I have often wondered why the single train just doesn't go through NYP then head up the NEC to Boston? It could benefit from electric motive power and faster speeds...also bigger cities to stop at on the way. Rather than split in Albany?
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Think about it Mike. This would not be a benefit for anyone traveling from the west with a destination in Massachusetts. A straight line is the shortest distance between two points. This route goes back to the days of the New York Central and Amtrak kept it because of continued ridership.
Pete
So NYC split the route too? I still wonder if the route time would be the same. NYC didn't have the NH route at its disposal. If the current arrangement serves them well with good ridership I am all for it. I was just thinking this out.
The time it takes to get from Albany to Boston is nearly the same as the time from Albany to NYC. Then you would have add the time from NYC to Boston which is even longer.
Most of the passengers on this train don't travel from Chicago to either NYC or Boston. Its not an express like the old 20th Century. Most simply use it to travel between towns along its route like Buffalo to Syracuse.
Pete
New York Central once had the fast, delux "New England States" which was a direct Boston-Chicago train via Albany.
Speaking of the Hudson route...I think it would be fun to ride a Metro North out of GCT and get out at the Hudson River walkway...spend some time..then return. Should see tons of CSX from a cool vantage point and take a fun ride as well...for not much $$$.
Mike -
Yes, it is fun. Did that a couple times in the first year or two after the walkway opened. There's also a pedestrian walkway on the highway bridge to the south of the walkway, so you can make a loop. Would like to go again with the bicycle, when I'm in better riding shape. Fencing blocks the picture-taking view when you're above or a bit to the side of the tracks, but the view is clear from above the river. Really nice in the fall when leaves are colorful.
Adding a few pix to give you an idea. Mediocre, at best.
David
Thanks. The views do look great!
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