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Long and medium distance passenger
train services in the USA are operated by Amtrak. At New Haven
station on 10 June 1994, 273 has just arrived with the "Connecticut
Yankee", the 06.35 from Boston via the 'Inland Route' though
Springfield. |
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Major cities have their own commuter
rail networks. In the Chicago area, the local operator is known
as 'Metra', and this
picture shows their 16.00 service from Chicago after arrival
at its destination, Downers Grove Main Street, on 7 June 1994.
Note the double-deck coaching stock. |
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Commuter services between Washington
DC and Maryland (to the north) are operated by Maryland Transit
Administration, trading as MARC.
Their electric locomotive no. 4900 is seen at Baltimore on
12 June 1994. |
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The only route in the USA to operate
a fast, frequent service which compares with European 'Inter-City'
service levels, is that along the eastern seaboard between Washington
DC and New York City (and to a lesser extent northwards to Boston).
On my visit in 1994, I thought it had many similarities with
Britain's West Coast Main Line, with fairly modern electric trains
operating at 100mph (with a few at 125mph) over dilapidated infrastructure.
In this photo, electric locomotive no.930 stands at Baltimore
station, at the head of the 15.30 Washington - New York service,
on 12 June 1994. |