4.5. SR 10-19-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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This technical memorandum documents an illustrative response to comments made by members of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority Board at their meeting of Septmber 3. Passenger Rail Service "Concept B" incorporates most of the features of the original concept (to be designated "Concept A"), but also reflects changes made to accommodate the Board's comments. The principal adjustments made to the first service plan are: Operation of two southbound moming trips from St. Cloud to Minneapolis, arriving at peak commute times, and two northbound evening trips from Minneapolis to St. Cloud, departing at peak commute times. This feature augments the previous concept of only one through trip to and from St. Cloud during peak periods. Operation of one through peak period trip between Minneapolis and St. Cloud in the "reverse peak" direction. This feature makes possible an arrival at St. Cloud during typical work start hours, and a departure from St. Cloud during the evening peak. Possible location of the central maintenance facility at St. Cloud rather than at. Elk River. Additional comments received from the Board referred to the desirability of evening service, primarily on Fridays and Saturdays, for various kinds of events, such as large gatherings for sports events. That particular aspect is not addressed in the example schedules provided here since large-scale public events can begin and end at widely varying times. It is assumed that extra trains will be operated for these events on a schedule that meets the needs of these events. While they are not presented on the regular weekday schedule, an allowance will be made for them in the operating cost estimates when they are prepared. Absent Board comment, a revised weekend and holiday timetable has not been prepared at this time. It is assumed that the previous concept of three daily scheduld round trips (morning, midday, late afternoon) will be sufficient for the study's purposes at this point. Departure and arrival times have been adjusted to reflect a "memory" timetable concept, based on a half-hour module. For example, all trains departing St. Cloud leave at either 5 or 35 minutes after the hour. All trains arriving at Minneapolis arrive either on the hour or at half-past. The same is true at intermediate stations. For example, all Northbound trains at Anoka are on the hour or half hour. This concept permits easier memory of train times by the public, and, very importantly, makes coordination with local bus services easier, provided they also use memory scheduling on a compatible headway.