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TrafficSNAFU t1_jbkpyv7 wrote

Reply to comment by DirectorBeneficial48 in imagine paying for the light rail by skyeyemx

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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