This is topic New York report blames Amtrak for safety gaps in Big Apple tunnels in forum Amtrak at RAILforum.


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Posted by Trainsandmore (Member # 896) on :
 
Trainsmag.com just reported that Amtrak ha neglected making safety improvements to the tunnels that serve Pennsylvania Station in New York, a state Transportation Department report concluded.


The report accuses Amtrak of pursuing revenue-producing projects such as Acela Express instead of correcting safety problems that were first identified in 1978, the New York Times reported.

"While we accept the sincerity of Amtrak's Northeast corridor administration's commitment to improve safety, it is clear that Amtrak has invested a great deal more effort in glamorous projects," the report says. "It is clear that Amtrak has sacrificed accelerated tunnel infrastructure improvements for these service expansion and economic development projects."


Amtrak says a lack of money, not concern over safety, is to blame for the lack of safety improvements to the 90-year-old tubes beneath the Hudson and East rivers. Amtrak spokesman Rick Remmington told the Times that Acela did not compete for funding with tunnel improvements. "It wasn't a case of either-or," Remington said. "We were progressing on both at the same time."


The report urged Congress to appropriate money to add escape routes, ventilation, and firefighting equipment to the tunnels, which carry trains operated by Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and the Long Island Rail Road.


Well Guys what is your reaction to this.
 


Posted by MPALMER (Member # 125) on :
 
I think the three agencies should share the cost in some proportion, since they all benefit. I'll bet the transit agencies handle a much greater number of passenger than Amtrak!

Incidentally, I rode through there last Saturday. The track speed under the East River is much faster than that under the Hudson. Did not matter if you were approaching or departing Penn Station.
 




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