From the TRAINS Newswire: STB stands firm on Downeaster decision WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Surface Transportation Board has reiterated its earlier decision that Guilford Rail System must permit Amtrak’s Downeaster to travel up to 79 mph between Portland, Maine, and Boston. In its January decision, the STB said the 115-pound continuous welded rail on Guilford’s main is sufficient to support 79 mph speeds. Guilford owns the portion between Portland and Haverhill, Mass. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority owns the remainder; MBTA was not contesting the speed limit. The STB last week denied Guilford's petition for clarification of the decision, saying it agreed with Amtrak that the original decision was clear and needed no clarification. “Amtrak should not be prevented from operating at speeds of up to 79 mph as long as the line is maintained in accordance with FRA Class 4 track safety standards,” the STB said in its recent ruling. “Accordingly. . . we order Guilford to permit Amtrak to operate at FRA Class 4 speeds.” The Downeaster had been operating at 60 mph since service began in December 2001, but Amtrak argued that it should be able to run at faster speeds. Its faster schedule is anticipated to shave at least 15 minutes off the current two-hour, 45-minute run between Portland and Boston.
That's good news. The Downeaster has seen a drop an passengers the beginning of this year (After a really strong start). The extra speed could be just what it needs to attract more revenue. Russ
I agree with Russ, except for one thing. One accident and there starts the slow demise of Guilford................. By the way, it did take me 4 hours to drive from the Waterville area of Maine to the suburbs of Boston last summer. I'd much rather have taken a train. It was the pits.
Maybe it's me, but I've gotten the impression that Guilford would just as soon operate behind high walls. Somehow they don't seem to be the friendliest of railroads.
The question is: Does Guilford have the ability to maintain the track to Class 4 Standards? This is especially true in light of recent derailments on the other part of the system. Guilford just had one recently in the Berkshires near Charlemont, Mass. It makes one wonder.
