Derailment-pocalypse

[dmaze]

Are there any good sources that have current actual peak headways on the Red Line? I haven't verified it myself but from maps like this one it looks like the T just isn't publishing real-time vehicle data for the Red Line at all, which means nobody who's not willing to hang around a T station for an hour or so can find this out.

The good news is that the conductors on the Fitchburg line seem to have gotten the memo that any CharlieCard will get you to Porter, and the 5:55 Wachusett train had lots of open seats leaving North Station. But, the walk from South Station to North Station is just a little bit longer than I think it is, which is an issue if the 5:35 train leaves on time.

Comments

[dcltdw]

Are they running single-track through JFK or something?

Note: I don't actually know.

My assumption has been that soundbound Braintree trains turn around at JFK and become northbound trains. Braintree passengers then switch trains at JFK.

To me, this then makes sense why there's a delay: the southbound Braintree train needs to then switch tracks to become northbound. I have no idea if this is done south of JFK (i.e., it does a pickup at JFK) or north (and it skips JFK or backs into the station?). Either way, this causes a disruption, so headways are lengthened to accommodate it.

But see opening caveat. :)

[dmaze]

The important detail with this is that there are two platforms and four tracks at JFK/UMass, so a Braintree train could terminate and reverse there without affecting Ashmont trains at all. One track map (don’t know how accurate it is) suggests there are two crossovers between JFK/UMass and North Quincy so reversing Braintree trains here is pretty easy, up to the point of there being no signals and no automatic controls for the switches.