Polaris Amalgamated Rail Transit Authority

Polaris Amalgamated Rail Transit Authority (PARTA) a federal government-owned enterprise operating intercity passenger rail services in the Federal Republic of Polaris. It was first formalised in 1972 and commenced operations in 1978 as a state-run enterprise operated by the Water Kingdom government. Upon formation of the United States of Antarctica, it was rechristened as the Northeastern Eastshield Amalgamated Rail Transit Authority before reverting to PARTA upon Polarian autonomy in 2011.

Polarian autonomy resulted in the enactment of the Passenger Rail Services Act, which reorganizes PARTA as a government-owned enterprise offering intercity passenger rail services, and is overseen by the Department of Transport. PARTA offers several intercity rail services throughout Polaris, operating both high-speed and conventional rail services. Although PARTA was also responsible for heavy rail commuter services within the Greater Polaris City Area, these operations were delegated to state authorities and spun off into Greater Polaris City Rail. The Polaris Shuttle, offering conventional service along the densely-populated Polarian coast, and the Polaris InterCity, offering high-speed services, are considered to be the mainstays of the enterprise, accounting for nearly 70% of all passenger revenue. Other services include The Islander, connecting the Minerva Islands to mainland Polaris, and rural routes operating in southern and eastern Polaris to provide transportation to underserved rural towns and villages. PARTA also maintains interline agreements with Antarctican and Freezelandian rail services, providing international connections to travellers.

Background
In 1968, Polaris made a proposal to Gemini, Penguville and Snowville for a four stop intercity line in order to facilitate better transport links between the four cities, which was limited to an inefficient maze of roads and a slow ferry service. They all unanimously agreed on it; a railway line, despite opposition from several municipal rural communities (a series of bribes and lawsuits dealt with them), began construction in 1972 over a period of six years. It was completed in 1978 and the first railway line that would run on it, the Northwestern InterCity Holdings, with each city owning a 25% stake each. It was a success, despite being considered to be a white elephant by some individuals. Journey times were drastically reduced and creatures from the four cities could take job opportunities from other cities and still commute there, as all four cities had efficient public transport.

However it's period of success wouldn't last forever; the first Motorways in Northwest Eastshield also began construction in 1976 and finished in 1982, four years after the intercity railway line opened, allowing road users a way to travel between the cities without using public transport. Also rising was the growth of both regional airlines and helicopter commuter services, which became common after the Millenium, however had begun growing in the eighties. Penguville, Snowville and Gemini all backed out if their shares in the railway, selling their shares to the Polaris municipality, meaning it was 100% controlled by the Polarians. The Polarians began heavily investing into improving the railway despite the new road and air links; it planned for expansion into Snellville, although the RocketSnails opposed this.

The Northwestern InterCity Holdings opted to begin a freight service to deal with falling profits and bought an entire fleet of freighters to run mail routes and deliver cargo across the four cities, as a cheap and quick alternative to air or sea cargo. Operating under the division name of Northeastern Eastshield Cargo Rail, the freight service was effective. Freight railway was actually more common than passenger trains in the Northwest new; new railway stations were opened devoted to industrial towns in the countryside. A new fleet was bought in 1992 devoted to regional and commuter rail, in order for the Northwestern InterCity to focus purely on intercity links. Polaris Commuter Rail and Northwestern Regional Trains was the result. This was a success; with limited options for air or sea travel in industrial towns, many found it easier to commute when required. In addition, the freight service was effective as well.

In 1996, the Polaris City Council passed a law allowing an extension to the Puerto Elanor and the Juno Islands. Two tunnels, Rail Tunnel Juno and Rail Tunnel Minerva was buil, using MagLev technology and was operated by the newly formed Polaris Island Express, more commonly known as PIE. It revived a deprived suburb of Polaris, with an old train station becoming Polaris Junction. The station was to be used for interchanges from the Gemini-Snowville InterCity line, more commonly known as the InterCity, the Polaris regional/commuter railway line, known as the Mainline and the two new MagLev railways, the Juno Express and the Puerto Elanor Express. However all trains were all branded the Northwestern Eastshield InterCity nevertheless, although the railway was more oriented around Polaris. Only when Northwest Eastshield became the Polaris SAD was it rebranded as the Polaris InterCity. Polaris made furthers plans to it; they wished to expand the Puerto Elanor line to the rest of the Minevra Islands and for the InterCity to expand to Enderby City and Ciudad Vierja, along with regional and commuter improvements.

Polaris InterCity
The Polaris InterCity is PARTA's primary premium high-speed rail service offered to the Polarian domestic market, operating the Coastal line from Enderby City, EN to Glanell, WK. The service uses M-Series Calman high-speed train sets, which travel at a service speed of 260 km/h on standard gauge track, and offers two classes of service, Business and Economy. Unlike other train services, such as the Polaris Shuttle, the Polaris InterCity only stops at major urban centers, and does not offer specialized regional services. As such, the Polaris InterCity tends to be more costly for consumers, and is primarily used by tourists and premium buisness travels The Polaris InterCity has approximately forty-eight full service departures daily, and has formed interline partnerships with various airlines and bus companies since its inception.

Stations served
Enderby Hampton New Westshield Malherd Harnsey Wilkes
 * Enderby City
 * Alinaska
 * Millsburg
 * Conaskana
 * Polaris City
 * Driscoll
 * Penguville
 * Holandell
 * Kellard Sound
 * New Bercraft
 * Snowville
 * Cardeter
 * Vanceton
 * Laporte
 * Glanell

Polaris Shuttle
The Polaris Shuttle is the mid-market mainline service offered by PARTA, and is presently its largest passenger rail network. With an estimated ridership of 75 million throughout Polaris annually, the Polaris Shuttle is used primarily by intercity commuters, and serves approximately 145 stations across eight lines spanning the Federal Republic of Polaris. Like PARTA's premium Polaris InterCity, the Polaris Shuttle operates high-speed, albeit slower D6-Arrow Calman electric train sets, that operate at an average service speed of 185 km/h. Train carriages on the Polaris Shuttle are bi-level cars, each with a buy-on-board café for patrons.

The Polaris Shuttle offers three classes of service: Shuttle (Economy) Class, ShuttlePlus (Premium Economy) Class, and First Class. Unlike its sister product, the Polaris Shuttle only operates a single First Class carriage within every train set.

With the exception of three lines, (Millsburg-Snowville; Enderby City-Glanell; Thischerville-Glanell), most lines on the Polaris Shuttle originate from Polaris City-Joinville Plaza Terminal. PARTA has announced that it is exploring expansions to the Polaris Shuttle, including intrastate lines in Barrett and New Westshield.

The Islander
The Islander is a mid-market service offered serving Puerto Elanor, Santa Cruz, and the Juno Islands. As a mid-market service, The Islander uses high-speed D7 Arrow Calman electric train sets, which operate at an average service speed of 195 km/h. The Islander is used both by intercity commuters and tourists, offering standard amenities and classes of service. Train carriages on The Islander, like the Polaris Shuttle are bi-level cars. All Islander train routes, with the exception of Puerto Elanor-Millsburg, originate from Polaris City-Joinville Plaza.

The Islander offers three classes of service: Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Plus. All carriages have buy-on-board food services available to passengers in Economy and Premium Economy.

Routes

 * Polaris City-Puerto Elanor (16 daily departures)
 * Polaris City-Joinville Plaza Terminal, NW
 * Conaskana, NW
 * Alpha Bay, JI
 * Augustine, JI
 * Solace, JI
 * Manteca, JI
 * San Alvarez, SC
 * Puerto Elanor, PE


 * Polaris City-Solace (8 daily departures)
 * Polaris City Joinville Plaza Terminal, NW
 * Conaskana, NW
 * Alpha Bay, JI
 * Antwan City, JI
 * Oak Ridges, JI
 * Augustine, JI
 * Pilston, JI
 * Puerto Plata, JI
 * Playa Oro, JI
 * Solace, JI


 * Millsburg-Puerto Elanor (6 daily departures)
 * Millsburg Crawford Terminal, HT
 * Alinaska, HT
 * Rosemore, JI
 * Antwan City, JI
 * Oak Ridges, JI
 * Augustine, JI
 * Pilston, JI
 * Puerto Plata, JI
 * Playa Oro, JI
 * Solace, JI
 * Manteca, SC
 * San Alvarez, SC
 * Puerto Elanor, PE

Polaris InterCity

 * M-Series Arrow-Callman (high-speed EMU, 260)

Polaris Shuttle

 * D6 Arrow-Callman (high-speed EMU,185)

Polaris Cargo Rail

 * PARTA Class 100c (DMU locomotive, 180)

The Islander

 * D7 Arrow-Callman (high-speed EMU,195)

Polaris InterCity
The Polaris InterCity uses three classes: InterCity Class, Continental Class and InterCity Class.

InterCity Class: Continental Class is regarded as the equivalent to Economy Class; 4 seater tables are used, with each seat seat using artificial leather and the table is made out of plastic. As of 2017, wireless internet access is complimentary. Beverages and light meals are available through a buy-on-board service. All seats are equipped with a safety card and in-train magazine, Ribbon. Full meal service is available for purchase on select routes.

Continental Class: Continental Class is an upgrade for InterCity Class users, which uses the same seats as InterCity Class, however this class comes with several additional perks; it allows free WiFi and beverages to be sold at the same price of International Class. An in-train magazine, Ribbon, is complementary in addition to the standard safety manual. Additional reading material is available at the beverages coach. A complementary light snack or meal is offered to passengers, dependent on the route.

International Class: International Class is regarded as the equivalent to Executive Class. Seats are slightly wider with more legroom, and are fashioned out of fine leather and polished wood. However, 4-seater tables remain in usage. A half-bottle of Cream Soda is offered complimentary at each table, with a wine glass for every seat. Full meal service is provided for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, depending on the length of the route. A blanket, pillow, and amenities kit are offered complimentary, in addition to a wide selection of reading material. As of 2016, most routes have complimentary AVOD systems in place for passengers to view films, television, and listen to radio.

Each train consists of two power cars, 2 International Class carriage and 20 InterCity/Continental Class carriages. Both classes have 4 seater tables, although International Class seats are larger, along with the tables. Automatic sliding doors between each carriage help reduce noise issues. Staff typically consists of two engineers, one conductor, three assistant conductors, four first-class attendants (two in each first-class carriage) and seven other attendants.

As of 2017, complimentary wireless internet is provided onboard, provided by telecommunications company Polarcom. However, passengers are limited only to viewing emails and browsing the web, and are not permitted to use streaming or VOIP services.

Polaris Shuttle
The Polaris Island Express uses two classes; Economy Class and Islander Class.

Shuttle Class: Rows in the airline format of 4-4 are used, with each seat seat using artificial leather and fold out tables. Wi-Fi is available with a tariff of 5 Polarian Dollars for every station passed. Beverages are available in the beverages coach and are slightly more expensive than the food in ShuttlePlus Class. A safety manual is automatically available; other reading material, including the Penguin Times and Shuttle Run, has to bought from the beverages coach.

Shuttle+ Class: Islander Class is an upgrade for Economy Class users, which uses the same seats as Economy Class, however this class comes with several additional perks; it allows free WiFi and beverages to be sold at the same price of First Class. A privately made magazine, Shuttle Run, is available for free, for every person, in addition to the standard safety manual. Additional reading material is available at the beverages coach. Beverages are bought at the beverage carriage.

First Class: First Class is regarded as the equivalent to Executive Class. Seats are slightly larger, made of artificial leather and set out in a 2 - 2 layout. WiFi can be used for free and beverages can be ordered at a lower price than Islander Class via the train's intranet. A privately made magazine, the Shuttle Run, is available for free, for every person, in addition to the standard safety manual. Additional reading material is available at the beverages coach.

Each train consists of 2 power cars, 2 First Class carriages, 2 beverages carriage and 18 Economy/Islander Class carriages. Automatic sliding doors between each carriage help reduce noise issues. Staff typically consists of an engineer, one conductors, three assistant conductors, two beverages attendants and one cart attendant. WiFi is provided by telecommunications company Connecti. Reservations aren't required, however they guarantee a seat, as if a train is overloaded, then some may have to stand. It is common that the train is often full, since they are often loaded with commuters who work in Polaris, however First Class, although expensive, usually has seats available. Essentially, it is stripped down version of the Polaris InterCity. Luggage can be stored in overhead compartments or in seats underneath. On board announcements are done in English, Spanish and French.

Polaris Cargo Rail
Polaris Cargo Rail divides it's cargo into four different classes; mail, light, medium and heavy, which all affect the costs. In addition, it has a Third, Second and First Class system which determines the speed at which that certain piece of cargo will be delivered; Business Class is within 1 - 2 days, Standard Class in 3 - 4 days and Economy Class is in 5 - 6 days. PCR only does deliveries in the Polaris SAD area, however Polaris Mail usually makes alternative arrangements. The class system in regards to the mail is usually closely connected with Polaris Mail, who also use the Business, Standard and Economy Class system.

Polaris Island Express
The Polaris Island Express uses two classes; Economy Class and Islander Class.

Economy Class: Economy Class is regarded as the equivalent to Economy Class; rows in the airline format of 2-4-2 are used, with each seat seat using artificial leather and fold out tables. Wi-Fi is available with a tariff of 5 Polarian Dollars for every station passed. Beverages are available in the beverages coach and are slightly more expensive than the food in Islander Class. A safety manual is automatically available; other reading material, including the Penguin Times and the InterCity Times, has to bought from the beverages coach.

Islander Class: Islander Class is an upgrade for Economy Class users, which uses the same seats as Economy Class, however this class comes with several additional perks; it allows free WiFi and beverages to be sold at the same price of First Class. A privately made magazine, the Islands of Polaris, is available for free, for every person, in addition to the standard safety manual. Additional reading material is available at the beverages coach. Beverages are bought at the beverage carriage.

First Class: First Class is regarded as the equivalent to Executive Class. Seats are slightly larger, made of artificial leather and set out in 2 - 3 -2 layout. WiFi can be used for free and beverages can be ordered at a lower price than Islander Class via the train's intranet. A privately made magazine, the Islands of Polaris, is available for free, for every person, in addition to the standard safety manual. Additional reading material is available at the beverages coach.

Each train consists of 2 power cars, 2 First Class carriages, 2 beverages carriage and 18 Economy/Islander Class carriages. Automatic sliding doors between each carriage help reduce noise issues. Staff typically consists of an engineer, one conductors, three assistant conductors, two beverages attendants and one cart attendant. WiFi is provided by telecommunications company Connecti. Reservations aren't required, however they guarantee a seat, as if a train is overloaded, then some may have to stand. It is common that the train is often full, since they are often loaded with commuters who work in Polaris, however First Class, although expensive, usually gives one a seat. Essentially, it is stripped down version of the Polaris InterCity. Luggage can be stored in overhead compartments or in seats underneath. On board announcements are done in English, Spanish and French.

Trivia

 * They are planning a bid attempt upon the Trainlady Mini, with plans for an orbital route going through the Happyface State, with stations in Ciudad Vieja and Enderby City, and into the curent Polaris InterCity line.
 * Rumours has it of a supposed 'RailJet' subsidiary of SkyJet which would gain a controlling stake in the company. Sancho Monte Captio has not commented.
 * PARTA, despite being tax exempt, is not very profitable and is set to loose money as it further modernises, with it trying to make every single train high-speed.
 * Criticism has been pointed at the WiFi system, which charges a regressive tariff of $0.95 Polarian Dollars per station, rather than set rates for amounts of time. Customers, and the provider Connecti, have complained that the only alternative is to upgrade to the expensive Continental, Islander or ShuttlePlus classes, or the International or First classes and the tariff system, even for one station, is expensive. PARTA hasn't made a response to the comments. As a result, many choose to use dongles as an alternative.