The SHORTEST passenger train in North America
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Date: 2024-01-09
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Comments and reviews: 35
train
I don't know if this train truly qualifies as North America's only shortest train. I currently live in London, Ontario, Canada. Via Rail is the only passenger rail service in Canada and it's owned and operated by the federal government. In the 1970s and 1980s, Via had a service that ran from Sarnia, Ontario to London. On this service, old Budd RDC (Rail Diesel Car) combination locomotive and passenger cars were used. The old Budds are actually physically smaller than the individual cars you show in this photo. It was not uncommon to see only two Budd rail cars linked together and in service, particularly for the morning run between Sarnia and London. If demand was particularly strong, you might have seen three of them in service. But this didn't happen often. London is just a little less than an hour's drive from Sarnia.
I should know, I used to take that train to return to London after visiting my parents on weekends while I was in university in London. The RDCs were pulled out of service sometime in the early to mid-1990s and replaced with other rolling stock.
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I don't know if this train truly qualifies as North America's only shortest train. I currently live in London, Ontario, Canada. Via Rail is the only passenger rail service in Canada and it's owned and operated by the federal government. In the 1970s and 1980s, Via had a service that ran from Sarnia, Ontario to London. On this service, old Budd RDC (Rail Diesel Car) combination locomotive and passenger cars were used. The old Budds are actually physically smaller than the individual cars you show in this photo. It was not uncommon to see only two Budd rail cars linked together and in service, particularly for the morning run between Sarnia and London. If demand was particularly strong, you might have seen three of them in service. But this didn't happen often. London is just a little less than an hour's drive from Sarnia.
I should know, I used to take that train to return to London after visiting my parents on weekends while I was in university in London. The RDCs were pulled out of service sometime in the early to mid-1990s and replaced with other rolling stock.
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-schafer6811
I was a graduate student at Princeton a very -_long_- time ago, and have ridden that train many times. I think the last time would have been around 1982. The inside of the train looks pretty much the same as it did back then. It used to smell strongly of jasmine tea inside; something to do with whatever they used to clean it. When I first started riding it, there was something wonky about the track, and it set up a substantial side-to-side rolling sway of the whole train when it reached top speed. It was enough to make you seasick. They eventually fixed it.
The first time I got off the train in Princeton, I saw the Wawa, the first one I'd ever seen. Having lived in California all my life prior to that point, I had no idea what it was, or why anyone would name anything -Wawa. -
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I was a graduate student at Princeton a very -_long_- time ago, and have ridden that train many times. I think the last time would have been around 1982. The inside of the train looks pretty much the same as it did back then. It used to smell strongly of jasmine tea inside; something to do with whatever they used to clean it. When I first started riding it, there was something wonky about the track, and it set up a substantial side-to-side rolling sway of the whole train when it reached top speed. It was enough to make you seasick. They eventually fixed it.
The first time I got off the train in Princeton, I saw the Wawa, the first one I'd ever seen. Having lived in California all my life prior to that point, I had no idea what it was, or why anyone would name anything -Wawa. -
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train
Almost equally short in distance but a far different experience is the Mount Washington Cog Railway in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Might make for an incredible video subject in the future.
Also, for other -branch line- services, others have mentioned the many branches on the LIRR, but there's also the NJT Gladstone Branch, the Metro-North branches off of the New Haven Line to New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury, but there's also one more that only functions like a true branch line on its final weekday outbound trip every day: the MBTA Needham Branch. The transfer is from Providence-bound trains at Forest Hills station, something only this specific train does for this transfer. It's. odd, to say the least
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Almost equally short in distance but a far different experience is the Mount Washington Cog Railway in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Might make for an incredible video subject in the future.
Also, for other -branch line- services, others have mentioned the many branches on the LIRR, but there's also the NJT Gladstone Branch, the Metro-North branches off of the New Haven Line to New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury, but there's also one more that only functions like a true branch line on its final weekday outbound trip every day: the MBTA Needham Branch. The transfer is from Providence-bound trains at Forest Hills station, something only this specific train does for this transfer. It's. odd, to say the least
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-haweater1555
The shortest in North America could be the VIA Rail Canada -Budd Car- train from Sudbury to White River on the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline. Serving the needs of campers and lodges in the extreme backwoods where the rail line is the only access. It is served by Budd Rail Diesel Cars DMUs of 1950s vintage. They have since been recently rebuilt with a driving cab at one end only so they cannot operate singly but in a train of 2 or 3 units. In the winter it might be just two, an RDC-1 (all coach seats) and an RDC-4 (all baggage space, with the latter being built considerably shorter than a standard car. So thus the shortest train.
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The shortest in North America could be the VIA Rail Canada -Budd Car- train from Sudbury to White River on the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline. Serving the needs of campers and lodges in the extreme backwoods where the rail line is the only access. It is served by Budd Rail Diesel Cars DMUs of 1950s vintage. They have since been recently rebuilt with a driving cab at one end only so they cannot operate singly but in a train of 2 or 3 units. In the winter it might be just two, an RDC-1 (all coach seats) and an RDC-4 (all baggage space, with the latter being built considerably shorter than a standard car. So thus the shortest train.
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-emilymclean6541
I went to Princeton for my undergrad and the Dinky was a godsend! I could walk from my dorm to the Dinky station, transfer onto NJ Transit, and be at Penn Station in under 2 hours. I could then take LIRR back to my hometown and walk back to my house without using a car. A lot of students also took the Dinky->NJ Transit->Newark Airport, so you could get from campus to your flight super easily. A lot of commuters from the town of Princeton (not just students) use the Dinky every day. I've been visiting campus since I was a toddler and it's fun to see how the Dinky never changes.
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I went to Princeton for my undergrad and the Dinky was a godsend! I could walk from my dorm to the Dinky station, transfer onto NJ Transit, and be at Penn Station in under 2 hours. I could then take LIRR back to my hometown and walk back to my house without using a car. A lot of students also took the Dinky->NJ Transit->Newark Airport, so you could get from campus to your flight super easily. A lot of commuters from the town of Princeton (not just students) use the Dinky every day. I've been visiting campus since I was a toddler and it's fun to see how the Dinky never changes.
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-johnlang4198
Up until 30 years ago, there was a service at the start and end of service each day in Melbourne, Australia that went one stop, and was scheduled to take one minute for a journey of just 400 metres. They ran between Ashburton and Alamein in the eastern suburbs. It only changed when Ashburton siding was disestablished due to vandalism problems and the stabling point relocated to Camberwell in 1993 or thereabouts.
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Up until 30 years ago, there was a service at the start and end of service each day in Melbourne, Australia that went one stop, and was scheduled to take one minute for a journey of just 400 metres. They ran between Ashburton and Alamein in the eastern suburbs. It only changed when Ashburton siding was disestablished due to vandalism problems and the stabling point relocated to Camberwell in 1993 or thereabouts.
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-markbanash921
When I was a graduate student at Princeton in the 1980s, the Dinky used to run up to the far end of campus, but it was still on campus. Now they moved the station further down so that it's a much longer walk. Plus there's a lot of new construction on campus. I couldn't see walking that route today with my full backpack, even if I were as spry as I was in my youth.
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When I was a graduate student at Princeton in the 1980s, the Dinky used to run up to the far end of campus, but it was still on campus. Now they moved the station further down so that it's a much longer walk. Plus there's a lot of new construction on campus. I couldn't see walking that route today with my full backpack, even if I were as spry as I was in my youth.
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-Buc_Stops_Here
I have taken this train and it is very short. There are plenty of branch lines in Connecticut. Danbury Branch, Waterbury Branch, and New Caanan branch. Danbury has 7 stops and is 23. 9 miles long. Waterbury is 6 stops and 28. 5 miles long. New Caanan branch has 5 stops and is 8. 2 miles long - only a little longer than this line.
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I have taken this train and it is very short. There are plenty of branch lines in Connecticut. Danbury Branch, Waterbury Branch, and New Caanan branch. Danbury has 7 stops and is 23. 9 miles long. Waterbury is 6 stops and 28. 5 miles long. New Caanan branch has 5 stops and is 8. 2 miles long - only a little longer than this line.
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train
2: 08 SNCF, did you see this s'il vous plait?
2: 34 FIVE MINUTES! If Madonna and Justin made a song about extending a minute. Not even Trenuletul would fit this.
4: 39 So dinky, no wonder why you use comma as a decimal in the United States.
6: 10 Common sense it's a very short ride. No toilet necessary.
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2: 08 SNCF, did you see this s'il vous plait?
2: 34 FIVE MINUTES! If Madonna and Justin made a song about extending a minute. Not even Trenuletul would fit this.
4: 39 So dinky, no wonder why you use comma as a decimal in the United States.
6: 10 Common sense it's a very short ride. No toilet necessary.
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-user-cr5ms9tw4t
I think the two shortest brunch lines in Japan is Keio Keibajo Line and Tobu Daishi line, both in Tokyo.
The first one is just 0. 9km(0. 56mi) long, but some train go through to the main line. The second one is 1. 0km(0. 62mi) long, and perfectly shuttle train.
Both take about 2min.
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I think the two shortest brunch lines in Japan is Keio Keibajo Line and Tobu Daishi line, both in Tokyo.
The first one is just 0. 9km(0. 56mi) long, but some train go through to the main line. The second one is 1. 0km(0. 62mi) long, and perfectly shuttle train.
Both take about 2min.
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-Tubes12AX7k
New York City has several extremely short -Shuttle- subways that just take you one or so stops to another line. I'm not sure if these count. While not a train route, the world's shortest airline route is from Westray to Papa Westray which is only a couple of minutes' hop between two islands.
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New York City has several extremely short -Shuttle- subways that just take you one or so stops to another line. I'm not sure if these count. While not a train route, the world's shortest airline route is from Westray to Papa Westray which is only a couple of minutes' hop between two islands.
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-cak813
I-ve always wondered about this line. I have relatives who live in Newtown, PA so I usually take NJT to Hamilton where they meet me. I-ve seen the signs for the train to Princeton many times but never explored it. So thanks for this little video.
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I-ve always wondered about this line. I have relatives who live in Newtown, PA so I usually take NJT to Hamilton where they meet me. I-ve seen the signs for the train to Princeton many times but never explored it. So thanks for this little video.
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-iana6713
Now that fits the definition of -quirky- to a tee. It must be economically viable if it is kept running, and I love the 70's aesthetics of the unit - I bet a lot of heritage lines would give their right arms for an old train in such condition.
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Now that fits the definition of -quirky- to a tee. It must be economically viable if it is kept running, and I love the 70's aesthetics of the unit - I bet a lot of heritage lines would give their right arms for an old train in such condition.
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-NontasK
This type of train is called MU (Multiple unit, consists usually of 2-4 vagons. The difference is in traction, named Dmu (D for Diesel) and Emu (E for Electric. It's a common type of train for medium distance trips especially in Europe,
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This type of train is called MU (Multiple unit, consists usually of 2-4 vagons. The difference is in traction, named Dmu (D for Diesel) and Emu (E for Electric. It's a common type of train for medium distance trips especially in Europe,
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-cobra30689
The single car Arrows are few and far between these days, but back in the 60's and 70's the PRR (later PC and SEPTA) ran a lot of single car Silverliner trains, some as far as Harrisburg. Not many single car Arrow sets in NJ though.
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The single car Arrows are few and far between these days, but back in the 60's and 70's the PRR (later PC and SEPTA) ran a lot of single car Silverliner trains, some as far as Harrisburg. Not many single car Arrow sets in NJ though.
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-idahofur
Those cars are in better conditions than some newer hotels I have stayed in. As for 2. 7miles is pretty funny. The town I grew up in is about 3 miles wide. :) Also didn't this line or service at one time extend a tad farther?
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Those cars are in better conditions than some newer hotels I have stayed in. As for 2. 7miles is pretty funny. The town I grew up in is about 3 miles wide. :) Also didn't this line or service at one time extend a tad farther?
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-mathieufaltys
Angel's Flight, operating in Downtown Los Angeles since 1901, claims to be the world's shortest railway. It was built to help take passengers up Bunker Hill, no more than a couple hundred meters in length.
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Angel's Flight, operating in Downtown Los Angeles since 1901, claims to be the world's shortest railway. It was built to help take passengers up Bunker Hill, no more than a couple hundred meters in length.
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-peterwhite9546
This entire thing is pointless now. They moved the station way out of downtown, too far to walk safely (especially if it is during the after school rush) and it costed 20$ to park last time I was there.
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This entire thing is pointless now. They moved the station way out of downtown, too far to walk safely (especially if it is during the after school rush) and it costed 20$ to park last time I was there.
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-remie4494
In terms of a train type shortest ride would be the New York City's 42nd st Subway shuttle. Doesn't even take 5 minutes from one end to the other. I'm fairly certain, that's by far the shortest anywhere.
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In terms of a train type shortest ride would be the New York City's 42nd st Subway shuttle. Doesn't even take 5 minutes from one end to the other. I'm fairly certain, that's by far the shortest anywhere.
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-AndrewSmith-if2dh
When my mother was growing up just outside Princeton in the 1950s, my grandfather would commute to and from NYC. In those days, they would serve cocktails on the dinky. Times sure have changed.
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When my mother was growing up just outside Princeton in the 1950s, my grandfather would commute to and from NYC. In those days, they would serve cocktails on the dinky. Times sure have changed.
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-neubro1448
I saw a video of the Tobu Railway serving north of Tokyo which has a branch line within the city from Nishiarai to Daishimae station half mile apart. The two car train ride is just under two minutes.
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I saw a video of the Tobu Railway serving north of Tokyo which has a branch line within the city from Nishiarai to Daishimae station half mile apart. The two car train ride is just under two minutes.
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-Meyerc-yv2bi
I had the great pleasure of riding the Dinky and visiting Princeton University, a beautiful campus set in one of the most charming cities in America. NJ Transit is a very impressive system.
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I had the great pleasure of riding the Dinky and visiting Princeton University, a beautiful campus set in one of the most charming cities in America. NJ Transit is a very impressive system.
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-nixcails
Hmm even modified 153's got USB chargers. This was one of few rail services I used at the turn of the century 2001. Princeton was a nice distraction from the hub bub and noise of Manhatten
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Hmm even modified 153's got USB chargers. This was one of few rail services I used at the turn of the century 2001. Princeton was a nice distraction from the hub bub and noise of Manhatten
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-nuckyduk15
While not a -passenger train-, the Dallas Streetcar line is only 2. 45 miles long and acts as a branch line since it connects the Bishop Arts District to the rest of DARTS rail network.
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While not a -passenger train-, the Dallas Streetcar line is only 2. 45 miles long and acts as a branch line since it connects the Bishop Arts District to the rest of DARTS rail network.
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train
The Mattapan Trolley in Boston is shorter! Technically called the Ashmont-Mattapan High-Speed Line, it's a branch route of the MBTA's Red Line and it has a track length of 2. 54 miles
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The Mattapan Trolley in Boston is shorter! Technically called the Ashmont-Mattapan High-Speed Line, it's a branch route of the MBTA's Red Line and it has a track length of 2. 54 miles
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-johnmarks714
San Jose, CA had an even shorter lightrail from Chynoweth station to Almaden station. Just one lightrail car on a half mile long route. In recent years, it got eliminated.
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San Jose, CA had an even shorter lightrail from Chynoweth station to Almaden station. Just one lightrail car on a half mile long route. In recent years, it got eliminated.
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-argus1393
Eco efficient indeed. Why it will run on electricity generated by Murphys Orsted wind farms. Oh WAIT THERE WILL BE NO WIND FARMS OFF THE COAST. Another Murphy hoax.
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Eco efficient indeed. Why it will run on electricity generated by Murphys Orsted wind farms. Oh WAIT THERE WILL BE NO WIND FARMS OFF THE COAST. Another Murphy hoax.
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-jimwinchester339
7: 25 If the old station is now a restaraunt (called the -Dinky-, then it didn't really have to be closed to make way for the new Princeton building, did it?
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7: 25 If the old station is now a restaraunt (called the -Dinky-, then it didn't really have to be closed to make way for the new Princeton building, did it?
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-exerosis5758
As a Princeton resident this branch line saves quite a bit of time and gets going quite fast. The biggest shame is that they have shortened the line twice: (
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As a Princeton resident this branch line saves quite a bit of time and gets going quite fast. The biggest shame is that they have shortened the line twice: (
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-hirampriggott1689
These things are amazingly solid. Stainless steel washboard sides and oval windows. I wish New jersey would come up with a modernized version of these.
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These things are amazingly solid. Stainless steel washboard sides and oval windows. I wish New jersey would come up with a modernized version of these.
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-Pisti846
They must have made thousands of those cars. I swear they look the same as the Conrail/Septa Trains I rode between Philadelphia and New Brunswick 45 years ago.
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They must have made thousands of those cars. I swear they look the same as the Conrail/Septa Trains I rode between Philadelphia and New Brunswick 45 years ago.
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-splatshat5. 085
This isn't true. Come to where I live Philadelphia. We run two and one car regional rail trains all the time with silver liners
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This isn't true. Come to where I live Philadelphia. We run two and one car regional rail trains all the time with silver liners
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-RyanZview
great video of a special part of the NJ Transit rail system. I live somewhat close to the middle of the Pascack Valley Line
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great video of a special part of the NJ Transit rail system. I live somewhat close to the middle of the Pascack Valley Line
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-WeazelJaguar
Nice bud, thanks for posting!
I wish the RDC's of the past would all come back, but switch the diesel to hydrogen!
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Nice bud, thanks for posting!
I wish the RDC's of the past would all come back, but switch the diesel to hydrogen!
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-ShluffyMonster
Prettt sure arrow IIIs have an outlet near the restrooms if i remember correctly from my ride on them a while back
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Prettt sure arrow IIIs have an outlet near the restrooms if i remember correctly from my ride on them a while back
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