the funds for that train or not.

That would be GREAT.

[sd70accsxt700]

I think MQT should get it.

[GRTraction]

P370/371 went back to push/pull March 1 2008, tipical passenger counts are 75 @ GRR, 75 @ HOM, and then maybe 2 @ BAM, 25 @ SJM and 1-4 @ NBM

Uh...as someone who frequently takes the PM from Chicago to GR and back, it sure seems those counts are low for GR, Holland, and SJM

I just wish they'd add a second train between chicago and GR, hopefully with the influx of money, they can refurbish some cars and start that, I'd prefer a kzoo-GR run, but that track would need some serious upgrades before they even consider it.

MDOT has got burned in the past by getting refurbs. There's been a lot of demand for refurbished equipment and right now Pere Marquette is on a waiting list. Funding isn't the problem, but car supply is.

[AARR]

I think MQT should get it.

Matt, you were the one who broke the rumor about MQT and the 4 miles of track in Gaylord. Do you know something we don't about MQT and Kalamazoo Sub

[amtrak1007]

[quote="GRTraction]
MDOT has got burned in the past by getting refurbs. There's been a lot of demand for refurbished equipment and right now Pere Marquette is on a waiting list. Funding isn't the problem, but car supply is.[/quote]

Yeah when 17% of the fleet is sitting in BEE (Beech Grove) awaiting work, that does kinda keep a cap on what the size of the National Fleet can be. California is renting some Superliner Coaches from the national fleet for their own trains. If the state of Michigan really wanted the cars, they'd pay top dollar for it.

[AARR]

One of my customers cousin works for NS in Michigan. They've heard there's another shortline looking at the lines...

[mikerm19]

One of my customers cousin works for NS in Michigan. They've heard there's another shortline looking at the lines...

GRE? That would be interesting, crappy for C&M though.

I still would love to see Marquette down here. They would be FORCED... that's right, they would have no choice but to hire me! hehe

[AARR]

I mentioned some local railroad names and she thought she recognized the one her cousin said but wasn't sure.

[GRTraction]

Does MQT own out right or lease? Where does MQT end in GR? The Interlock at Ann ST.?

[AARR]

Does MQT own out right or lease? Where does MQT end in GR? The Interlock at Ann ST.?

I think it's a mile or two further north so CSX can switch the factory and scrap metal place just north of Ann St.

[SD80MAC]

Does MQT own out right or lease? Where does MQT end in GR? The Interlock at Ann ST.?

I think it's a mile or two further north so CSX can switch the factory and scrap metal place just north of Ann St.

Rougly a half a mile north of Ann St. at Turner St.

[GRTraction]

Does MQT own out right or lease? Where does MQT end in GR? The Interlock at Ann ST.?

I think it's a mile or two further north so CSX can switch the factory and scrap metal place just north of Ann St.

Rougly a half a mile north of Ann St. at Turner St.

Is that leased then north of that point to MQT?

[SD80MAC]

I think it's a mile or two further north so CSX can switch the factory and scrap metal place just north of Ann St.

Rougly a half a mile north of Ann St. at Turner St.

Is that leased then north of that point to MQT?

Yes. Just to the north of the Turner St. crossing is a large sign that says "Now Entering Marquette Rail Property".

[rob]

I was using rounded figures from my aging memory. Peak figures can range as high as 150-200 at GRR and HOM and 75-100 and SJM. In the "good ol' days", before the train was reserved, SRO on many Sunday Nights was the norm, especially when that ski group comes back from Colorado after Spring break. Anyone else ever been on that train? Wowsers lotta people then!

As for planning for a second GR - CHI train, it is in the works, at this point only by the Michigan Passenger Alliance (i think that is their name). Their plan would be a Morning run to GR and Evening run to CHI. We'll see if the state decides to come up with the funds for that train or not.

those numbers are high. with 3 cars then can only sell just over 200 seats. the reason i how this is because when we deadhead to chicago ,we would ask the conductor if there where any seat left. if there was not any seat we would get to cab to chicago the way we wanted to go anyway

Rob

[amtrakjackson]

Here are the totals from the manifest for today's 371:

GRR- 88 on
HOM- 87 on 2 off, total onb 173
BAM- 5 on 0 off, total onb 178
SJM- 13 on 1 off, total onb 190
NBM- 5 on 2 off, total onb 193
total pax handled= 198
Coaches 54551 (68 seats), 54000 (68 seats), 54516 (74 seats) for a total of 210 seats; 90215 on front with 89 on the rear.

370 so far:

CHI- 133 on
NBM- 0 on 2 off, 131 onb
SJM- 1 on 13 off, 119 onb
BAM- 0 on 2 off, 117 onb
HOM- 0 on 50 off, 67 onb
GRR- 67 off
total pax handled= 134
Consist shows as the same. Numbers may increase by 7-10% or so before departure.

[Raildudes dad]

IIRC Amtrak has added cars when they know demand is higher, Thanksgiving to Christmas weekends, Ski train etc.