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DirectorBeneficial48 t1_jbkp9vu wrote

Reply to comment by TrafficSNAFU in imagine paying for the light rail by skyeyemx

>max operating speed is 56 mph

Doubt, but not overwhelmingly so

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TrafficSNAFU t1_jbkpyv7 wrote

The trackage in that area is actually good for 80mph but top speed is limited to 56mph. I recently good book that covered the planning, design and construction of the HBLR by one of the guys involved in the system and it was mentioned.

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DirectorBeneficial48 t1_jbkr715 wrote

OK fine, top POSSIBLE speed. What speed do they run at? Because it feels significantly slower than that

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TrafficSNAFU t1_jbkv3bd wrote

As far as I'm aware from documentation I've seen and my personal experience, on the Bayonne Branch south of Danforth Avenue trains operate at a max speed of 55-56mph. I was able to double check a NJDOT State Safety Oversight document from 2021. It states "The HBLR operation is bi-directional with reverse signaling. The Available speeds for operation are in increments between 5 and 55-mph. Two additional speed control limits are available for specific circumstances, namely a 15-mph Yard speed and a 35-mph Street Running mode."

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DirectorBeneficial48 t1_jbkynax wrote

You're citing books as to what they can operate at, not what they do. I've been on that line plenty and seen it going a lot slower than nearby car traffic, hence my doubt. I'll try to remember to get a speedometer app next time I use it.

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TrafficSNAFU t1_jbkze46 wrote

When I have personally ridden that section of the line it does seem from my perspective compared to the traffic on NJ 440 we appear to be operating at that speed or a comparable speed.

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