Quote:
Originally Posted by drumz0rz
Are they going to bore 2 new tubes to Penn? Otherwise there will have to be cuts to LIRR service in order to accommodate these trains. It's currently a mad house at those east river tubes and they're definition running at or just around capacity during the morning / evening rush. The ESA plan for the LIRR dug new tubes and built a new terminal not disrupting the MNCR at all. It was never pitched to LIRR commuters or project supporters that it would result in a reduction of service to Penn. I feel like people with influence at the MNCR or looking for votes out of the Hudson Valley are pushing this plan without regard to those adversely affected.
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No they will NOT bore 2 new tubes to Penn from Long Island in the next 20 years. Two new tubes from New Jersey to Penn, the Amtrak Gateway tunnels, maybe.
AFAIK, Penn and/or the century+ old East River tubes river tubes are at or near capacity.
By definition, if nothing changes at Penn or the tubes, LIRR service to Penn would have to be cut to allow slots for the new MNR service. There is ongoing work for an Amtrak Harold Interlocking bypass in the Sunnyside Yards (Queens) area but I have no idea if this would allow more trains through the East River tubes
BUT, many LIRR riders to Penn will switch to become LIRR riders to GCT, so it will significantly reduce the human congestion at Penn during rush hours.
The resulting ability to REDUCE LIRR train frequency to Penn and allow MN access will have to be fought out politically.
I am for greater connectivity in the NYC region so I am for this project. Note that I live near the easternmost electric LIRR station. Having an east Bronx to Penn rail connection would also be useful for workers commuting to jobs in the upcoming Hudson Yards area developments.
I am also for the 3rd LIRR track through Nassau County (needed to handle both Penn & ESA/GCT), which is also being opposed by local LI politicians.
NIMBYism is very dangerous in the NYC area.