51 replies to this topic

[kermit]

Patriot rail will begin freight service on the line (between Ranlo and Gastonia) in the 'first quarter' of 2011. NCDOT will refurbish the remainder of the line in the spring.

Patrioit has a 20 year agreement to run freight on the line (and maintain it).

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"we look forward working with local interests, including the Gaston  County Economic Development Commission and NCDOT, to attract new  customers to the P&N."

I know speed / track quality is a major issue but I do wonder at what point passenger service would generate enough revenue to make it attractive for an operating shortline with little freight traffic. Wouldn't a little additional operating revenue be better than none at all?

[mallguy]

Always glad to see another railroad coming.

For passenger service: I'm guessing that the terms of the deal require the track to be maintained, at relatively low cost, only up to the standard required for low-speed freight trains.  Maintaining track at a standard required for any passenger trains that go fast enough to be competitive with other passenger modes of transportation probably requires much more expensive track maintenance.  

Some short lines welcome passenger train service operated by Amtrak or another carrier, but the only short lines I know of that operate their own passenger trains run only excursion trains.

[Spartan]

I've heard that the Charlotte Trolley is going to study the possibility of relocating to the P&N line. It would connect Third Ward (Cedar Yards) to Seversville.

[kermit]

Spartan, on 12 December 2010 - 11:44 AM, said:

I've heard that the Charlotte Trolley is going to study the possibility of relocating to the P&N line. It would connect Third Ward (Cedar Yards) to Seversville.

What a great idea, but it leads to lots of questions that I am sure they won't answer until the study is completed.

Are the rails still in place? What vehicle will they use (will it be the restored trolly rather than the replicas which will be working on the Elizabeth streetcar line)? Will they attempt some actual revenue service / park and ride for panthers games? It is tragic that the route into the old terminal in 3rd ward can't be reestablished.

One downside would be the lack of visibility on the route -- very few folks will ever see it running.

[Spartan]

The rails are definitely still there. The key issue is whether the current project to improve the line all the way to Gastonia will improve the bridge over Irwin Creek. The greenway connection that will be made through Cedar Yards is going to use the bridge, but I don't think there are any major structural improvements with that project. There will be a lot of coordination if this thing move forward.

[thetrick]

kermit, on 01 December 2010 - 08:15 PM, said:

I know speed / track quality is a major issue but I do wonder at what point passenger service would generate enough revenue to make it attractive for an operating shortline with little freight traffic. Wouldn't a little additional operating revenue be better than none at all?

The expense of starting any sort of passenger service is VERY high. First you need to build the stations, and even if it's just a simple platform it's still a pretty good capital expense. Then you need reliable equipment and backup equipment. No one will use your service if they can not depend on it.

Best cast for any sort of passenger service is maybe a dinner train.  But even then where are you going? What is the view of? And maintaining a semi-decent dinner train would be expensive.

I think the Charlotte trolley group using the east end near the Cedar yard would be a good option. They have the equipment and the experience running that sort of operation. Not to mention putting part of the P&N back under wire would be just amazing.

TH

[WesleyHeightsWay]

Interesting, but I have to ask…for what purpose?  Just to run the restored #85 somewhere?  I am sure the people of Wesley Heights will welcome the trolley running through our neighborhood, but it seems like a large undertaking for a one mile trip.



Also, who will uncover the tracks under I-77 and along the greenway?  They are currently buried under gravel.  And will the greenway still be open to pedestrians with an active trolley running?

[kermit]

Freight trains should start moving on the P&N by September.

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Patriot Rail will be responsible for operating, maintaining, and  marketing rail service on the P&N and will pay the state a base  rent, plus a percentage of rail revenue.

Freight service will be at the 10-15 mph level but will connect to both CSX (in Pincoa) and NS (in Gastonia).

http://www.gastongaz...s/-57465--.html

Add a connection to Charlotte and speed it up to 40-50mph (admittedly no small feat) and we would have a viable commuter line....

[kermit]

P&N freight reconstruction from Mt, Holly to Gastonia should be complete by the end of next month.

http://www.progressi...ws.asp?id=29624

[thetrick]

I am all for the P&N restoration, but I have no idea how this is going to make money. There is not one single existing buisness on that line that has a connecting siding or spur. Not only that but I can't find a single existing buisness that has a product that could benifit from rail service.

The only customer that I know of is a ethanol transloading facility that is suposed to be built, seems like a lot of work for one customer.

TH

[Otto]

The P&N restoration is also constructing sidings and spurs to a number of locations.

[thetrick]

A test run, real freight in the begining of march

http://www.gastongaz...7734-wary-.html