no you didn't, it was lazy posting. Most people would likely drive to Lindenwold where parking is probably more abundant, camden would be an excellent transfer point for RiverLIne, PATCO, and hopefully PATCO II. A Qv'er would Patco it over there....no less convenient than taking the el to 30th st. Basically, everyone wants to increase service, no one wants to build new Rights of Way or reactivate old ones.
In all likelihood, the NEC will also have to serve to what I see as eventual lines to Pittsburgh and points west, even if we build high speed rail.

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I've been thinking about this a bit more and I think some sort of improved rail to AC could work without terminating the service in Camden. I think the first step for shore service is to upgrade the current line. I think electrification and a flyover are in order. Electrification would allow for greater speeds and through operation to Penn station NY and to Philly. the flyover would make the run less problematic for the NEC. I also think the increased off peak frequencies could then be easily addressed. Say, there are more frequencies after 7 pm and on weekends as well as holidays. Perhaps Amtrak service could then be reintroduced as an extension of the Keystone service. This would allow for relatively fast, one seat rides from Lancaster and the main line perhaps relieving some congestion from 76. I think it's important, though, to get the trip time down to around 60 min from 30th st to AC. I also think AC needs to rediscover its beachtown roots. After this is accomplished, a line to Cape May may also be in order and more frequencies to AC. At this point I think it would be necessary to restore service to Camden since capacity will become an issue.

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I agree that the trains should run Camden - Ocean City/Cape May, but what exactly is the route of the tracks? (i'm asking for a map...) would this seasonal service conflict at all with the AC NJT Line or ACES?

Right-Of-Way and working tracks do exist from Winslow Junction in Camden County all the way to Cape May. New Jersey Transit owns these lines and there has been renewed interest in reviving them for seasonal passenger service. Another study is underway now, although one completed a few years back recommended improvements if federal funds could be located. Much of that route is currently leased by the Cape May Seashore Lines, who maintain and use it for tourist excursions and contract freight.

Current stations (North to South) are:

Richland (near Buena)
Tuckahoe (Rt 50)
+
Cape May Court House
Cold Spring Village
Cape May (Downtown)
Cape May Point

Although the spur lines to the islands have been abandoned, it might make sense to improve the existing Cape May Seashore Line and just run EXPRESS buses from those stations to the islands. Cabs could also be used. No, you won't get a family of 6 and all their beach gear to make that trip (unless gas goes to $15/gallon) but it might be a good way for, say: a Main Line father who has to work in Center City part of the week but wants to meet his wife and kids who has been renting a place in Stone Harbor for a few days. He could take the train to Cape May Courthouse or Rio Grande and his family can pick him up. College kids, other shoobies, and those who travel light won't have a problem taking the shuttle bus or a cab from the station to the shore. Maybe years down the road, the spur lines can be revived, but they aren't needed.

Proposed Stations after a link to the Atlantic City Line at Winslow Junction have been discussed as being, from North to South:

Richland/Rt 40
Tuckahoe (w/connection to Ocean City)
Woodbine (w/connection to SeaIsleCity)
Dennisville/Rt 47
Cape May Court House (w/connection to Avalon/Stone Harbor)
Rio Grande (w/connection to the Wildwoods)
Cold Spring Village
Cape May
Cape May Point

Besides startup costs, the major obstacles are poor bridges (@Dennis Twp, although the canal bridge has been improved) and non-electrification. Either way, this is a very feasible project for times of changing transportation habits.

what's faster.


Driving to the shore

A train.


If the train's faster is has a chance at success.

Cause the cost (time-money) isn't right now

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I think it depends on a few more things than just time. Whose going, where you get on, and where you are going will be major factors.

Where you get on...if people feel that when parking in Camden it is unsafe than far fewer people will go. I think for this reason it might just make more sense to run the train from 30th street with stops in Camden.

again, the biggest issue is when you get off the train down the shore. Unless you plan on gambling until a reasonable hour and not missing a return train.

and if you're going o any other point...the transfer time and luggage

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See my post above, the Cape May Seashore Line would connect to the Atlantic City Line. The historic need to terminate at Camden would not be an issue, it would most-likely terminate at 30th Street just like the ACL does.

As long as you're talking about seasonal off peak service this is likely to be true. You'll also need a flyover as the ACL, as currently operated, is an impediment to faster trip times and more frequencies for higher speed rail between Was, NY, and Philadelphia...which is far more important than a seasonal line to cape may. Adding too many stops will just make the trip too long. As it is, the trip to AC by train is too long. I'd rather transfer in Camden to a high speed line than have a one seat from 30th st. Trip time IS important. It doesn't necessarily have to be faster but it does have to be reasonably competitive. As it is, it's faster to take the PATCO downtown than take the train to 30th St.

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If the four month season precluded development, then there would be no houses on the barrier islands and there would be no roads to them. Wait; it takes many hours to fight traffic to get from the shore back to Philly. A quick rail service would have very many takers. God help us if there is ever a hurricane scare at the shore given the present transportation infrastructure; it would be quicker to walk back to Philly.