Union Station Tunnels Intact

[JeffreyS]

It really is just to cool not to do.  If you can bring the skyway right up to the platforms. Where do the Greyhounds and city buses fit in.  Even if we still have to battle for commuter rail putting everything we do have  in conjunction would give us something that finally makes some sense.

[Charles Hunter]

Ahh, I see, thanks, Ock.
You gonna share this at the Transportation meeting with Councilwoman Johnson?

[9a is my backyard]

Currently, the tunnels are filled with four feet of water.

Any idea on how long the tunnels have been blocked?  I agree, it makes way more sense to use what's already there (Budget cuts? What budget cuts??) but four feet of water over time could do some damage.  Or at least provide enough of an excuse for JTA and FDOT to avoid using them.  At least they look like they're still in good shape.

[thelakelander]

At least 20, probably 30 years?

[Jason]

What sort of effects would dead-heading the commuter tracks do to the travel times of these trains?  I would think having to pass the station to transfer to a platform track and then backing up for loading and unloading would add a good bit of time.

[Ocklawaha]

Jason, the Commuter Tracks being Stub won't effect a thing. The Amtrak side being through tracks, won't either. Amtrak trains bound for Orlando, New Orleans or New York will still have to run the rebuilt WYE at the "A" line. Then they will back into the terminal as they did in the old days. Total time, maybe 5 minutes.

Commuter trains based on RDC cars or double ended DMU's, have a cab in either end, thus, they CAN simply head in to a stub track, walk to the other end of the train and head out. No switching needed.

Trains such as the Palmetto, New York-Savannah (which SHOULD be terminating in Jax) could wye out and back in or just head in and after it's unloaded, go out to the wye and back it in to ready it for leaving the following morning for New York.

Hope this helps with your questions.

BTW "Deadhead" is a universal transportation term that means a crew member is off the clock and rides to work or home in a spare seat. For example you could live in St. Augustine, and deadhead with Skybus to your home base in Columbus, Ohio, where you start your work day. Railroad and Bus crews often deadhead to various terminals or home to get to and from work.

Ocklawaha

[Jason]

Thanks for the info, Ock.

Do you think adding 5 minutes to each commuter trip would be palatable by the riders?

[Ocklawaha]

Well it would be if they were on the Amtrak trains, otherwise, they would just pull straight in and straight out of the stub tracks without need to turn the train around. RDC cars are DOUBLE-ENDED and have a control cab at each end.

Sorry for the delay in the answer Jason, I was playing "Meet the press" down at Union Terminal. Folio says this is a story of mystery and intrigue, wonder and why? I'm glad to have them aboard, hope JTA doesn't poison their punch, because this little gal KNOWS the truth, and won't be fooled...

Ocklawaha

[Lunican]

Amtrak trains are currently refueled in Jacksonville so they are in the station for about 30 minutes.

[thelakelander]

Well it would be if they were on the Amtrak trains, otherwise, they would just pull straight in and straight out of the stub tracks without need to turn the train around. RDC cars are DOUBLE-ENDED and have a control cab at each end.

Sorry for the delay in the answer Jason, I was playing "Meet the press" down at Union Terminal. Folio says this is a story of mystery and intrigue, wonder and why? I'm glad to have them aboard, hope JTA doesn't poison their punch, because this little gal KNOWS the truth, and won't be fooled...

Ocklawaha

She's definately doing her homework.  I spoke with her today for about an hour and tomorrow I'm going to meet them at the Union Terminal and supply them with the JTA RTS/BRT reports I have.

[Coolyfett]

WOOOOOWWW!!! I thought I was one of the only people interested in this sort of thing. I LOVE GOOGLE!!! Man how long has this site been up? Anyhow I have jump the fences of the convention center a few months ago to see if tracks were still there, after learning the POCC was once a train terminal. I saw 2 set of tracks, the same tracks in your photo. I can see I am going to be a regular on this site due to my addiction to the history and progression of Jax....WOW

Im Cooly by the way nice to meet everyone.

[Timkin]

These tunnels are so cool.  I cant understand why they were buried in the first place. Were they ever used??

[Charles Hunter]

Ocklawaha can give more info (and I think does in his story on the main MJ page), but they were used extensively when Union Terminal was an active train station.  They allowed passengers to get to remote platforms without having to cross train tracks.

[Timkin]

I never knew they existed.  They should be put into use.

[leahfu]

The amazing past of our City. It makes me think of reasons why this isnt such a great tourist town but how it COULD be. Historical things like this shouldnt be forgotten and just filled up. I'm really happy to have been able to view your pictures. I wish I could do this.