Reggaeton and Acela: Difference between pages
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{{Mergefrom|Acela|Talk:Acela#merge into Acela Express|date=July 2008}} |
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{{Infobox Music genre |
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{{Infobox Amtrak |
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|name=Reggaetón |
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| name = Acela Express |
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|bgcolor=red |
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| logo_filename = Acela logo.png |
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|color=white |
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| logo_size = 173 |
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|stylistic_origins=[[Dancehall]], [[Techno]], [[Hip hop music|Hip Hop]], [[Latin American music]], [[Reggae]], [[House music|House]] |
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| map_filename=Amtrak acela.png |
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|cultural_origins= Late 1970s/early 1980s [[Panama]], late 1980s [[Puerto Rico]] |
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| map_size=300px |
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|instruments=Dem Bow (rhythm) - [[Sampling (music)|Sampler]] - [[Bass (instrument)|Bass]] - [[Synthesizer]] - [[Drum machine]] |
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| map_caption=''Acela Express'' route map |
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|popularity=Moderate since mid-1990s in Puerto Rico, worldwide beginning around 2004. |
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| image = AmtrakAcela2035atNewHavenUnion.jpg |
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|derivatives= |
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| image_size=300px |
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|subgenrelist= |
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| image_caption=Acela Express Locomotive #2035 at [[Union Station (New Haven)|New Haven]]. |
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|subgenres= |
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| numbers = 2100s-2200s |
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|subgenres=[[Bachateo]] - [[Spanish dancehall]] - [[Salsaton]] - [[Fusion Music]] - [[Malianteo]] - [[Romantikeo]] - [[Cumbiaton]] |
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| route = [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston, MA]]<br>[[New York City|New York, NY]]<br>[[Washington, D.C.]] |
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|regional_scenes=[[Panama]] - [[Puerto Rico]] - [[Dominican Republic]] - [[Venezuela]] - [[United States]] - [[Cuba]] |
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| distance = 456-mile (734 km) |
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|other_topics= [[Panama]] - [[Puerto Rico]] - [[Gasolina]] - [[Luny Tunes]] - [[Machete Music]] - [[Perreo]] - [[Tempo (artist)|Tempo]] |
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| start = December 2007 |
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}} |
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| end = present |
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'''Reggaeton''' (also spelled '''Reggaetón''', and known as '''Reguetón''' and '''Reggaetón''' in [[Spanish language|Spanish]]) is a form of [[urban contemporary|urban music]] which became popular with [[Latin America]]n youth during the early 1990s and spread over the course of 10 years to [[North America]]n, [[Europe]]an and [[Asia]]n audiences. Originating in [[Puerto Rico]], reggaeton blends [[Jamaica]]n music influences of [[reggae]] and [[dancehall]] with those of Latin America, such as [[bomba]], [[plena]], [[salsa music|salsa]], [[merengue]], [[latin pop]] and [[bachata]] as well as that of [[hip hop music|hip hop]], [[contemporary R&B]], and [[electronica]]. However, reggaeton is also combined with [[rapping]] or singing in Spanish. <!-- Add any more references to the Reggaeton around the world section --> Reggaeton has given the Hispanic youth a musical genre that they can consider their own. The influence of this genre has spread to the wider [[Latino]] communities in the [[United States]], as well as the Latin American audience. |
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| owners = [[Metro-North Railroad|MNCW]], [[Amtrak]] |
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While it takes influences from hip hop and Jamaican dancehall, it would be wrong to define reggaeton as the Hispanic or Latino version of either of these genres; reggaeton has its own specific beat and rhythm, whereas [[Latin rap|Latino hip hop]] is simply hip hop recorded by artists of Latino descent. The specific rhythm that characterizes reggaeton is referred to as "Dem Bow."<ref name="villagevoice">{{cite news | url=http://www.villagevoice.com/music/0603,caramanica,71722,22.html | publisher=Village Voice | title=Grow Dem Bow | accessdate=2006-07-24}}</ref><ref name="phoenix">{{cite news | url=http://www.thephoenix.com/PrinterFriendly.aspx?id=1595 | publisher=The Phoenix | title=Rise of Reggaetón | date=2006-01-19 | accessdate=2006-07-24 | author=Wayne Marshall }}</ref> The name is a reference to the title of the dancehall song by [[Shabba Ranks]] that first popularized the beat in the early 1990s. Reggaeton's origins represents a hybrid of many different musical genres and influences from various countries in the Caribbean, Latin America and the United States. The genre of reggaeton however is most closely associated with [[Puerto Rico]], as this is where the musical style later popularized and became most famous, and where the vast majority of its current stars originated. <ref name="AskMen">[http://uk.askmen.com/toys/special_feature_100/102_special_feature.html AskMen.com - "5 Things You Didn't Know About Reggaeton"]</ref><ref>[http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/Issues/2005-12-15/music/music.html Phoenix New Times - "Phoenix sizzles with the latest dance music from Puerto Rico"]</ref><ref>[http://www.jamaicans.com/articles/primearticles/reggaeton.shtml Jamaicans.com - "a new genre of Caribbean dance music"]</ref><ref>[http://www.mundoreggaeton.com/docs/historiareggaeton.htm Mundo Reggaeton - "Reggaeton History"]</ref> |
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}} |
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{{Amtrak Acela}} |
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'''''Acela Express''''' (often called simply [[Acela]]) is the name used by [[Amtrak]] for the [[high-speed rail|high-speed]] [[tilting train]] service operating between [[Washington, D.C.]] and [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] via [[Baltimore, Maryland|Baltimore]], [[Philadelphia]], and [[New York City|New York]] along the [[Northeast Corridor]] (NEC) in the [[Northeast U.S.|Northeast United States]]. The tilting design allows the train to travel at higher speeds on the sharply curved NEC without disturbing passengers, by lowering lateral [[Centrifugal force (rotating reference frame)|centrifugal forces]],<ref name=tilt/> based on the concept of [[banked turn]]s. Acela Express trains are the only true high-speed [[Train#Official terminology|trainsets]] in the United States. The United States is so out-of-date. Get some proper trains instead of those stupid old things you still have. And maybe get some new horns? They sound like a trumpet being crushed to bits and they are annoying. Trains in France, Belgium, Sweden, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, China, Japan, Russia, Finland and Norway beat all American trains by far. This has made the trains very popular, and by some reckoning, Amtrak has captured over half of the market share of travelers between Washington and New York.<ref> Goldberg, Bruce. "Metroliner's Amazing Rave." ''[[Trains (magazine)|Trains]]'' June 2006 (53)</ref> Outside of stations, Acela runs at speeds between 75 mph (120 km/h) and 150 mph (241 km/h), depending on track conditions. On the average, it is significantly slower than most other high-speed trains elsewhere in the world (e.g. [[High Speed 1]] in the [[United Kingdom|UK]], [[Shinkansen]] in [[Japan]], [[TGV]] in [[France]], [[ETR 500]] in [[Italy]], [[InterCityExpress|ICE]] in [[Germany]], [[Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Rail|CRH]] in [[China]], or the [[AVE]] in [[Spain]]). |
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Reggaeton lyrics tend to be more derived from hip hop than dancehall. Like hip hop, reggaeton has caused some controversy, albeit less, due to alleged exploitation of women <ref name="BBC">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4304185.stm BBC News - "Puerto Rico shakes to a new beat"]</ref>, and to a lesser extent, explicit and violent lyrics. Further controversy surrounds [[perreo]], a dance with explicit sexual overtones which is performed to reggaeton music. |
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== |
==Name== |
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The ''[[Acela]]'' name was announced in 1999, and was originally intended as a [[rebranding]] of most of Amtrak's Northeast services, forming three levels - ''Acela Express'', ''[[Acela Regional]]'' and ''[[Acela Commuter]]''.<ref>{{cite news | title=New Amtrak trains on fast track | date=1999-03-10 | work=[[Times Union]] | author=Jay Jochnowitz | accessdate=2006-11-13 | page=A1}}</ref> Due to confusion between the lower-speed ''Acela Regional'' trains and the ''Acela Express'' – as the name is (intentionally) evocative of ''acceleration'' – the ''Acela'' branding was removed from what is now the ''[[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]]'' service in 2003. ''[[Acela Commuter]]'' was rebranded ''Clocker'' (a previous name) for similar reasons, also in 2003, <ref>{{cite news | title=Amtrak will use name 'Acela' to describe high-speed trains only | work=Associated Press | date=2003-03-05 | accessdate=2006-11-13 | author=Laurence Arnold}}</ref> and discontinued in 2005. |
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Reggaeton's roots are from [[Panama]].<ref name="BBC">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4304185.stm BBC News - "Puerto Rico shakes to a new beat"]</ref><ref name="USA now">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-08-04-reggaeton_x.htm USA Today - reggaeton article]</ref><ref name="AskMen">Even though the beat was dispoused by panamenian singers as being considered wear out and not part of the evolving genre puerto ricans insisted on based his song on an almost death rithym and basically stealing the ideas given by person before them[http://www.askmen.com/toys/special_feature_100/102_special_feature.html Ask Men - feature on reggaeton]</ref> The music eventually made its way and continued evolving and coming to prominence in [[Puerto Rico]]. Reggaeton started as an adaptation of Jamaican [[reggae]] (and later Jamaican [[dancehall]]) to the Spanish language and overall culture in Panama <ref name="phoenix"/>. |
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The origins of reggaeton begin with the first [[reggae]] recordings being made in Panama during the 1970s. Reportedly, the Jamaican influence on Panamanian music has been strong since the early 20th century when Jamaican laborers were used to help build the [[Panama Canal]]. <ref name="phoenix"/> Afro-Panamanians had been performing and recording Spanish-language reggae since the 1970s. Artists such as [[El General]], [[Chicho Man]], [[Nando Boom]], [[Renato]], and [[Black Apache]] are considered the first [[raggamuffin]] [[DJ]]s from Panama. El General has been identified as one of the fathers of reggaeton, blending Jamaican reggae into a Latin-ised version. It was common practice to translate the lyrics of Jamaican reggae song into Spanish and sing them over the original melodies, a form termed "Spanish reggae" or "Reggae en español." Meanwhile, during the 1980s the Puerto Rican rapper [[Vico C]] released Spanish-language hip hop records in his native island. His production of cassettes throughout the 1980s, mixing reggae and hip hop, also helped spread the early reggaeton sound, and he is widely credited with this achievement <ref>[http://www.askmen.com/toys/special_feature_100/102b_special_feature.html Ask Men - Vico C and El General Reggaeton founders]</ref>. The widespread movement of "Spanish reggae" in the Latin-American communities of the Caribbean and the urban centres of the United States help increase its popularity <ref name="phoenix"/>. |
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==The need for speed== |
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During the 1990s reggae production took off seriously in Panama. Meanwhile hip hop and reggae in Puerto Rico were on the rise due to the increased popularity of Jamaican [[ragga]] imports. Towards the middle of the decade, Puerto Ricans were producing their own "[[riddim]]s" with clear influences from hip hop and other styles. These are considered the first proper reggaeton tracks, initially called "under," a short form of "Underground." As Caribbean and African-American music gained this momentum in Puerto Rico, Reggae Rap in Spanish marked the beginning of [[Boricua]] underground rap and served as an expression for millions of young people. This created an entire invisible, yet prominent underground youth culture that sought to express themselves through Reggae Rap in Spanish. As a youth culture that exists on the fringes of society and criminal illegality, it has often been publicly criticized. The Puerto Rican police launched a raid against underground rap by confiscating cassette tapes from music stores under Penal codes of obscenity, issuing fines, and the demoralization of rappers through radio, television, and newspaper media. <ref> Santos, Mayra. 1996. "Puerto Rican Underground." Centro 8, no. 1 & 2: 219-231. </ref> |
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The dense population of the Northeastern United States makes the [[Northeast Corridor]] the most heavily-traveled portion of the American passenger rail system. Two-thirds of rail passengers in the United States live in [[Transportation in New York City|New York City]], also home to the nation's busiest rail passenger station, [[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)|Penn Station]]. In order to compete with [[airliner]]s, Amtrak needed to increase the speed of trains in the region. However, the former [[Shore Line Railway (Connecticut)|Shore Line]], from [[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]] to [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]], is burdened by sharp turns and [[grade crossing]]s that prevented regular trains from achieving high speeds. There was little support for building an entirely new railway as had been done for Japan's [[Shinkansen]] (AKA: Bullet Train) and France's [[TGV]]. |
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In October 1994, Amtrak requested bids from train manufacturers who could design [[railroad car]]s that could negotiate the crowded system at up to 150 [[miles per hour]] (241 [[km/h]]). A joint project set up by [[Bombardier]] (75%) and [[Alstom]] (25%) was selected for the project in March 1996. The [[tilting train|tilting]] design was used to compensate for the track's curvature and ensure that passengers would remain comfortable at higher speeds than a conventional train could safely achieve on the same tracks. |
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The term "underground", coming out of hip-hop discourse, associates underground artists as asserting a self-identification that rejects the commercialization of music. In San Juan "underground", however, it was not just about authenticity or ideology, but was literally about position in the market. "Underground" music was circulated via informal networks, copied from cassette to cassette, until the mid 1990s. |
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High-speed service was originally expected in late 1999, but various problems appeared. The trainsets were four [[inch]]es (about 10 cm) too wide to fully tilt within [[FRA]]-mandated minimum tolerances, and as a result were unable to achieve the speeds originally intended between Washington and New York. The higher speeds are achieved between New York and Boston, however.<ref name="bedeviled">{{cite news |
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[[DJ Playero]] was one of the most famous producers of "Underground" at the time, releasing several underground cassettes that featured early performances of some soon-to-be-famous artists like [[Daddy Yankee]]. |
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| last = Dao |
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| first = James |
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| title = Acela, Built to Be Rail's Savior, Bedevils Amtrak at Every Turn |
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| publisher = [[The New York Times]] |
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| date = [[2005-04-24]] |
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| url = http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/24/national/24acela.html&OQ=_rQ3D1&OP=dcc795Q2FzmQ5DQ23zVcQ7BTjccQ22DzDBBQ60zBHzDHzxQ7DQ22Q3CcxQ7D.zDHQ7DQ7BQ5D.Q7DiQ5BQ22Q20. |
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| accessdate = 2008-03-04 |
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}}</ref> After a series of delays, the first Acela Express service began on December 11, 2000, a year behind schedule.<ref>{{cite news | title=Fast train begins service with Washington-Boston roundtrip | author=Laurence Arnold | work=Associated Press | date=2001-12-11 | accessdate=2006-11-13}}</ref> |
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With the completion of electrification between New Haven and Boston, all trains on the line have become faster; one can travel between Boston and New York in just over three and a half hours on Acela Express (an improvement of half an hour). New York to Washington runs take two hours and forty-five minutes. These schedules, as well as the relative convenience of rail as opposed to air travel, especially after [[September 11, 2001 attacks|September 11, 2001]], have made the Acela Express more competitive with the Northeast [[air shuttle]]s. |
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The basis for reggaeton was laid in Puerto Rico at this time, with the melding of Panamanian Spanish reggae, with influences from dancehall, hip-hop and various other Latin American musical genres <ref name="phoenix"/>. |
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==Operating speeds and limitations== |
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{{sound sample box align left|}} |
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[[Image:Acela.jpg|thumb|Southbound ''Acela Express'' crossing the [[Amtrak Susquehanna River Bridge|Susquehanna River Bridge]], [[Havre de Grace, Maryland|Havre de Grace, Md.]]]] |
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{{multi-listen start|Audio sample of:}} |
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[[Image:Acela racing past BWI.jpg|thumb|Running though BWI Amtrak Station in [[Maryland]] ]] |
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{{multi-listen item|filename=Dem Bow sample.ogg|title="Dem Bow (rhythm)"|description=Produced by [[Robert Dixon (musician)|Bobby "Digital" Dixon]], performed by [[Steely & Clevie]], 1990.|format=[[Ogg]]}} |
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[[Image:Acela Express in snow near Boston South.jpg|thumb|In snow near Boston South Station]] |
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{{multi-listen end}} |
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{{sample box end}} |
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High-speed rail is usually defined as traveling faster than 200 km/h, or about 124 mph. The highest speed attained by Acela Express is 150 mph (241 km/h) on two sections of track in [[Rhode Island]] and [[Massachusetts]], which total 18 miles (29 km). There are also many miles of track, especially east of [[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]], that have been upgraded to 110 mph and 125 mph (177 km/h and 201 km/h). South of New York, Acela Express is limited to 135 mph (217 km/h) with many stretches of 125 mph (201 km/h). Although the track is straight enough to allow 150 mph (241 km/h) in several areas here, the [[overhead catenary]] support system was constructed during the [[Great Depression]]. As such, it does not have the constant-tension features of the new catenary east of New Haven, and it cannot support running speeds over 135 mph (217 km/h) (although in the late 1960s, the [[Pennsylvania Railroad]] did run [[Metroliner]] test trains as fast as {{convert|164|mph}} and briefly ran the Metroliner service at speeds reaching {{convert|150|mph}}).{{fact|date=August 2008}} |
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The genre morphed through the years, at various points being termed "Melaza," "música underground," and "Dem Bow." This last name originated from reggaeton's distinguishing rhythmic feature: the ''Dem Bow'' (alternately spelled "Dembow") beat, relying heavily on the [[snare drum]], which is used in nearly all Reggaeton songs today. <ref name="villagevoice"/> <ref name="phoenix"/> This beat, or [[riddim]], was produced under the direction of Jamaican record producer [[Robert Dixon (musician)|Bobby "Digital" Dixon]] and performed by [[Steely & Clevie]]. It first became popular in the song "Dem Bow" (They Bow) performed by Jamaican dancehall artist [[Shabba Ranks]] in 1991.<ref>[http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1070514&style=music Shabba Ranks - "Dem Bow" Sample - Disc 1, Track 7]</ref> The song and beat achieved greater popularity among Spanish-speaking Latin Americans when Panamanian artist [[El General]] released the song "Son Bow" in 1991, a Spanish language cover of "Dem Bow" using the same musical track.<ref>[http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=6031659&style=music El General - Son Bow Sample - Track 12]</ref>. It should be pointed out that neither Shabba or El General sang reggaeton as neither the genre nor its title were as yet formed. Additionally "Dem Bow" was just a single song in Shabba's catalog, with Ranks not singing another significant song using the "Dem Bow" beat. However the influence of the original Bobby Digital beat is undeniable, and modern Reggaeton often still reflects the original instrumentation, as well as the original rhythmic structure. |
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The slowest section of the electrified NEC is the portion owned by [[Metro-North Railroad]] and the [[Connecticut Department of Transportation]] between [[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]] and [[New Rochelle, New York|New Rochelle]]. Trains here are limited to only 90 mph (145 km/h) on a four mile (6 km) stretch in New York State, and to 75 mph (121 km/h) between the New York state line and New Haven. Additionally, tilting is not allowed anywhere on Metro-North or ConnDOT (Connecticut Dept. of Transportation) property. At maximum 4.2° tilt,<ref name=tilt>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/travel/features/acelaflash.htm|title=All Aboard Amtrak's Acela|date=Click on "Continue", then on "Staying Steady"|publisher=Washington Post (2000)|accessdate=2008-09-30}}</ref> the Acela Express trainset would pass other trains on parallel tracks only 10 inches (25 cm) away, which is too close for [[FRA]]-mandated clearances. ConnDOT has a number of projects either planned or underway that will upgrade the catenary system, replace outdated bridges, and straighten certain sections of the New Haven Line to eventually enable the Acela trains to run at their 150 mph (240 km/h) top speed. |
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Reggaeton's popularity in the U.S. may also owe some credit to popular [[Latin Rap]] artists such as [[Mellow Man Ace]] (who produced "Mentirosa", the first platinum single by a Latin rapper, in 1989) or even Gerardo with his Latin hip-hop hit "[[Rico Suave]]", a top 40 in the U.S. in 1991. |
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The scheduled transit time for the 5:00 a.m. departure from Washington, D.C. (the quickest stopping pattern) to Boston's South Station on Acela Express service is roughly 6 hours 36 minutes. Allowing for the fifteen minute scheduled layover in New York City, the average speed is 72 mph (116 km/h) for the 456 mi (734 km) trip. For the 225 mi (362 km) journey between Washington, D.C. and New York's Penn Station, the transit time is 2 hours 48 minutes, an average speed of 80 mph (129 km/h). |
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===Rise to popularity=== |
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The name ''reggaeton'' only gained prominence in the mid-1990s (from the 1994 to 1995 period), with the Dem Bow beat characterizing the genre; this is in contrast to the more reggae, dancehall and hip hop-derived tracks previously created. The name was created in Puerto Rico to signify the hybrid sound, and distinguish it from the previous ''Spanish reggae'', created from the years of mixing the different genres.<ref name="phoenix"/> Today, the music flourishes throughout Latin America. |
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Beginning on July 9, 2007 Amtrak introduced two limited-stop trains. Train 2105 leaves New York Penn Station at 6:50 AM, makes only one stop in Philadelphia, and arrives in Washington at 9:25 AM. Northbound, train 2120 departs Washington at 3:55 PM, stops in Philadelphia, and arrives in New York at 6:30 PM. This shortens the trip between the two cities to just 2 hours and 35 minutes, making the trip roughly an hour faster than some of the [[Regional]] train services. The new train is an experiment on Amtrak's part to find ways to expedite travel time on the Acela trains despite the speed restrictions on certain parts of the line. |
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Reggaeton soon increased in popularity with Latino youth in the United States when [[DJ Blass]] worked with artists such as [[Plan B (duo)|Plan B]] and Speedy in albums such as ''Reggaeton Sex''. |
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Amtrak has since dropped these two limited-stop trains. In the Amtrack Northeast Corridor 1 train schedule effective August 4, 2008; trains 2105 and 2120 are not listed.<ref name="Amtrack Northeast Corridor 1 train schedule effective August 4, 2008">{{cite web| publisher=[[Amtrak]]| date=2008-08-04| url=http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/aug08/W02.pdf| format=PDF| title=Northeast Corridor timetable| accessdate=2008-08-08| }}</ref> |
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Reggaeton expanded and became known when other producers followed the steps of [[DJ Playero]], like [[DJ Nelson]] and [[DJ Eric]]. In the early 90s albums like [[DJ Playero]]'s ''Playero 37'' (in which [[Daddy Yankee]] became known) and [[The Noise: Underground]], ''The Noise 5'' and ''The Noise 6'' were very popular in Puerto Rico and the [[Dominican Republic]]. Singers like [[Don Chezina]], [[Master Joe & O.G. Black]], [[Baby Rasta & Gringo]], and [[Lito & Polaco]] among others were very popular. |
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==Train design== |
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Many now popular producers, such as [[Luny Tunes]], [[Noriega (producer)|Noriega]] and [[Eliel (producer)|Eliel]], first appeared in the reggaetón scene in 2003. Albums such as ''[[Mas Flow 1|Mas Flow]]'', ''[[The Last Don (album)|The Last Don]]'', and ''Las Gargolas 4'' expanded reggaeton's popularity among Latinos in the United States. |
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[[Image:Acela overhead view.jpg|thumb|Overhead view of the power car]] |
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Although the design of the trains, with identical 6,000 horsepower (4,474 kW) [[High Speed Electric Locomotive|power cars]] at each end which operate on a voltage of 11,000 volts [[alternating current|AC]], and either 25 or 60 [[Hertz]] (cycles per second) frequency, resemble France's [[TGV]], the only components directly derived from the TGV are the 4 asynchronous AC traction electric motors (per power car). The tilting carriages are based upon Bombardier's earlier [[LRC (train)|LRC]] trains rather than the TGV's articulated trailers, and the locomotives and passenger cars are much heavier than those of the TGV in order to meet the United States [[Federal_Railroad_Administration|Federal Railroad Administration]]'s different approach to rail crash standards. The Tier II crash standards, adopted in 1999, have also resulted in the passenger cars being designed without steps and trapdoors, which means that the trainsets can only serve stations with high-level platforms — this currently restricts them to lines with high-level platforms such as the Northeast Corridor. Bombardier have since used the Acela Express's carriage design and a non-electric variant of the power car for their experimental [[JetTrain]]. |
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====2004: the cross-over year==== |
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2004 was the year that reggaeton gained widespread popularity in the United States and non-Hispanic Europe. [[Tego Calderon]] was already getting some airplay in the U.S. and it was very popular in the youth market. Daddy Yankee's "El Cangri.com" became popular that year in the U.S., as did Hector Y Tito. Luny Tunes y Noriega's Mas Flow was well received and Kilates, La Mision, Yaga y Mackie with Sonando Diferente, Tego Calderon with El Abayarde, Los Homerunes De Yankee, Desafio, Motivando a Yal By Zion y Lennox, La Conspiracion, and others were popular as well. Then in July 16 ,2004, [[Daddy Yankee]] came out with his album "[[Barrio Fino]]" and his hit single "[[La Gasolina|Gasolina]]." [[Tego Calderon]] also increased the reggaeon genre with singles like Pa Que Retozen and Guasa Guasa. Another important artist who contributed to reggaeton's increasing popularity, especially in Europe, is [[Don Omar]], with singles like "Pobre Diabla" and "Dale Don Dale."<ref>[http://ocio.ya.com/musica/2005/01/254555.html El Reggaeton<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Other very popular reggaetón artists include [[Alexis & Fido]], [[Angel & Khriz]], [[Nina Sky]], [[Nicky Jam]], [[Zion & Lennox]], [[RKM & Ken-Y]], [[Voltio]], [[Calle 13 (band)|Calle 13]], [[Héctor "El Father"]], [[Ivy Queen]], [[Wisin & Yandel]], and [[Tito "El Bambino"]]. |
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==Outages and incidents== |
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====2006: Topping the Latin charts==== |
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[[Image:High-speed train warning sign at Kingston, RI, train station.jpg|thumb|right|Warning sign at [[Kingston Railroad Station (Rhode Island)|Kingston Station]] in Rhode Island, a two-track station in the middle of one of the Acela's {{convert|150|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} zones]] |
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Don Omar's May 2006 album, ''King of Kings'', became history's highest ranking reggaeton LP in the top 10 US charts, with its debut at #1 on the Latin sales charts and the #1 spot on the [[Billboard charts|''Billboard'']] Latin Rhythm Radio Chart with the single "Angelito."<ref name="LR">[http://www.latinrapper.com/reggaeton.html Reggaeton Music News - "Don Omar On Top of Charts with 'King of Kings' Debut"]</ref> King of Kings also peaked at #7 in the Billboards top 200 albums. Don Omar was also able to beat the in-store appearance sales record at Downtown Disney's Virgin music store previously set by pop star [[Britney Spears]], further demonstrating reggaeton's massive rise to popularity in the United States. |
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In August 2002, shortly after their introduction, ''Acela Express'' trainsets were briefly removed from service when the brackets that connected truck ([[bogie]]) dampers (shocks) to the powerunit carbodies ("yaw dampers") were found to be cracking. The trains were returned to service when a program of frequent inspections was instituted. The damper brackets have since been redesigned and the old brackets replaced with the newer design. |
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==Musical characteristics== |
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===Reggaeton beat=== |
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Reggaeton's most notably unique feature is a driving drum-machine track which was derived from a popular Jamaican dancehall rhythm. As stated previously this beat is called "Dem Bow," from the Bobby Dixon-produced [[Shabba Ranks]] song of the same title. The beat that can be heard throughout Reggaeton is an interplay of a steady kick drum and a syncopated snare. The kick drum emphasizes a 4/4 beat, while the snare comes on the "and" of the 3rd 8th note and right on the 4th 8th note (or, counting four 16th notes per bass note, on the 4th and 7th 16th notes, in a repeating two-bar pattern). This makes the powerful "boom-ch-boom-chick" sound. It is also typically 95 beats per minute. |
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Many of the sounds found in a typical reggaeton beat are electronically synthesized. Simple melodies may be produced with keyboards, electric guitars, and other electronic instruments. Other forms of electronic dance music have significantly influenced reggaeton beats, such as [[techno (music)|techno]], [[house (music)|house]], and genres such as the merengue hip hop (also called [[merenhouse]]) of groups such as [[Proyecto Uno]] and [[Zona 7]]. |
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On April 15, 2005, ''Acela Express'' trains were again removed from service when cracks were found in the [[disc brake]]s of most of the passenger coaches. The [[Bombardier]]-[[Alstom]] consortium replaced the discs under warranty. Limited service resumed in July 2005, as a portion of the fleet operated with new brake discs. ''[[Metroliner]]'' trains, which the ''Acela Express'' was intended to replace, filled in during the outage. Amtrak announced on September 21, 2005 that all 20 trainsets had been returned to full operation. |
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Reggaeton beats are highly versatile. The great variety and flexibility of reggaeton beats can be illustrated by [[Luny Tunes]]' CD ''[[The Kings of the Beats]]'', which is a collection of purely instrumental beats. Reggaeton beats can be based on [[merengue music|merengue]], [[bachata]], [[bolero]], [[Salsa music|salsa]] and [[hip-hop music|hip-hop]] beats. Other subgenres of reggaeton include [[Romantikeo]], [[Bachateo]] and [[Salsaton]]. |
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Shortly afterwards, on September 28, 2005 an Acela travelling from [[Boston, Massachusetts]] to [[Washington, D.C.]] became the first Acela train involved in a collision at a [[grade crossing]] when it struck a car <ref name="High-Tech Gates Fail to Avert Car-Train Crash">{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/30/nyregion/30acela.html?_r=1&oref=slogin| author=McGeehan, Patrick, and Wald, Matthew L.| date=[[2005-09-30]]| title=High-Tech Gates Fail to Avert Car-Train Crash| work=[[New York Times]]| accessdate=2008-09-02| }}</ref> at Miner Lane in [[Waterford, Connecticut]], one of the few remaining grade crossings on the [[Northeast Corridor]] (and one of the few on high-speed rail systems anywhere in the world). The train was approaching the crossing at approximately 70 mph (113 km/h) when the car reportedly drifted under the crossing gate arms at a low speed and was struck by the train and dragged 1,000 feet (305 m). The driver, a 62-year-old woman, and her 8-year-old grandson, were killed instantly. A 4-year-old girl survived and was airlifted to a hospital where she died nine days later. The incident drew much criticism from the public about the remaining eleven grade crossings along [[Amtrak]]'s busy Northeast Corridor, despite the fact the gates were later inspected and declared to have been functioning properly at the time of the incident.<ref name="Family sues over fatal car crash on railroad tracks">{{cite news| work=[[Boston Globe]]| date=[[2006-12-27]]| url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2006/12/27/family_sues_over_fatal_car_crash_on_railroad_tracks/| accessdate=2007-05-22| title=Family sues over fatal car crash on railroad tracks| author=Associated Press| }}</ref><ref name="Amtrak train, car collide, killing two">{{cite news| work=[[WTNH]]| date=[[2005-09-28]]| url=http://www.wtnh.com/global/story.asp?s=3908855&ClientType=Printable| title=Amtrak train, car collide, killing two| accessdate=2007-05-22| }}</ref><ref name="Investigators Seek Answers In Fatal Crash That Killed Two; Cause of Waterford car-train accident may never be known">{{cite news| work=[[The Day]]| date=[[2005-09-30]]| url=http://www.axthetax.org/commuter-rail/_12.html| title=Investigators Seek Answers In Fatal Crash That Killed Two; Cause of Waterford car-train accident may never be known| accessdate=2007-05-22| }}</ref> |
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===Reggaeton and hip-hop=== |
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{{Original research|date=September 2007}} |
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Reggaeton bears many resemblances to [[hip-hop music|hip-hop]]. The most notable resemblance to hip-hop is that reggaeton, in most cases, is [[rapping|rap]]ped instead of being sung. Reggaeton also has hooks throughout a song that may include a chorus of singers. Reggaeton artists also adopt pseudonyms comparable to those of hip-hop artists. Overall, reggaeton and hip-hop are both thought of as street-styled music popular among urban youth. Reggaeton also features "beef"-like rivalries similar to those found in hip-hop called "[[tiraera]]" (literally "throwing" in Puerto Rican Spanish). |
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The Acela Express between New York and Boston was taken offline between June 16 and 19, 2008. Amtrak was replacing the drawbridge span of the 90-year-old [[Thames River Bridge (Amtrak)|Thames River Bridge]] with a new vertical lift span to improve the reliability of the bridge, reduce the chance of operational failures, and minimize train delays.<ref>{{cite press release| publisher=Amtrak| url=http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/News_Release_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1178294166689| title=Thames River Bridge to be Closed to Rail Traffic June 14-17 for Replacement of 90-Year-Old Vertical Lift Span| date=2008-05-28| accessdate=2008-09-03| }}</ref> The outage was delayed two days by complications with the removal of the old bridge counterweight.<!-- [http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=e68454c8-7184-4e05-9d45-8b9828a3f4b5] link requires a paid login --> |
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Despite the similarities, reggaeton only roughly fits into the Latin hip-hop category but is not synonymous with hip-hop. True Latin hip-hop has beats that almost exactly resemble mainstream hip-hop beats. These "hardcore" Latin hip-hop artists include [[Big Pun]], [[Fat Joe]], [[Akwid]], and [[Jae-P]]. Reggaeton, though, has rap-styled lyrics but has a very different beat that is influenced not by hip-hop, but by [[reggae]], [[dancehall]], [[merengue music|merengue]] and [[techno]]. Although reggaeton has been influenced by hip-hop, it has also borrowed features from many other genres as well and is not considered to be Latin hip-hop. |
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On August 20th, 2008, the ''Acela Express'' northbound train 2150 struck and fatally injured an Amtrak employee. The incident occurred at approximately 5:08 AM between the [[New Carrollton, MD]] and [[Seabrook, MD]] [[MARC_Train#Penn|MARC Penn Line]] stops in suburban Washington, DC. Service on all trains was suspended for several hours. The employee was airlifted to an area hospital before being pronounced dead.<ref name="Amtrak worker dies after being struck by Acela train">{{cite news| title=Amtrak worker dies after being struck by Acela train| date=[[2008-08-20]]| url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/traffic/bal-marc0820,0,5946386.story| work=Baltimore Sun| accessdate=2008-08-20| }}</ref> |
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Reggaeton and hip-hop are often remixed together, and reggaeton songs and live concerts may feature hip-hop artists such as [[Lil Jon]], [[50 Cent]], and [[Eminem]]. Hip-hop songs such as [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]]'s ''Yeah'' and [[Snoop Dogg]]'s ''Drop It Like It's Hot'' have been remixed by replacing the original beat with a reggaeton beat. In other remixes, reggaeton DJs may rap out an English song in Spanish. |
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==Attributes and amenities== |
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As Reggaeton has gained popularity, there is a new trend of Hip-Hop and Reggaeton artists collaborating on songs. [[Snoop Dogg]] was featured on [[Daddy Yankee]]'s Gangsta Zone in his album [[Barrio Fino En Directo]] ; as was [[Paul Wall]] on remix to Yankee's earlier hit song entitled "Machete." The remix of Daddy Yankee's song [[Rompe]] featured [[Lloyd Banks]] and [[Young Buck]] of G-Unit. And Yankee's first U.S. hit [[Gasolina]] was remixed, adding Miami rapper [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]], and Crunk music producer [[Lil Jon]] to the track. [[Sean Paul]] collaborated with him on the song 'Oh Man' on his most recent album, The Trinity. Hip hop producer [[Pharrell]] produced and sang on the track 'Mamacita' with Daddy Yankee as well. American rapper [[Juelz Santana]] was featured on [[Don Omar]]'s song Conteo on Omar's album King of Kings which was featured in the movie [[The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift]]. [[Luny Tunes]] produced the [[R.Kelly]] song '[[Burn It Up]]' with [[Wisin & Yandel]] on his album TP3 Reloaded as well as producing the remix to [[Paris Hilton]]'s song [[Stars are Blind]] again featuring Wisin & Yandel, which has sold over 300,000 songs on [[iTunes]]. Popular Reggaeton producer [[Héctor "El Father"]] produced the hit song 'Here We Go Yo' with [[Jay-Z]], whom he collaborated with to produce his most recent album "Los Rompe Discotekas" (The Club Bangers) which came out in early summer 2006. Reggaeton artist [[Voltio]] raps alongside with R&B group [[Jagged Edge (band)|Jagged Edge]] on the song 'So Amazing'. The song 'Wanna Ride' was recited and sung by distinguished Reggaeton artists [[Wisin & Yandel]] together with veteran rap group [[Bone Thugs-N-Harmony]], and which was featured in the movie [[Take the Lead]] starring [[Antonio Banderas]]. A remix of the song 'Rakata' by Wisin & Yandel features rapper [[Ja Rule]]. The official "Chosen Few" remix to the song "Hello Mama" by Hector "El Father" features American rapper [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]]. Both genres are accepting influences from each other today as these musical blends also signify a cultural blending pot in today's urban scene. |
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The trainset consists of two power cars, a cafe car, a first class car, and four business class cars, semi-permanently coupled together. The Acela Express has newer, more comfortable seats than regional service counterparts. The first class car has 44 wider, more comfortable seats than the 260 business class seats. Business class cars have 4 seats across (2 seats across on each side) and four-seat tables. First class has 3 seats across (1 on one side, 2 on the other side). The car directly behind First Class is designated as a Quiet Car where mobile phone conversations and loud talking are not allowed. |
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Automatic sliding doors provide access between cars throughout the length of the train and reduce noise. Baggage may be stowed in overhead compartments that resemble those in airliners, as well as underneath the rider's seat. Reservations guarantee seating but seats are not assigned and are first-come, first-served. All Acela trains are [[accessible]]. |
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===Lyrics and themes=== |
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Reggaeton lyrical structure resembles hip-hop lyrics. Like hip-hop, most reggaeton artists recite their lyrics rap-fashion rather than sing it melodically, although earlier reggaeton songs were toasted in which some are today. Unlike hip-hop music, however, a significant percent of reggaeton artists are also singers, may blend rapping and singing, and may also have a "street" image, similar to [[Akon]]. Like hip-hop music, reggaeton songs have hooks that are repeated throughout the song. |
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First Class on the Acela Express is the only train in the Amtrak system that features meals served to you at your seat, and hot towels. The First class car on the Acela Express also contains meeting tables and an attendant who is always on the car. |
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Reggaeton started as a genre composed of mostly male artists, with a slowly increasing number of female artists debuting over the years. Notable female reggaetón artists include [[Ivy Queen]], [[Mey Vidal]], [[Adassa]], and [[Glory (singer)|Glory]]. |
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<gallery> |
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Reggaeton lyrical themes are versatile. Typical themes may include dancing, love stories, partying, short anecdotes of the rapper's life, and problems in life. Popular reggaeton songs are mainly intended to be danceable, rhythmic, party-like songs for young people. Reggaeton may or may not be objectionable depending on the artists, song, and the listener's interpretation, as one reggaeton song may have many interpretations because a song's meaning may not be very clear and direct; Many of the songs are highly [[subliminal]]. For example, the song ''[[Gasolina]]'' is often considered appropriate for children and has made it into the [[Reggaeton Niños]] series.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} However, because of the various possible connotations and literal interpretations of the song, some people criticize ''Gasolina'' as having possibly inappropriate sexual content. |
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Image:Acela First.jpg|''Acela Express'' First Class car 3219. |
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Image:Acela pair Boston South snow.jpg|Pair of trains at [[South Station]] Boston. |
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Image:Acela First Class.jpg|First class saloon. |
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Image:Business class on the Alcea.jpg|Business class saloon. |
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</gallery> |
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==Labor== |
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Latino ethnic identity has been a common theme in reggaeton, articulated musically, lyrically, and visually. |
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The Acela Express has the most on-board crew members on the NEC. The Acela crew consists of a conductor, assistant conductor, cafe attendant, two first class attendants and an engineer. Regional trains only have a head conductor, one or two assistants, a cafe attendant and an engineer. The Acela changes conductors at New York. This has made some New York conductors work from New York to Boston and some Boston conductors work from Boston to New York. Also it has made Washington, DC crews work from Washington to New York. Before Acela, trains always switched crews at New Haven and Philadelphia. |
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==Station stops== |
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Usually, reggaeton CDs are not labeled "[[Parental Advisory|explicit]]" like many hip-hop CDs are. One exception is that [[Daddy Yankee]]'s ''[[Barrio Fino en Directo]]'' (''Barrio Fino Live'') was labeled explicit for objectionable content in the live concerts (and for explicit language by [[Snoop Dogg]] in the song "Gangsta Zone"), even though the regular studio version of ''[[Barrio Fino]]'' was not labeled explicit. Some reggaeton artists, such as Alexis & Fido, are able to circumvent radio and television censorship by using sexual innuendo and lyrics with [[double meaning]]s in their music. |
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Some songs have also raised concerns about women's depiction on their lyrics <ref>[http://www.gobcan.es/icmujer/011obs_2005.htm - "Denuciation to Instituto Canario de la Mujer"]</ref> |
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{|class="wikitable" |
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==Reggaeton across the world== |
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!State |
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===Latin America=== |
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!Town/City |
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Reggaeton is very popular in Latin American countries such as [[Panama]] (where the music originated), [[Dominican Republic]], [[Cuba]], [[Venezuela]] and [[Colombia]]. Reggaeton has become staple music in many parties and events, complementing the common mix of merengue, salsa and electronic music, and has paved a huge fan base. In some countries such as [[Peru]] with MC Francia, Los TNT and Mr. Fresh, Venezuela with Doble Impakto, [[Honduras]] with DJ Sy and [[El Salvador]] with [[Pescozada]] and Heavy Clan, domestic "reggaetoneros" have arisen, expanding the Pan-Latin feel of the genre. |
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!Station |
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!Connections |
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|- |
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|rowspan=3|[[Massachusetts]]||rowspan=2|[[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]]||[[South Station]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Lake Shore Limited]], [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]]<br>'''[[MBTA Commuter Rail]]:''' [[Fairmount Line]], [[Boston and Albany Railroad|Framingham/Worcester Line]], [[Franklin Line]], [[Needham Line]], [[Old Colony Lines (MBTA)|Old Colony Lines]], [[Providence/Stoughton Line]]<br>'''[[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority|MBTA Bus Lines]]:''' 4, 6, 7, 11, 448, 449, 459<br>'''[[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority|MBTA Subway Lines]]:''' [[Red Line (MBTA)|Red Line]], [[Silver Line (MBTA)|Silver Line (Waterfront)]] |
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|- |
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|[[Back Bay (MBTA station)|Back Bay]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Lake Shore Limited]], [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]]<br>'''[[MBTA Commuter Rail]]:''' [[Boston and Albany Railroad|Framingham/Worcester Line]], [[Franklin Line]], [[Needham Line]], [[Providence/Stoughton Line]]<br>'''[[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority|MBTA Bus Lines]]:''' 10, 39, 170<br>'''[[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority|MBTA Subway Lines]]:''' [[Orange Line (MBTA)|Orange Line]] |
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|- |
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|[[Westwood, Massachusetts|Westwood]]||[[Route 128 (MBTA station)|Route 128]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]]<br>'''[[MBTA Commuter Rail]]:''' [[Providence/Stoughton Line]] |
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|- |
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|[[Rhode Island]]||[[Providence, Rhode Island|Providence]]||[[Providence (Amtrak station)|Providence]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]]<br>'''[[MBTA Commuter Rail]]:''' [[Providence/Stoughton Line]] |
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|- |
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|rowspan=3|[[Connecticut]]||[[New London, Connecticut|New London (limited service)]]||[[New London (Amtrak station)|New London]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]]<br>'''[[Connecticut Department of Transportation|ConnDOT]]:''' [[Shore Line East]] |
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|- |
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|[[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]]||[[Union Station (New Haven)|New Haven-Union Station]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]], [[Vermonter]]<br>'''[[Connecticut Department of Transportation|ConnDOT]]:''' [[Shore Line East]]<br>'''[[Connecticut Transit New Haven|CT Transit New Haven]]:''' J, Commuter Connection Downtown and Sargent Drive, Temple Street Garage Shuttle<br>'''[[Metro-North Railroad]]:''' [[New Haven Line]] |
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|- |
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|[[Stamford, Connecticut|Stamford]]||{{njt-sta|Stamford|type=MNRR}}||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]], [[Vermonter]]<br>'''[[Connecticut Department of Transportation|ConnDOT]]:''' [[Shore Line East]]<br>'''[[Connecticut Transit Stamford|CT Transit Stamford]]:''' 11, 13, 14, 21, 22, 24, 31, 32, 33, 34, 41, 42, 43, 44, Commuter Connection Central, Commuter Connection-North, Commuter Connection Route 1 - East, Commuter Connection Bulls Head, I-Bus<br>'''[[Metro-North Railroad]]:''' [[New Haven Line]] |
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|- |
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|[[New York]]||[[New York City]]||[[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)|Penn Station]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Adirondack (Amtrak)|Adirondack]], [[Cardinal and Hoosier State|Cardinal]], [[Carolinian and Piedmont|Carolinian]], [[Crescent (Amtrak)|Crescent]], [[Empire Service (Amtrak)|Empire Service]], [[Ethan Allen Express]], [[Keystone Service]], [[Lake Shore Limited]], [[Maple Leaf (Amtrak/VIA)|Maple Leaf]], [[Palmetto (Amtrak)|Palmetto]], [[Pennsylvanian (Amtrak)|Pennsylvanian]], [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]], [[Silver Meteor]], [[Silver Star (Amtrak)|Silver Star]], [[Vermonter]]<br>'''[[Long Island Rail Road|LIRR]]:''' [[Main Line (Long Island Rail Road)|Main Line]], [[Port Washington Branch]], [[Atlantic Branch (LIRR)|Atlantic Branch]], [[Montauk Branch (LIRR)|Montauk Branch]]<br>'''[[New Jersey Transit|NJ Transit]]:''' [[North Jersey Coast Line]], [[Northeast Corridor Line]], [[Gladstone Branch]], [[Montclair-Boonton Line]], [[Morristown Line]]<br>'''[[New York City Subway|NYC Subway]]:''' [[1 (New York City Subway service)|1]], [[2 (New York City Subway service)|2]], [[3 (New York City Subway service)|3]], [[A (New York City Subway service)|A]], [[C (New York City Subway service)|C]], [[E (New York City Subway service)|E]]<br>'''[[New York City Transit buses|NYC Transit buses]]:''' M10, M16, M20, M34, Q32 |
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|- |
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|rowspan=3|[[New Jersey]]||[[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]]||[[Pennsylvania Station (Newark)|Newark Penn Station]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Cardinal and Hoosier State|Cardinal]], [[Carolinian and Piedmont|Carolinian]], [[Crescent (Amtrak)|Crsecent]], [[Keystone Service]], [[Pennsylvanian (Amtrak)|Pennsylvanian]], [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]], [[Silver Meteor]], [[Silver Star (Amtrak)|Silver Star]], [[Vermonter]]<br>'''[[New Jersey Transit|NJ Transit]]:''' [[Newark Light Rail#Newark City Subway|Newark City Subway]], [[Newark Light Rail#Newark Light Rail|Newark Light Rail]], [[North Jersey Coast Line]], [[Northeast Corridor Line]], [[Raritan Valley Line]], 5, 21, 62, 67, 70, 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, 78, 79, 308, 978<br>'''[[Port Authority Trans-Hudson|PATH]]:''' [[Newark-World Trade Center (PATH service)|NWK-WTC]] |
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|- |
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|[[Woodbridge Township, New Jersey|Iselin]]||{{njt-sta|Metropark}}||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Keystone Service]], [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]], [[Vermonter]]<br>'''[[New Jersey Transit|NJ Transit]]:''' [[Northeast Corridor Line]]M 801, 802, 803, 804, 805 |
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|- |
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|[[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]]||[[Trenton Rail Station (New Jersey)|Trenton Rail Station]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Cardinal and Hoosier State|Cardinal]], [[Carolinian and Piedmont|Carolinian]], [[Crescent (Amtrak)|Crescent]], [[Keystone Service]], [[Pennsylvanian (Amtrak)|Pennsylvanian]], [[Silver Star (Amtrak)|Silver Star]], [[Silver Meteor]], [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]], [[Vermonter]]<br>'''[[New Jersey Transit|NJ Transit]]:''' [[Northeast Corridor Line]], [[River Line (New Jersey Transit)|River Line]], 409, 600, 604<br>'''[[SEPTA Regional Rail]]:''' [[R7 (SEPTA)|R7]] |
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|- |
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|[[Pennsylvania]]||[[Philadelphia]]||[[30th Street Station]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Cardinal and Hoosier State|Cardinal]], [[Carolinian and Piedmont|Carolinian]], [[Crescent (Amtrak)|Crescent]], [[Keystone Service]], [[Palmetto (Amtrak)|Palmetto]], [[Pennsylvanian (Amtrak)|Pennsylvanian]], [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]], [[Silver Meteor]], [[Silver Star (Amtrak)|Silver Star]], [[Vermonter]]<br>'''[[New Jersey Transit|NJ Transit]]:''' [[Atlantic City Line]]<br>'''[[SEPTA City Transit Division surface routes|SEPTA City Transit Division]]:''' [[Market-Frankford Line]], [[SEPTA Subway-Surface Trolley Lines|Route 10]], [[SEPTA Subway-Surface Trolley Lines|Route 11]], [[SEPTA Subway-Surface Trolley Lines|Route 13]], [[SEPTA Subway-Surface Trolley Lines|Route 34]], [[SEPTA Subway-Surface Trolley Lines|Route 36]], 9, 30, 31, 44, 62, 121, 124, 125, 316<br>'''[[SEPTA Regional Rail]]:''' [[R1 (SEPTA)|R1]], [[R2 (SEPTA)|R2]], [[R3 (SEPTA)|R3]], [[R5 (SEPTA)|R5]], [[R6 (SEPTA)|R6]], [[R7 (SEPTA)|R7]], [[R8 (SEPTA)|R8]] |
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|- |
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|[[Delaware]]||[[Wilmington, Delaware|Wilmington]]||[[Wilmington Station (Delaware)|Wilmington Station]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Cardinal and Hoosier State|Cardinal]], [[Carolinian and Piedmont|Carolinian]], [[Crescent (Amtrak)|Crescent]], [[Palmetto (Amtrak)|Palmetto]], [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]], [[Silver Meteor]], [[Silver Star (Amtrak)|Silver Star]], [[Vermonter]]<br>'''[[DART First State]]:''' 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 20, 21, 28, 32, 301<br>'''[[SEPTA Regional Rail]]:''' [[R2 (SEPTA)|R2]] |
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|- |
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|rowspan=2|[[Maryland]]||rowspan=2|[[Baltimore, Maryland|Baltimore]]||[[Pennsylvania Station (Baltimore)|Baltimore Penn Station]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Cardinal and Hoosier State|Cardinal]], [[Carolinian and Piedmont|Carolinian]], [[Crescent (Amtrak)|Crescent]], [[Palmetto (Amtrak)|Palmetto]], [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]], [[Silver Meteor]], [[Silver Star (Amtrak)|Silver Star]], [[Vermonter]]<br>'''[[MARC Train]]:''' [[MARC Train#Penn Line|Penn Line]]<br>'''[[Maryland Transit Administration|MTA Maryland]]:''' [[Light Rail (Baltimore)|Light Rail]], 3, 11, 61, 64 |
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|- |
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|[[BWI Rail Station]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]], [[Vermonter]]<br>'''[[MARC Train]]:''' [[MARC Train#Penn Line|Penn Line]]<br>'''[[Maryland Transit Administration|MTA Maryland]]:''' 17 |
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|- |
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|[[District of Columbia]]||[[Washington, D.C.|Washington]]||[[Union Station (Washington, D.C.)|Washington Union Station]]||'''[[Amtrak]]:''' [[Capitol Limited (Amtrak)|Capitol Limited]], [[Cardinal and Hoosier State|Cardinal]], [[Carolinian and Piedmont|Carolinian]], [[Crescent (Amtrak)|Crescent]], [[Palmetto (Amtrak)|Palmetto]], [[Northeast Regional (Amtrak)|Northeast Regional]], [[Silver Meteor]], [[Silver Star (Amtrak)|Silver Star]], [[Vermonter]], [[Thruway Motorcoach]] to [[Charlottesville, Virginia|Charlottesville]], [[Virginia]]<br>'''[[MARC Train]]:''' [[MARC Train#Brunswick Line|Brunswick Line]], [[MARC Train#Camden Line|Camden Line]], [[MARC Train#Penn Line|Penn Line]]<br>'''[[Washington Metro|Metro]]:''' [[Red Line (Washington Metro)|Red Line]]<br>'''[[Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|Metrobus]]:''' Loudoun, OmniRid<br>'''[[Virginia Railway Express|VRE]]:''' [[Virginia Railway Express#Manassas Line|Manassas Line]], [[Virginia Railway Express#Fredericksburg Line|Fredericksburg Line]] |
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|} |
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==Sources== |
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In some Latin American countries such as Cuba, where ideas and language are an integral part of the appreciation of music, there is an alleged critical backlash against the increasing popularity of Reggaeton. This rift supposedly exists often among members of the Cuban Hip Hop community. According to British music lecturer Geoff Baker, many critics claim that the music's lyrics do not explore any subjects past "sex, dancing, and the singer himself, in various combinations." Baker also believes that because Reggaeton has an allegiance to so many Caribbean and Latin American countries, it overshadows distinctly Cuban forms and variations of music, such as Cuban Hip Hop, even though Hip Hop is ultimately an anglo-american musical genre. <ref> Baker, Jeff. 2008. "The Politics of Dancing: Reggaetón and Rap in Havana, Cuba." Royal Holloway, University of London </ref> |
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{{reflist}} |
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{{refbegin}} |
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* Amtrak (April 15, 2005), [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Simple_Copy_Page&cid=1093553993887 Service Alert: ''Acela Express - Amtrak Cancels All Friday and Saturday Acela Express Service Due to Brake Problem'']. Retrieved April 15, 2005. |
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* Hauser, Kristine, New York Times (April 15, 2005), ''[http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/15/national/15cnd-amtr.html?ex=1125720000 Amtrak Suspends Acela Trains After Finding Brake Problems]''. Retrieved April 15, 2005. |
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* Boston Globe/Bloomberg News, (August 27, 2008), [http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/08/27/acela_trains_may_expand_to_meet_demand/ Acela Trains May Expand To Meed Demand] Retrieved September 19, 2008. |
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{{refend}} |
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====Panama==== |
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Spanish Reggae developed as a result of the Jamaican migration to Panama as a result, of the Panama Canal. Eventually, many of these Jamaicans had intentions to go back to Jamaica, but many of them ended up staying there, and eventually assimilated and became part of the culture. Meanwhile, in the 1970s, Panamanians like El General, along with others began taking reggae songs and beats, and singing over them with Spanish lyrics. They would also speed up the reggae beats, and also add Hispanic and Latino elements to them as well. This movement of reggae in Panama, which was extremely popular was called Reggaeespanol, Reggae en Espanol, or simply "Spanish Reggae". The music continued to grow throughout the 1980s. Many stars developed in Panama. El General has been widely regarded as the "Padre Del Reggaeton" or Father of Reggaeton due to his unique sound of Latino rhythm sounds. He also garnered many awards. In the 1990s, El General continued to make hits earning many words, and was revered throughout Latin America. He has received many Latin music awards as well. El General never really got the respect he deserved as many would say. El General stepped down in 2004 from the music industry. Since then, he has decided to give back to help underprivileged Panamanian children. Now, reggaeton industry flourishes in Panama. Artists that have gained recognition include [[La Factoria]], Eddy Lover, [[Flex]], also known as [[Nigga]] and [[Lorna]], among others. Other artists of Reggaeton music and Panama continue to gain recognition and popularity. Many Panamanian Reggaeton artists have collaborated and worked with Puerto Rican reggaeton artists, which demonstrates the feel and connection with reggaeton's two countries of origin and development, being Panama and Puerto Rico. Overall, Panamanians and mainly Puerto Ricans still lead the commercial Reggaeton today. |
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==External links== |
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{{commonscat|Acela Express}} |
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Reggaeton derives from the post-Salsa music youth generation of the 80's and early 90's in Puerto Rico. Before reggaeton exploded in the mid-nineties, young street artists, heavily influenced by [[East Coast hip hop]] and turntablism, rapped over cassette tracks easily acquired within their [[Commonwealth (United States insular area)]] status. Alongside this early hip hop influenced reggae-rap, evolved the Panamanian reggae style which eventually fused into reggaeton. |
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===Video runbys=== |
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This new genre was simply called "underground." It contained very explicit lyrics about drugs, violence, poverty, homophobia, friendship, love, and sex. These common themes, which in many cases depict the troubles of an inner-city life, can still be found in reggaeton today. "Underground" music was recorded in "marquesinas" (or Puerto Rican open garages) and distributed in the streets via cassettes. These marquesinas were crucial to the development of Puerto Rico's underground scene due to the state's "fear of losing the ability to manipulate 'taste'". <ref>{{cite author=Mayra Santos | Centro vol. 8 1&2 | title = Puerto Rican Underground}}</ref> Marquesinas were often in "housing complexes such as Villa Kennedy and Jurutungo." <ref>{{cite author=Mayra Santos | Centro vol. 8 1&2 | title = Puerto Rican Underground}}</ref> Despite being recorded in the projects of Puerto Rico, the majority of the recordings made in marquesinas were of high quality, which helped in increasing their popularity to the Puerto Rican youths of not only the projects but those of the middle and upper class as well. The availability and quality of these cassettes led to the genre's popularity, crossing over socio-economic barriers in the Puerto Rico music scene. The most popular cassettes in the early 1990s were DJ Negro's The Noise I and II, and DJ Playero's #37 and #38. These recordings spread out the genre from the marginalized residential areas into other sectors of society, particularly into private schools. By the mid 90s "underground" cassettes were being sold in commercial music stores. The genre caught up with the middle class youth and inevitably found its way to the media. |
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<!----Do not remove these; they are the uploader's own work and thus a link to YouTube is permitted. See notice at top of WP:EL----> |
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*{{YouTube | id = HbnUefBih4k | title = Amtrak Acela high speed }}: 11-second video of Acela Express going through [[Kingston (Amtrak station)|Kingston Station]] in [[Rhode Island]] at {{convert|135|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. |
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*{{YouTube | id = -SXsBBltrOQ | title = Southbound Acela high speed }}: same station, this time in full daylight with Acela going south |
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===Pages=== |
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By this time Puerto Rico had a few clubs dedicated to the underground scene. Club Rappers in Carolina, and club PlayMakers in Puerto Nuevo were the most notable. [[Robert Dixon (musician)|Bobby "Digital" Dixon]]'s dembow track was exploited in order to appeal in the context of the club. Underground music wasn't intended originally to be club music. |
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*[http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Route/Vertical_Route_Page&cid=1080772074490 Amtrak - ''Acela Express''] |
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*[http://www.trainweb.org/railpix/slide1.html Acela Express Inaugural Run Slide Show November 16, 2000; Stan's RailPix] |
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*[http://www.on-track-on-line.com/amtkrinf-acelaexp.shtml Acela Express Trainset Information by on-track-on-line.com ] |
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*[http://www.travelandleisure.com/invoke.cfm?objectID=CA07F993-C17D-43E4-A432EBF2120ED267 Amtrak accelerates at last] |
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*[http://www.proadvance.com/recent/acela-express.html Event announcing Amtrak's Acela service in 2000] |
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*[http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?locomotive=Bombardier/Alstom%20Acela%20Express%20Trainset Railpictures.net] and [http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locoList.aspx?mid=860 Acela Express Picture Archives] |
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Underground rap music in Puerto Rico faced harsh criticism. In February 1995, there was a government-sponsored campaign against underground music and its cultural influences. Puerto Rican police launched six raids at records stores in San Juan<ref>{{cite web| author=Sara Corbett | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/05/magazine/05reggaeton.html?pagewanted=print | title = The King of Reggaetón | accessdate=2008-01-30}}</ref>, in which hundreds of cassettes were confiscated from record stores and fines were imposed (in accordance with Laws 112 and 117 against obscenity.) <ref> Santos, Mayra. 1996. "Puerto Rican Underground." Centro 8, no. 1 & 2: 219-231. </ref> The Department of Education banned baggy clothing and underground rap music from the school systems. <ref>{{cite web| author=Frances Negrón-Muntaner and Raquel Z. Rivera | url=http://news.nacla.org/2007/12/17/reggaeton-nation/| title= Reggaeton Nation | accessdate=2007-12-17}}</ref> In the following months after the raids, local media demonized rappers, claiming they were "irresponsible corrupters of the public order." <ref> Santos, Mayra. 1996. "Puerto Rican Underground." Centro 8, no. 1 & 2: 219-231. </ref> |
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The Puerto Rican chapter of [[Morality in Media]] asked the local authorities to intervene and ban selling underground music, which subsequently required that all local productions being sold displayed a [[Parental Advisory]] label{{Fact|date=May 2007}}. By 1998 DJ Negro released The Noise 3 with a mock up label that read Non-Explicit Lyrics. The album contained no cursing until the last song. The album was a hit and underground music further crept into the mainstream. Senator Velda González of the [[Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico|Popular Democratic Party]] and the media continued to view the movement as a social nuisance.<ref>{{cite web| author=Hilda Garcia and Gonzalo Salvador | url=http://ecolatino.com/en/stories/120104/new_120104032.shtml| title=Reggaeton: The Emergence of a New Rhythm| accessdate=2007-06-23}}</ref> |
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In the mid 1990's, the Puerto Rican Police and National Guard even went as far as to confiscate reggaeton tapes and CDs in an effort to get the "obscene" lyrics out of the hands of consumers.<ref> John Marino, "Police Seize Recordings, Say Content Is Obscene," San Juan Star, February 3, 1995; Raquel Z. Rivera, "Policing Morality, Mano Dura Style: The Case of Underground Rap and Reggae in Puerto Rico in the Mid-1990s," in Reading Reggaeton. </ref>. Schools also banned hip-hop style clothing and music in an effort to quell the influence of reggaeton in the educational environment. In 2002, Senator Velda González led public hearings in an attempt to regulate the sexual "slackness" of reggaeton's lyrics and the perrero style of dance associated with the genre. While the effort did not seem to negatively effect the general public's opinion about reggaeton, it did reflect the unease of the government and upper social classes with what the music represented. Due to its often sexually charged content and because of its roots in poor, urban communities, many middle and upper class Puerto Ricans found reggaeton to be threatening, "immoral, as well as artistically deficient, a threat to the social order, apolitical, [and] misogynist." <ref>{{cite web| author=Frances Negrón-Muntaner and Raquel Z. Rivera | url=http://news.nacla.org/2007/12/17/reggaeton-nation/| title= Reggaeton Nation | accessdate=2007-12-17}}</ref> |
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Despite earlier controversy, reggaeton slowly began gaining acceptance as an important part of Puerto Rican culture, helped in part by politicians, including Velda González, who used reggaeton in election campaigns to appeal to younger voters, starting in Puerto Rico's 2003 elections. <ref>{{cite web| author=Frances Negrón-Muntaner and Raquel Z. Rivera | url=http://news.nacla.org/2007/12/17/reggaeton-nation/| title= Reggaeton Nation | accessdate=2007-12-17}}</ref> Currently, Puerto Rican mainstream acceptance of reggaeton has grown increasing more visible with reggaeton's appearance in popular culture, including a 2006 [[Pepsi]] commercial featuring [[Daddy Yankee]]. <ref>{{cite web| author=Matt Caputo | url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/article/features/2006/01/2133/| title= Daddy Yankee: The Voice of His People | accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> Other examples of a change in sentiment within the greater population of Puerto Rico can be seen in some religiously and educationally influenced lyrics. "Reggae School" for example is a rap album produced for the sole purpose of teaching math skills to children, reminiscent of [[School House Rock]]. <ref>{{Citation| first= Jorge L. | last= Giovannetti | title= "Popular Music and Culture in Puerto Rico: Jamaican and Rap Music as Cross-Cultural Symbols" Musical Migrations: Transnationalism and Cultural Hybridity in the Americas | editor= Frances R. Aparicio and Cándida F. Jáquez | place= New York | publisher= Palgrave | year= 2003}}</ref> |
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Despite Puerto Rico's struggling economy, reggaeton stars have been able to achieve success not only as global stars but as local entrepreneurs; this has been evidenced in industry labels such as DJ Nelson's Flow Music, Daddy Yankee's El Cartel Records, and Wisín and Yandel's WY Records. Through production models derived from U.S. hip-hop artists and based in grassroots movements, reggaeton has been an artistic vehicle gaining worldwide popularity, a far cry from its previous reputation as an infamous underground product of urban youth. <ref>{{cite web| author=Frances Negrón-Muntaner and Raquel Z. Rivera | url=http://news.nacla.org/2007/12/17/reggaeton-nation/| title=Reggaeton Nation | accessdate=2008-01-31}}</ref> |
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===United States=== |
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With the help of [[N.O.R.E]], a New York-based rapper, and his producing of [[Nina Sky]]'s 2004 hit ''[[Oye Mi Canto]]'', which featured prominent reggaeton artists [[Tego Calderón]] and [[Daddy Yankee]], reggaeton quickly gained popularity in the US<ref>Marshall, Wayne. "The Rise of Reggaeton." [Boston Phoenix], 19 January 2006.</ref>. Soon after, [[Daddy Yankee]] caught the attention of many big names in hip hop with his song ''[[Gasolina]]'', propelling the style across the country<ref>Marshall, Wayne. "The Rise of Reggaeton." [Boston Phoenix], 19 January 2006.</ref>. Also in 2004, [[XM Radio]] launched a channel called [[Fuego (XM)]], which played exclusively Reggaeton music. However, XM Radio removed the channel in December 2007 from home and car receivers, but can still be streamed off the [http://www.xmradio.com XM Satellite Radio Website]. The genre has also provided the foundation and basis for a modern Latin-American commercial radio phenomenon known as [[Hurban]]<ref>Marshall, Wayne. "The Rise of Reggaeton." [Boston Phoenix], 19 January 2006.</ref>, a combination of the terms Hispanic and Urban that is used to evoke the musical influences of hip-hop and Latin-American music. Reggaeton forming from hip-hop and reggae has helped Latin-Americans contribute to the urban American culture while still keeping many aspects of their Hispanic heritage. The music relates to many of the socio-economic issues happening in America including gender and race which highly connects to hip-hop in America today. <ref>Marshall, Wayne. "The Rise of Reggaeton." [Boston Phoenix], 19 January 2006.</ref> |
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Underground clubs, youths in the inner-city ghettos, and huge hip-hop moguls all participated in pushing the genre to the top of the charts.<ref>Marshall, Wayne. "The Rise of Reggaeton." [Boston Phoenix], 19 January 2006.</ref> |
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===Europe=== |
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Reggaeton has not become as popular in [[Europe]] as in [[Latin America]]. However, It has a great appeal to Latin American immigrants, especially in [[Spain]] <ref>[http://www.reggaeton.co.uk/X/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=111&Itemid=37 Reggaeton in Spain]</ref>. A Spanish concept called ''"La Canción del Verano"'' (''The Summer Song''), under which a particular song or two define the mood for the season and are regarded unofficially as such by Spanish media, served as the basis for the appearance popularity of reggaeton songs such as Panamanian rapper [[Lorna (rapper)|Lorna]]'s ''"Papi Chulo (Te Traigo el Mmm) "'' in 2003, and [[Daddy Yankee]]'s ''[[Gasolina]]'' in 2005. Puerto Rican and Panamanian reggaeton artists have toured Spain to give concerts mainly to Latin American people<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/yankee_daddy/artist.jhtml MTV Music Review]</ref>. |
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Reggaeton is also known in [[Italy]], as songs like [[Lorna (rapper)|Lorna]]'s ''"Papi Chulo (Te Traigo el Mmm) " ''and'' ''[[Daddy Yankee]]'s ''[[Gasolina]]'' and "''Lo Que Pasó, Pasó''" made it to the Italian charts. |
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===Asia Pacific=== |
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Reggaeton has grown in popularity around the Asian-Pacific region, primarily in Australia, the Philippines and Japan. It is evidently more popular in countries such as the [[Philippines]] due to it's spanish colonial past, which contributes to the unique [[Chavacano]] Filipino-Spanish Creole used commonly among Reggaeton artists in the islands. Filipino reggateon groups such as ''Dos Fuertes'' have brought the genre into popularity in the Philippines.<ref>[http://www.myspace.com/dosfuertes ''Dos Fuertes Myspace'']</ref><ref>[http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife2_mar28_2007 ''Filipino Reggaeton Party'']</ref> |
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Australia Reggaeton has grown in popularity as well, with numerous groups such as ''San Lazaro''. A lot of Australian Reggaeton influences may also be due to the large multicultural population of the country, many of which are of latin-spanish descent, such as [[Honduran]] J. Castell.<ref>[http://www.thelatinvoice.com/reggaeton.htm ''J.Castell Interview'']</ref> |
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==See also== |
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{{portalpar|Puerto Rico}} |
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*[[List of reggaeton artists]] |
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Revision as of 19:45, 12 October 2008
 | It has been suggested that Acela and Talk:Acela#merge into Acela Express be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since July 2008. |
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Acela Express (often called simply Acela) is the name used by Amtrak for the high-speed tilting train service operating between Washington, D.C. and Boston via Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) in the Northeast United States. The tilting design allows the train to travel at higher speeds on the sharply curved NEC without disturbing passengers, by lowering lateral centrifugal forces,[1] based on the concept of banked turns. Acela Express trains are the only true high-speed trainsets in the United States. The United States is so out-of-date. Get some proper trains instead of those stupid old things you still have. And maybe get some new horns? They sound like a trumpet being crushed to bits and they are annoying. Trains in France, Belgium, Sweden, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, China, Japan, Russia, Finland and Norway beat all American trains by far. This has made the trains very popular, and by some reckoning, Amtrak has captured over half of the market share of travelers between Washington and New York.[2] Outside of stations, Acela runs at speeds between 75 mph (120 km/h) and 150 mph (241 km/h), depending on track conditions. On the average, it is significantly slower than most other high-speed trains elsewhere in the world (e.g. High Speed 1 in the UK, Shinkansen in Japan, TGV in France, ETR 500 in Italy, ICE in Germany, CRH in China, or the AVE in Spain).
Name
The Acela name was announced in 1999, and was originally intended as a rebranding of most of Amtrak's Northeast services, forming three levels - Acela Express, Acela Regional and Acela Commuter.[3] Due to confusion between the lower-speed Acela Regional trains and the Acela Express – as the name is (intentionally) evocative of acceleration – the Acela branding was removed from what is now the Northeast Regional service in 2003. Acela Commuter was rebranded Clocker (a previous name) for similar reasons, also in 2003, [4] and discontinued in 2005.
The need for speed
The dense population of the Northeastern United States makes the Northeast Corridor the most heavily-traveled portion of the American passenger rail system. Two-thirds of rail passengers in the United States live in New York City, also home to the nation's busiest rail passenger station, Penn Station. In order to compete with airliners, Amtrak needed to increase the speed of trains in the region. However, the former Shore Line, from New Haven to Boston, is burdened by sharp turns and grade crossings that prevented regular trains from achieving high speeds. There was little support for building an entirely new railway as had been done for Japan's Shinkansen (AKA: Bullet Train) and France's TGV.
In October 1994, Amtrak requested bids from train manufacturers who could design railroad cars that could negotiate the crowded system at up to 150 miles per hour (241 km/h). A joint project set up by Bombardier (75%) and Alstom (25%) was selected for the project in March 1996. The tilting design was used to compensate for the track's curvature and ensure that passengers would remain comfortable at higher speeds than a conventional train could safely achieve on the same tracks.
High-speed service was originally expected in late 1999, but various problems appeared. The trainsets were four inches (about 10 cm) too wide to fully tilt within FRA-mandated minimum tolerances, and as a result were unable to achieve the speeds originally intended between Washington and New York. The higher speeds are achieved between New York and Boston, however.[5] After a series of delays, the first Acela Express service began on December 11, 2000, a year behind schedule.[6]
With the completion of electrification between New Haven and Boston, all trains on the line have become faster; one can travel between Boston and New York in just over three and a half hours on Acela Express (an improvement of half an hour). New York to Washington runs take two hours and forty-five minutes. These schedules, as well as the relative convenience of rail as opposed to air travel, especially after September 11, 2001, have made the Acela Express more competitive with the Northeast air shuttles.
Operating speeds and limitations
High-speed rail is usually defined as traveling faster than 200 km/h, or about 124 mph. The highest speed attained by Acela Express is 150 mph (241 km/h) on two sections of track in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, which total 18 miles (29 km). There are also many miles of track, especially east of New Haven, that have been upgraded to 110 mph and 125 mph (177 km/h and 201 km/h). South of New York, Acela Express is limited to 135 mph (217 km/h) with many stretches of 125 mph (201 km/h). Although the track is straight enough to allow 150 mph (241 km/h) in several areas here, the overhead catenary support system was constructed during the Great Depression. As such, it does not have the constant-tension features of the new catenary east of New Haven, and it cannot support running speeds over 135 mph (217 km/h) (although in the late 1960s, the Pennsylvania Railroad did run Metroliner test trains as fast as 164 miles per hour (264 km/h) and briefly ran the Metroliner service at speeds reaching 150 miles per hour (240 km/h)).[citation needed]
The slowest section of the electrified NEC is the portion owned by Metro-North Railroad and the Connecticut Department of Transportation between New Haven and New Rochelle. Trains here are limited to only 90 mph (145 km/h) on a four mile (6 km) stretch in New York State, and to 75 mph (121 km/h) between the New York state line and New Haven. Additionally, tilting is not allowed anywhere on Metro-North or ConnDOT (Connecticut Dept. of Transportation) property. At maximum 4.2° tilt,[1] the Acela Express trainset would pass other trains on parallel tracks only 10 inches (25 cm) away, which is too close for FRA-mandated clearances. ConnDOT has a number of projects either planned or underway that will upgrade the catenary system, replace outdated bridges, and straighten certain sections of the New Haven Line to eventually enable the Acela trains to run at their 150 mph (240 km/h) top speed.
The scheduled transit time for the 5:00 a.m. departure from Washington, D.C. (the quickest stopping pattern) to Boston's South Station on Acela Express service is roughly 6 hours 36 minutes. Allowing for the fifteen minute scheduled layover in New York City, the average speed is 72 mph (116 km/h) for the 456 mi (734 km) trip. For the 225 mi (362 km) journey between Washington, D.C. and New York's Penn Station, the transit time is 2 hours 48 minutes, an average speed of 80 mph (129 km/h).
Beginning on July 9, 2007 Amtrak introduced two limited-stop trains. Train 2105 leaves New York Penn Station at 6:50 AM, makes only one stop in Philadelphia, and arrives in Washington at 9:25 AM. Northbound, train 2120 departs Washington at 3:55 PM, stops in Philadelphia, and arrives in New York at 6:30 PM. This shortens the trip between the two cities to just 2 hours and 35 minutes, making the trip roughly an hour faster than some of the Regional train services. The new train is an experiment on Amtrak's part to find ways to expedite travel time on the Acela trains despite the speed restrictions on certain parts of the line.
Amtrak has since dropped these two limited-stop trains. In the Amtrack Northeast Corridor 1 train schedule effective August 4, 2008; trains 2105 and 2120 are not listed.[7]
Train design
Although the design of the trains, with identical 6,000 horsepower (4,474 kW) power cars at each end which operate on a voltage of 11,000 volts AC, and either 25 or 60 Hertz (cycles per second) frequency, resemble France's TGV, the only components directly derived from the TGV are the 4 asynchronous AC traction electric motors (per power car). The tilting carriages are based upon Bombardier's earlier LRC trains rather than the TGV's articulated trailers, and the locomotives and passenger cars are much heavier than those of the TGV in order to meet the United States Federal Railroad Administration's different approach to rail crash standards. The Tier II crash standards, adopted in 1999, have also resulted in the passenger cars being designed without steps and trapdoors, which means that the trainsets can only serve stations with high-level platforms — this currently restricts them to lines with high-level platforms such as the Northeast Corridor. Bombardier have since used the Acela Express's carriage design and a non-electric variant of the power car for their experimental JetTrain.
Outages and incidents
In August 2002, shortly after their introduction, Acela Express trainsets were briefly removed from service when the brackets that connected truck (bogie) dampers (shocks) to the powerunit carbodies ("yaw dampers") were found to be cracking. The trains were returned to service when a program of frequent inspections was instituted. The damper brackets have since been redesigned and the old brackets replaced with the newer design.
On April 15, 2005, Acela Express trains were again removed from service when cracks were found in the disc brakes of most of the passenger coaches. The Bombardier-Alstom consortium replaced the discs under warranty. Limited service resumed in July 2005, as a portion of the fleet operated with new brake discs. Metroliner trains, which the Acela Express was intended to replace, filled in during the outage. Amtrak announced on September 21, 2005 that all 20 trainsets had been returned to full operation.
Shortly afterwards, on September 28, 2005 an Acela travelling from Boston, Massachusetts to Washington, D.C. became the first Acela train involved in a collision at a grade crossing when it struck a car [8] at Miner Lane in Waterford, Connecticut, one of the few remaining grade crossings on the Northeast Corridor (and one of the few on high-speed rail systems anywhere in the world). The train was approaching the crossing at approximately 70 mph (113 km/h) when the car reportedly drifted under the crossing gate arms at a low speed and was struck by the train and dragged 1,000 feet (305 m). The driver, a 62-year-old woman, and her 8-year-old grandson, were killed instantly. A 4-year-old girl survived and was airlifted to a hospital where she died nine days later. The incident drew much criticism from the public about the remaining eleven grade crossings along Amtrak's busy Northeast Corridor, despite the fact the gates were later inspected and declared to have been functioning properly at the time of the incident.[9][10][11]
The Acela Express between New York and Boston was taken offline between June 16 and 19, 2008. Amtrak was replacing the drawbridge span of the 90-year-old Thames River Bridge with a new vertical lift span to improve the reliability of the bridge, reduce the chance of operational failures, and minimize train delays.[12] The outage was delayed two days by complications with the removal of the old bridge counterweight.
On August 20th, 2008, the Acela Express northbound train 2150 struck and fatally injured an Amtrak employee. The incident occurred at approximately 5:08 AM between the New Carrollton, MD and Seabrook, MD MARC Penn Line stops in suburban Washington, DC. Service on all trains was suspended for several hours. The employee was airlifted to an area hospital before being pronounced dead.[13]
Attributes and amenities
The trainset consists of two power cars, a cafe car, a first class car, and four business class cars, semi-permanently coupled together. The Acela Express has newer, more comfortable seats than regional service counterparts. The first class car has 44 wider, more comfortable seats than the 260 business class seats. Business class cars have 4 seats across (2 seats across on each side) and four-seat tables. First class has 3 seats across (1 on one side, 2 on the other side). The car directly behind First Class is designated as a Quiet Car where mobile phone conversations and loud talking are not allowed.
Automatic sliding doors provide access between cars throughout the length of the train and reduce noise. Baggage may be stowed in overhead compartments that resemble those in airliners, as well as underneath the rider's seat. Reservations guarantee seating but seats are not assigned and are first-come, first-served. All Acela trains are accessible.
First Class on the Acela Express is the only train in the Amtrak system that features meals served to you at your seat, and hot towels. The First class car on the Acela Express also contains meeting tables and an attendant who is always on the car.
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Acela Express First Class car 3219.
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Pair of trains at South Station Boston. -
First class saloon. -
Business class saloon.
Labor
The Acela Express has the most on-board crew members on the NEC. The Acela crew consists of a conductor, assistant conductor, cafe attendant, two first class attendants and an engineer. Regional trains only have a head conductor, one or two assistants, a cafe attendant and an engineer. The Acela changes conductors at New York. This has made some New York conductors work from New York to Boston and some Boston conductors work from Boston to New York. Also it has made Washington, DC crews work from Washington to New York. Before Acela, trains always switched crews at New Haven and Philadelphia.
Station stops
Sources
- ^ a b "All Aboard Amtrak's Acela". Washington Post (2000). Click on "Continue", then on "Staying Steady". Retrieved 2008-09-30.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Goldberg, Bruce. "Metroliner's Amazing Rave." Trains June 2006 (53)
- ^ Jay Jochnowitz (1999-03-10). "New Amtrak trains on fast track". Times Union. p. A1.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Laurence Arnold (2003-03-05). "Amtrak will use name 'Acela' to describe high-speed trains only". Associated Press.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Dao, James (2005-04-24). "Acela, Built to Be Rail's Savior, Bedevils Amtrak at Every Turn". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Laurence Arnold (2001-12-11). "Fast train begins service with Washington-Boston roundtrip". Associated Press.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ "Northeast Corridor timetable" (PDF). Amtrak. 2008-08-04. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ McGeehan, Patrick, and Wald, Matthew L. (2005-09-30). "High-Tech Gates Fail to Avert Car-Train Crash". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Associated Press (2006-12-27). "Family sues over fatal car crash on railroad tracks". Boston Globe. Retrieved 2007-05-22.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Amtrak train, car collide, killing two". WTNH. 2005-09-28. Retrieved 2007-05-22.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Investigators Seek Answers In Fatal Crash That Killed Two; Cause of Waterford car-train accident may never be known". The Day. 2005-09-30. Retrieved 2007-05-22.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Thames River Bridge to be Closed to Rail Traffic June 14-17 for Replacement of 90-Year-Old Vertical Lift Span" (Press release). Amtrak. 2008-05-28. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
{{cite press release}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Amtrak worker dies after being struck by Acela train". Baltimore Sun. 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2008-08-20.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help)
- Amtrak (April 15, 2005), Service Alert: Acela Express - Amtrak Cancels All Friday and Saturday Acela Express Service Due to Brake Problem. Retrieved April 15, 2005.
- Hauser, Kristine, New York Times (April 15, 2005), Amtrak Suspends Acela Trains After Finding Brake Problems. Retrieved April 15, 2005.
- Boston Globe/Bloomberg News, (August 27, 2008), Acela Trains May Expand To Meed Demand Retrieved September 19, 2008.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Acela Express.
Video runbys
- Amtrak Acela high speed on YouTube: 11-second video of Acela Express going through Kingston Station in Rhode Island at 135 mph (217 km/h).
- Southbound Acela high speed on YouTube: same station, this time in full daylight with Acela going south
Pages
- Amtrak - Acela Express
- Acela Express Inaugural Run Slide Show November 16, 2000; Stan's RailPix
- Acela Express Trainset Information by on-track-on-line.com
- Amtrak accelerates at last
- Event announcing Amtrak's Acela service in 2000
- Railpictures.net and Acela Express Picture Archives
Categories:
- Articles to be merged from July 2008
- Amtrak
- Amtrak routes
- High-speed trains
- Tilting trains
- Passenger rail transport in Massachusetts
- Passenger rail transport in Rhode Island
- Passenger rail transport in Connecticut
- Passenger rail transport in New York
- Passenger rail transport in New Jersey
- Passenger rail transport in Pennsylvania
- Passenger rail transport in Delaware
- Passenger rail transport in Maryland
- Passenger rail transport in Washington, D.C.
- Rail transport brands
- 2000 introductions