tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12900368.post5091055714140121227..comments2024-03-22T08:07:27.428-04:00Comments on "Talking Transportation": The MTA's Really Big DigJIM CAMERONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619138540116037421noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12900368.post-75377969677434131472010-01-14T14:37:02.735-05:002010-01-14T14:37:02.735-05:001 - East Side Access is digging a new waiting area...1 - East Side Access is digging a new waiting area, new tracks, new platforms, and even new entrances, so GCT won't be more crowded than it was before. This is extremely expensive, but benefits Metro-North riders.<br />2 - CDOT funds are ring-fenced last I checked, so Connecticut taxpayers are not really paying for ESA at all.<br />3 - Metro-North wants to 'get theirs', so Penn Station Access is a very high priority, and I believe LIRR has promised to give up Penn Station slots as part of the deal. NJT can't take those slots because they're limited by the tunnel capacity under the Hudson. Amtrak doesn't want to run trains from Boston which reverse in NYC, as it has higher demand south of NYC, so it also is limited by the tunnel capacity under the Hudson. This means Metro-North is almost certain to get those slots.<br /><br />That's not to say ESA is a good idea -- it may cost more than it's worth -- but just to say that some of your arguments against it are no good.neroden@gmailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07475686367097445497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12900368.post-7643509965360159772009-11-16T14:30:03.360-05:002009-11-16T14:30:03.360-05:00Jim -
Let's put the shoe on the other foot and...Jim -<br />Let's put the shoe on the other foot and ask how difficult is it for Metro North riders to get to the Penn Station/Madison Square Garden area since they have to take the same two subways (in the opposite direction) that LIRR passengers would have to?<br /><br />East Side Access would ease subway congestion since LIRR customers who now use subways to reach East Side locations could walk from GCT. It would also provide capacity for direct service via Hell Gate bridge to Penn Station for Metro North New Haven line trains, so it would make accessing the West Side easier for folks from places like Darien. Finally, it would serve people commuting between Long Island and Westchester or Connecticut who want an alternative to driving.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com