NEWSLETTER Spring 2017 Vol. 14, Issue 2 It’s Time to Register!

Individual By Richard Rudolph, Ph.D. and need support. We will also Featured speakers include: Highlights Chair, Rail Users’ Network highlight the strategies of rail • Ron Pate, WSDOT, Rail, advocates in other parts of the Freight, and Ports Division The Pacific Northwest country to promote and expand Director, who will describe the Crescent City’s New Passenger Rail Summit is being passenger rail. progress and improvements Streetcar Line Opens held Saturday, May 6, 2017 made resulting from p. 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm. at The day will begin with State’s federal the Columbia City Theater, opening remarks given by Dr. ARRA passenger rail funding 4916 Rainer Ave. S. , Richard Rudolph, Chair of • Martin Young, Director of A History of SoCal Washington. This regional the Rail Users’ Network and Sounder, who will Streetcar Proposals p. 4 conference, sponsored by the Lloyd Flem, the Executive talk about the current growth and Rail Users’ Network and All Director of All Aboard bright future of rail transit in the From the Southwest and Aboard Washington (AAWA), Washington. The chairs of Central Puget Sound Region Nearby p. 5 will examine passenger rail and the State House / Senate • Rob Eaton, Director of rail transit issues in the Pacific Transportation Committees, Government Affairs, Northwest. The focus will be on who are members of the Northwest will shed light on Canada Report recent success stories, projects Legislature’s Rail Caucus, will Amtrak’s efforts to improve and Spring 2017 p. 6 which are moving forward, and also be on hand to greet and expand service. those which are standing still talk with attendees. (Continued on page 7) Central Puget Sound Voters Speak p. 7 Second Avenue Subway Finally Opens... & Other NYC News RUN to Seattle! p. 9 By Andrew Albert began on Jan. 8, and riders flocked would be. As an MTA Board Riding the Rails in to the line, which is the Q service, Member, I was lucky enough On Jan. 1, 2017, New York finally running from 96th St/2nd Avenue to get an invitation to the party, Germany, Part 4 p. 16 got the subway it has been waiting all the way to Coney Island. and it was packed with high- for—for over 50 years! Phase powered New Yorkers, with Alaska, The Trip of a 1 of the 2nd Avenue Subway The new stations are marvels snacks, entertainment, and the Lifetime: Part 3 p. 18 opened, to quite a large number in themselves, with stunning celebratory inaugural ride on of curious New Yorkers—and artwork in the three new the line, from 72nd Street up to some who actually needed to get stations, including some real 96th Street, and return to 72nd someplace! Phase 1 of the line eye-opening portraits by artist Street for the party. runs from 63rd St/Lexington Chuck Close in the 86th Avenue station (where there is an Street station. There was a The line was expected to across-the-platform transfer to the celebratory New Year’s Eve relieve overcrowding on the F line) north along 2nd Avenue, party at the 72nd Street station jam-packed Lexington Avenue with stops at 72nd Street, 86th (by invitation only), where lines (4,5,6), and it appears to Street, and 96th Street. These Governor Andrew Cuomo, be doing just that, although are relatively deep stations, with MTA Chair Tom Prendergast the effects are most felt on the very long escalators and elevators (now, sadly retired), and other #6 local. If you’re traveling to to take passengers up and down elected officials spoke about the or from Midtown Manhattan, from the street. After being open importance of transit, and the either line would be a good only from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the economic and social boon to the choice. The 4 and 5 are largely first week, the full 24-hour service Upper East Side the new line (Continued on page 3) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 2 of 20 Streetcars Alive and Well in New Orleans, As New Line Opens for Service

By David Peter Alan going back to the original St. Charles Drake made a suggestion for funding a Avenue, and said that he expects more new streetcar line, wherever it may be built. The Streetcar Revival is alive and well in development along the new line. The His idea concerns the settlement reached the Crescent City, which saw the opening headlines on the release were “Everything in the case where Volkswagen was caught of a new streetcar line last October. It Old is New Again” and “Streetcars Back cheating on automobile emissions tests. runs on North Rampart Street, along the on Track along the North Rampart / St. The settlement provided for transit funding, boundary of the French Quarter, and Claude Corridor.” The last time streetcars which has been construed to mean buses, then continues downriver on St. Claude rolled along those streets was in 1949. especially electric buses. Drake suggested Avenue toward Elysian Fields Avenue in that it should also be available for streetcars, the Bywater neighborhood. It is the North Patrice Bell-Mercadel, RTA Director since streetcars are also electrically Rampart Street / St. Claude Avenue of Marketing, said that the project was powered. He further recommended that the Streetcar, and it runs for a distance of 1.6 completed “on time and on budget and funds be made available to expand existing miles (2.5 km). The new line runs through a described it as “a very successful project for streetcar systems, including the one in New half grand union at Canal Street and onto us.” Justin T. Augustine III, head of RTA and Orleans. Loyola Avenue, heading toward the Union Vice-President of Transdev, which operates Passenger Terminal, where Amtrak trains the line, said: “A piece of history is coming “Building a single electrically-powered and long-distance buses serve the city. The back. The residents and the merchants line is better than an all-diesel bus Loyola portion of the line was built for the along this corridor will see the economic system,” he told this writer, and continued: Super Bowl game four years ago. benefit of this project.” He added: “Access “Expanding an electric streetcar system is critically important” and said that the like we have here in New Orleans Service on the new line runs every 20 RTA’s streetcars and buses carry 20 million produces a much greater benefit by minutes throughout the service day, from passengers per year. The agency has plans expanding the reach of the system and 6 a.m. (starting later on Sundays) until to build several more streetcar lines in the giving people more places to go. The midnight. The cars are familiar; they are future, which Augustine said would provide entire system gains riders, who also the red cars, which also run on Canal “absolutely wonderful access and connectivity contribute more revenue.” Street. There were also other service throughout the city.” enhancements, which began when the new There are further plans to expand line opened. Cars now run more often on Transit and environmental advocate Alan the streetcar system in the Crescent Canal Street and on the Riverfront Line, a S. Drake, a RUN member who lives in City. There are several ideas under line in the French Quarter that runs along Bywater, was the second revenue passenger consideration, including an extension the Mississippi River, than they did before on the line. He got up early to board the along St. Claude Avenue to Franklin service started on the new line. car at 6:00 in the morning. He enjoyed Street. The RTA is taking suggestions on that ride and several others since then, and its website, www.norta.com. Whatever According to an RTA news release, the said that the line had some growing pains. else may be said about the continuing city’s Mayor was glad to see the streetcars Since then, Drake has seen an increase in enthusiasm for the “streetcar revolution” come back to the neighborhood. “It’s ridership on the streetcar system. “More of a few years ago, it is definitely alive been almost 70 years since buses replaced than half of all trips in New Orleans are and well in New Orleans. At this writing, streetcars along this corridor, and we have either on streetcars, or on a streetcar with Drake reported seeing parties of mardi come full circle,” said Mayor Mitchell a transfer to or from a bus” he told this gras revelers partying on chartered J. Landrieu. “In New Orleans, we writer. With the recent increase in streetcar streetcars. This is not only a use of transit always knew that streetcars and light rail ridership, Drake suggested that RTA consider unique to New Orleans, but everybody work well in urban areas and are more running a circulator route along three sides else can breathe a sigh of relief when the environmentally friendly than buses. We of the perimeter of the French Quarter. “party car” passes by because, no matter are happy that the rest of the country “It would make the Quarter much more how much the revelers party, the operator now knows that, and we are calling on our accessible for both residents and tourists,” will always be sober. local transit leaders to learn from them.” he said. A segment of the Canal Street Line, The release also quoted Landrieu as the Riverfront Line, and the new line on saying that quality transit brings economic North Rampart Street surround the French David Peter Alan is a RUN Board Member and development. He mentioned that other Quarter; only the side along Esplanade Chair of the Lackawanna Coalition, based in streetcar lines in the city did the same, Avenue does not have track for streetcars. Millburn, NJ. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 3 of 20 MTA Sets Fare Proposals for 2017

(Continued from page 1) people opt for the new line (and switch from frequent customers. (Almost no one buys the Lexington Ave Line), my guess is that the single-fare ride—unless you forgot your loaded with riders from the Bronx, so the additional service will be warranted. But for MetroCard.) But the Access-A-Ride fares are 86th Street station would be the only one now, New York has a brand spanking-new keyed to the base fare, and many folks did where you had a choice between the new subway line, and we are loving it! not want those fares to go up. When I spoke 2nd Ave line or the Lexington Line. at the Board Meeting on the fare options, Fare Follies I said we should have dealt with Access-A- Many riders tell me that the new 2nd Avenue Ride separately, and taken care of that issue, line has changed their travel patterns to and In January, as is always the case every other without penalizing the majority of our riders. from work—and for the better. There is now year, the MTA Financial Plan involved votes However, a letter-writing campaign by Access- a one-seat ride from the far Upper East Side on fare hikes for New York’s subways, buses, A-Ride users to the Governor’s office (and the to midtown West Side, thus relieving riders of commuter rail, and bridges/tunnels controlled Mayor’s office) ensued, with the Governor time-consuming transfers to or from buses, or by the MTA. This time, there were two telling the MTA they better opt for Option 1, other subway lines. Along with the opening of options: option 1, which would have kept the and keep the base fare where it is. the line, all of the traffic jamming construction base fare at $2.75, but lowered the discount materials on 2nd Avenue have been removed, on the bonus MetroCard from 11% to 5%; or Unfortunately, a great opportunity was so the stores and restaurants can resume life as option 2 , which would have raised the base missed, in my opinion, and while it’s great usual, but with an important difference—they fare from $2.75 to $3.00, but ramped up the that some folk’s fares will not go up, the now have amazing mass transit right under bonus on the bonus MetroCard from 11% majority of riders will see their bonus card their establishments! to 16%. Currently, on the bonus MetroCard, shrink to 5%, which, of course is a fare hike, if you buy 10 rides, you get a free ride. On any way you slice it. When riders begin With the Q now running up 2nd Avenue, Option 1, you get a free ride after 20 rides! On loading their cards after March 19, the date the lines that will take you to Astoria are now Option 2, you get a free ride after just seven the fare hike goes into effect, they will see the N (which has been running to Astoria rides. Each of the options had a similar (under they’ve been taken for a ride—courtesy of for many years), and the W train (weekedays 4%) hike in weekly and monthly unlimited their Governor. only). We will have to observe if the 6 minute ride MetroCards, as well as similar raises in headways on the 2nd Avenue subway will commuter rail fares. All signs pointed to the Andrew Albert is Vice-Chairman of RUN, the be sufficient for the growing crowds, or if MTA recommending Option 2, which would Chair of the NYC Transit Riders Council, and service will have to be ramped up. As more have been the best deal for the MTA’s most Riders’ Representative on the MTA Board.

The Rail Users’ Newsletter is published quarterly by the Rail Users’ Network, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation. Current board members include: Name Location Affiliation Richard Rudolph, Chair Portland, ME NARP / TrainRiders Northeast, Maine Rail Group Andrew Albert, Vice-Chair New York, NY New York City Transit Riders Council Chuck Bode, Membership Secretary Philadelphia, PA Tri-State Citizens’ Council on Transportation Steve Albro, Treasurer Cleveland, OH Cleveland RTA Citizen Advisory Board David Peter Alan, Esq. South Orange, NJ Lackawanna Coalition Mela Bush-Miles Boston, MA Greater 4 Corners Action Coalition (MBTA) James E. Coston, Esq. Chicago, IL Corridor Capital LLC Bill Engel Canal Fulton, OH Ohio Rail Tourism Association Dana Gabbard , CA Southern Transit Advocates Steve Hastalis Chicago, IL National Federation for the Blind J.W. Madison Albuquerque, NM Rails Inc. Andy Sharpe Philadelphia, PA SEPTA Ken Westcar Woodstock, ON Transit Action Ontario

Please send comments, letters to editor or articles for possible publications to the Rail Users’ Network at: RUN; P.O. Box 8015, Portland, ME 04104 or email to [email protected]

Layout/design editor: Paul Bubny RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 4 of 20

A Desire for Streetcars: A Comprehensive Survey of Southern California Proposals

By Dana Gabbard In an Aug. 31, 2016 Voice of OC article, The study of the two-mile long streetcar ”Anaheim Council Votes to Continue With line was prepared and presented to the City Just as the San Diego Trolley sparked a Streetcar Despite Lack of Funding”by Thy Council. At the Council’s Oct. 21, 2014 nationwide urban light rail movement Vo, Mayor Tait is described as zeroing in on meeting, a briefing on the study was received starting in the 1980s, in the new millennium a key question about the project: did it meet and filed, and city staff were directed to the has ignited the return a need? Tait said he spoke with the executive contact OCTA to investigate grant funding of streetcars to many American cities. Over director of the Anaheim Transportation to study a shuttle option in lieu of a trolley. the years I have heard of streetcar proposals Network, which coordinates the system of in various Southern California cities and buses that currently serves the resort district. Heather Allen, a Planning Consultant to decided a survey of same would make a The buses pick up 24 to 40 people a day from the Fullerton Community Development suitable topic for this newsletter. As I dug into the station, Tait said. “The ridership Department, informs me, “The college the topic, I discovered that the number of isn’t there, and we’re going to spend all that connector remains in the City’s capital proposals was almost twice as large as I had transportation money that could be used for improvement program for the next phase initially been aware of. Also, I discovered that buses or all sorts of other things?’ said Tait.” of study pending available funds.” beyond the obvious wordplay, having desire in the title proved apropos as I discerned a The death blow to the project was delivered The city has a page on its website devoted common theme of the fate of most proposals by the Nov. 2016 election, in which two to the project: cityoffullerton.com/gov/ is the collision of aspiration and political new council members opposed to the departments/public_works/engineering/ realities. I hope our members enjoy this project were elected. One of them is liberal mobility_planning/college_connector_ article as much as I enjoyed researching it. Jose F. Moreno, who in a case of odd study.asp political bedfellows joined the libertarian Anaheim Tait in opposing public subsidies for Glendale the tourism industry which both saw as In 2008, the Orange County exemplified by the streetcar. Now, with a In 2004, the City Council directed that Transportation Authority (OCTA) solid majority of the council supporting a Request for Proposals be issued for a awarded the city of Anaheim a Go him, Mayor Tait introduced a resolution feasibility study of a downtown streetcar Local grant to study a transportation of opposition to the project and to any loop. Karen Khukoyan, a Transit Assistant link between the Anaheim Amtrak/ streetcar project along with the City of Glendale informs me of Metrolink station and the at the Jan. 10, 2017 council meeting, which the fate of the RFP: “… due to financial Resort, surrounding tourist district and passed 6-1. “The Anaheim Streetcar constraints at the time the city council the Convention Center. After various Project is Officially Dead,” declared a didn’t direct the city staff to conduct options including an elevated monorail headline on the Voice of OC website. the study. [A] streetcar system will be were considered in 2012, the City Council evaluated as part of the City Circulation settled on a 3.2-mile streetcar project Fullerton Element update in [the] near future.” mostly along Katella Avenue, dubbed the , with a In 2011, the city was awarded an Urban Regarding the status of this study Fred projected cost of $300 million. Transit Planning Studies Grant by the Southern Zohrehvand, Senior Transportation California Association of Governments Planner for the Glendale Community From the start, a vocal opponent was (SCAG), the Metropolitan Planning Development Department, informs me, Mayor Tom Tait, who instead favored Organization for Southern California, to “We have secured $200K grant fund for enhanced bus service for the area. The conduct a transit and planning analysis along the Streetcar Feasibility study. The work project was dogged by delays, including the corridors between the Fullerton Amtrak/ will start most likely in October 2017.” The contention over routing, funding and Metrolink station (a/k/a the Fullerton grant was awarded by the aforementioned its likely impact on traffic. By 2016, the Transportation Center) and California State SCAG in early February 2017. lack of local consensus and continued University, Fullerton. A consultant was hired questions about its viability led the OCTA and a steering committee of community The website of the city is www.glendaleca. Board to unanimously vote to cease stakeholders representing various constituencies gov supporting the project. appointed to oversee the study. (Continued on page 11) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 5 of 20 Report from the Southwest

By J.W. Madison Spread the word. If it were an urban rail of May. The outlook for continued line, it would of course be a better deal. service is cloudy based The Front Runner Crash If they had routed the middle part of it to upon state budget cuts and an anticipated In Utah Lomas Blvd instead of Central, it would revenue failure declaration, its third in as be the best deal. many years. However, several initiatives Concerning the recent Front Runner-Fed are underway that provide more than an Ex crash in Utah (thanks for the info, As to future conversion of ART to Urban even chance for the service to continue Bill E). It’s fortunate that the train hit the Rail, we are informed that depending on and actually grow. trailer instead of the tractor or some other lane-width considerations, it should be truck. Especially in Push Mode. feasible to do this with battery-powered Passenger Rail has learned EMUs, or even DMUs. More later on the Chickasaw Nation is working Those trailers look big and tough, but this. We’re still digging. in conjunction with the Oklahoma they’re built for lightness and maximum Department of Transportation (ODOT) capacity. Many of them are like egg Colorado News: and Amtrak to begin a new service stop shells without the strength afforded by in Thackerville, OK. Thackerville is just the ovoid construction of real egg shells. (Courtesy Rick Klein and Sal Pace) across the Red River on Interstate 35 Which likely saved that train. and on the BNSF Railway’s Chicago- As of Feb. 16, a bill is up for vote in the Kansas City--Fort Colorado Senate to extend the mission of Worth-Houston route, a portion of which The Push-Pull operation of locomotive- the Southwest Chief Commission to that hosts the Heartland Flyer. The WinStar driven regional and commuter trains of promoting progress toward Front Range Casino boasts the largest gaming floor in avoids the need to turn a train around Rail; in part by renaming the organization the world, while booking world famous twice every round trip, or move the engine the “SW Chief and Front Range Rail musical and stand up comic talent. For from one end of the train to another at Commission,” to reflect both the retention example, Paul Simon and Jerry Seinfeld each end of the line. We need Push-Pull. of the Chief and the effort toward Front both performed at the casino last year. But there’s a down side, namely the lack Range regional rail. Many people Passenger Rail Oklahoma hopes the of any significant protection on the front (certainly including Rails Inc) have long Native American Nation can fill some of of the cab car, which of course leads the wished for and worked for the resurrection the state funding anticipated for FY-2018. train (and is where the engineer sits) in of the long-dead El Paso-Albuquerque- Push Mode. Denver route. Consult http://www. Passenger Rail Oklahoma has also learned nmrails.org, click Rocky Mountain Flyer. the and Oklahoma Departments of During our Chicago board meeting a Transportation have put their collective foot couple of years ago, I presented some Absent our dream RMF, we would down with regard to skyrocketing Amtrak material about the CarCatcher, which welcome: 1) Pueblo CO connected by PRIIA Section 209 costs. In 2009, the was the response of Rails Inc. to the 2005 Rail to the SW Chief, preferably by a La Heartland Flyer required a combined subsidy of Southern California commuter-SUV Junta-Pueblo-Trinidad re-route, but at least $3.9 million. The cost for Fiscal Year 2017 will crash that killed 25. by a stub-end or Rail shuttle between La finish at $5.3 million, with Oklahoma paying Junta and Pueblo, and 2) Regional Rail $2.9 million. Amtrak has requested more. We’ve published the CarCatcher material on extended from Denver down to Pueblo. the Rails Inc website, www.nmrails.org , click Still, the DOTs have delayed issuance of The Car Catcher. Feedback invited. Yes, Oklahoma News: a Request for Proposal to blend existing the illustrations are amateur as hell. We’re Amtrak service with an alternative service working on better ones. (Compiled by Evan Stair, Passenger Rail provider. Amtrak is seeking ways to add Oklahoma) www.PassengerRailOK.org an additional frequency at no cost to the Albuquerque “Rapid” Transit states. It is possible Amtrak will create an Heartland Flyer (Existing Oklahoma Oklahoma City section of the Texas Eagle. Construction is still underway on our “ART” City-Fort Worth Service) Heartland Flyer service is very important to the transit line. We recently became aware, to The 2017 Oklahoma legislative session Texas Eagle with some 30% of Heartland Flyer our horror, that a lot of people think ART is began during the first week of February passengers traveling beyond Fort Worth. an Urban Rail line. IT IS NOT. It’s BRT. and will complete during the last week (Continued on page 6) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 6 of 20 Canada Report, February 2017 By Ken Westcar government but their proliferation could assertively, to uninformed statements from see a steep decline in total fuel tax revenues. politicians. It’s a Canadian version of the Although this is traditionally a slow time for Replacing the money will require specific or “alternative facts” but our elected leaders passenger rail advocacy work, we have been universal road tolling. The average public are getting very gun-shy when confronted busy throughout the winter forging new subsidy for highways in Canada currently with the loud “why” argument from those links in our pursuit of improved services. A runs at about 30% of their construction who actually feel the pain of limited and significant achievement has been elevating and maintenance costs and this could easily declining personal mobility options. the whole issue to top municipal levels in increase to 40% - 50% as the contribution both Southwestern and Northern Ontario. from gas and diesel taxes diminish. Given Targeted actions, such as the reinstatement of that recharging electric vehicles will add the “Northlander” passenger service between Having civic leaders with a full significantly to domestic electricity bills, there Toronto and Cochrane, where it would connect understanding of the role passenger rail doesn’t seem to be any chance of “getting out with the inaptly named “Polar Bear Express” services can play in an age of carbon taxes, of jail free” when it comes to driving (although to Arctic tidewater, is seen as a priority. Many escalating highway congestion, changing many people still think that recharging their communities previously served by this train demographics and the arrival of the 4th electric car will be cheap, like their cell phones). have suffered because of largely ineffective bus Industrial Revolution is also getting the substitution. New rolling stock and business attention of senior levels of government. So, we expect more objectivity on the highway models will be needed if the 452-mile service is Progress has come from emphasizing the “investment” versus passenger rail “subsidy” to appeal to local travellers and tourists alike. “why” over the “how” or “what” as this argument. If highway subsidies creep towards makes their arguments much more powerful. 50% of total cost, it’s getting very close to Many stars are coming into alignment that of modern passenger rail so the highway on Canadian passenger rail issues. Our Although new carbon taxes in Ontario (average lobby has less to work with. As advocates, we commitment to pricing carbon, focus on C$0.05/litre on gas and diesel for 2017) are constantly demonstrate potential win-win community sustainability and getting big hurting many people in their wallets, they have situations that attract the attention of service money out of our democratic processes are also promoted the idea of alternatives including providers, customers and various levels of internal examples. Externalities, including transit and intercity rail. There’s also growing government. But, as we now know, superb political events in the U.S.A. and U.K., are weariness of highway congestion, declining logic and best practice may still not win against also influencing the thinking at all government driving standards and, in rural areas, isolation. political ideology and narrow-mindedness. levels in Canada in terms of how we shape So, the travelling public is now more open- our society for the future. Sensible options and minded than ever on mobility options. Rail advocates in northern Ontario have community pressure will likely play a big part. done some very searching studies on The panacea of electric vehicles is being road closures, fatalities and supply chain Ken Westcar is a Board Member of Transport sold, very hard, by the auto industry and interruptions and have responded, very Action Ontario. Report from the Southwest (Continued from page 5) Iowa Pacific Holdings, selected as the passenger million in liquidated damages for failing to service provider for the railroad between comply with a 2014 sale contract. Eastern Flyer (Proposed Tulsa- Sapulpa and Oklahoma City, will exit from Oklahoma City Commuter Service) the blended Amtrak-Hoosier State train service Oklahoma City Breaks Ground on March 1, 2017. This departure and early 2017 Streetcar System The Eastern Flyer project remains stalled for passenger staff layoffs have spawned rumors various reasons. These include delays by the startup passenger carrier is in deep financial On Feb. 8, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick the City of Oklahoma City, possible carrier trouble. This has left a vacuum of centralized Cornett, members of the City Council, financial issues, otherwise general enroute leadership for the Eastern Flyer service. Other and other dignitaries were on hand to community apathy, and looming deadlines. en route communities and Tulsa have yet to break ground on a modern streetcar embrace the project to the extent energies are project. The project will link various The City of Oklahoma City has not acted being expended for completion. downtown entertainment districts and upon a resolution passed in September 2015 to core residential districts to boost tourism review metro area track rehabilitation capital Deadlines have emerged. The Positive revenues. The project is considered by requirements. While the Stillwater Central Train Control (PTC) mandate goes into experts the first step to new non-highway Railroad has rehabilitated its 97.5-mile rail route full force Jan. 1, 2018. A state required expansion in the state. between Midwest City and Sapulpa to FRA six-month trial means service must start by Class III Track Standards (60-mph passenger), June 30 of this year or Stillwater Central J.W. Madison is a RUN Board Member and access to Oklahoma City remains at issue. Railroad will be required to forfeit $2.8 president of Rails Inc, based in Albuquerque, NM. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 7 of 20

Central Puget Sound Voters Approve Massive Transit Investment By Lloyd Flem parts of the Sound Transit service area, and environmentally-sound means of but was insufficient to overcome Seattle’s travel, but highways will remain congested At the recent General Election, voters yes votes. as whatever pavement becomes available from the densely-populated, rapidly inevitably fills. (Traffic congestion, albeit not growing core of western Washington state, Traffic congestion has been bad and just from motor vehicles, has been a constant centered on Seattle, passed a $54-billion getting worse in the Central Puget in thriving cities since at least ancient Rome!) transit package that will dramatically Sound Region, as the region continues increase the role of rail in the next quarter rapid population growth and economic All Aboard Washington supported ST3. century. Much of this transit expansion, boom. Proponents stressed the success We felt it very unfortunate, however, known as Sound Transit 3, will be in the of Sounder South (Seattle to Lakewood, that an ex-BNSF branch line that ran form of light rail north from Seattle to southwest of Tacoma), and light rail from parallel to I-405 that could have brought Everett, south to Tacoma, east across north to the University Sounder-type service to the East-of-Lake- Lake Washington to booming Seattle of Washington, which was standing room Washington suburbs will be just another suburbs, plus northwest and southwest to only from the day it opened in 2015. recreational trail. Opposition to using the Seattle neighborhoods of Ballard and the Eastside Rail Corridor for rail, in West Seattle. Other expansion will include Public opposition came from some past association with a trail, at a per mile cost extension of the Sounder (regional/ supporters of Sound Transit concerned considerably less than some new rail routes commuter trains) southwest from Tacoma, about the high costs and the many years with costly rights-of way acquisition, serving the large military bases, and bus before parts of the plan were to be was from a mix of politically-influential rapid transit on Interstate 405, the main completed. In addition, the usual anti-transit NIMBYs, militant trail-only supporters, north-south route through the Eastside crowd complained that ST3 “wouldn’t cure and King County officials, including those suburbs. traffic congestion.” They were essentially who supported ST3. correct in that transportation investments, Support for ST3 was strongest in the including particularly more highway lane All Aboard Washington will welcome city of Seattle, with a nearly 70 % miles, do not “cure traffic congestion” in members of RUN next May. We will show affirmative vote. Voters from Tacoma prospering, growing urban areas. you our thriving and picturesque corner of also passed the measure, as did the country. Snohomish County, containing Everett The new light rail and Sounder services and the major suburban area north of will certainly give Central Puget Sound Lloyd Flem is executive director, All Aboard Seattle. The measure failed in other residents an efficient, comfortable, safe, Washington in Seattle. It’s Time to Register! (Continued from page 1) During lunch, participants will have the and ongoing efforts to expand BC and opportunity to share information and Canadian investments in the Cascadia The morning session will close with a panel experiences regarding their efforts to Passenger Rail Corridor; and Professor John discussion focusing on issues regarding the promote and improve passenger rail and Bowen, Geography Department at Central operation of passenger trains in the Pacific rail transit in their local areas. Washington University, who will speak about Northwest. Lloyd Flem, Executive Director the role of university research in expanding of AAWA, will moderate. Panelists include The afternoon session will feature three intercity rail passenger service. Johan Hellman, Executive Director, State informative panels. The first will focus on the Gov’t Affairs, BNSF Railway; Herb Krohn, status of passenger rail advocacy in the Pacific The second panel features RUN Members Washington State Legislative Director, Northwest and efforts to expand passenger who will share their strategies for achieving Transportation Division of the Sheet Metal, rail, rail transit in Oregon, Washington short and long-term goals to improve and Air, and Rail Transportation Union; Mike State and Vancouver, BC. Harvey Bowen, expand passenger rail/transit rail services Elliott, Legislative Affairs, Brotherhood President, AAWA, will moderate. Panelists in the Southwest, Midwest, Middle of Engineers and Trainmen; and Antonio include an invited ST3 Advocate; Bruce Atlantic Area and New England. RUN’s Perez, CEO / President, Talgo Inc. or Josh Agnew, co-chair of the Transportation Chair, Dr. Rudolph, who is also a Director Coran, Director of Product Development Working Group of the Pacific Northwest of the Maine Rail Group, will moderate. & Compliance, Talgo Inc. Economic Region, who will describe past (Continued on page 8) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 8 of 20 It’s Time to Register!

Who should attend: • civic, business and non-profit leaders • real estate developers, planners and environmentalists • rail advocates; and intercity rail and rail transit riders interested in the efforts underway to expand passenger rail & rail transit in the Pacific Northwest, and strategies to give riders a greater voice in planning new services, and improving the quality and level of services currently provided.

The registration fee for the Pacific Northwest Rail Summit is $55 before March 31; $60 before May 1 and $65 at the door. Registration includes morning A train, one of many transit options in Greater Seattle. refreshments, lunch, an afternoon (Continued from page 7) systems: Sounder commuter rail, Link refreshment break, and all conference light rail, modern streetcars, ferries materials/handouts. Panelists include David Peter Alan, Esq., and even a 1962-vintage monorail. Chairman, Lackawanna Coalition; J.W. In fact, some of the city’s buses are The optional tour on Friday is free; Madison, President, Rails Inc.; and Phil electric “trolley buses” which were once however, participants are responsible for Streby, Treasurer, Indiana Rail Passenger ubiquitous, but now only run in a few paying their own rail/transit fares. If you Alliance. cities. wish to stay in Seattle before or after the conference, we suggest that you look at The final panel of the day will be Please join us as we ride these rail lines Seattle’s official tourism website, www. moderated by Andrew Albert, Chair, and the monorail, and tour the city’s visitseattle.org. NYC Transit Riders Council. This panel two great train stations. We will visit will explore how advocates in the Pacific Oregon Station, once used by the Union The Columbia City Theater can Northwest can work together for more Pacific Railroad, and now the home of be reached from downtown Seattle effective rail advocacy. Invited panelists Sound Transit’s as well as using Sound’s Link Light Rail line. include Karen Keller, former President, the newly restored , Participants coming into the King AAWA, who will provide examples of home to Amtrak and Sounder trains. Street rail station should walk over to AAWA’s outreach to community groups We will also take a stroll around Pioneer the International District/Chinatown and legislators; Dan McFarling, AORTA, Square, the city’s historic center, and station stop and take a southbound train Secretary, who will shed light on Portland’s visit other scenic highlights which make to Columbia Station. The theater is in successes and Oregon’s challenges in Seattle unique. In addition, we will walking distance of the station—it is transit, regional, and intercity passenger board the Sounder to Tacoma, where four short blocks away. rail funding and an invited spokesperson we will ride the Tacoma Link light rail from Transportation Choices Coalition line, see the art of Dale Chihuly on Please join us at what promises to be a will describe this nonprofit organization’s his famous Bridge of Glass and take a very information and inspiring event. work to bring Washingtonians more and further peek at downtown Tacoma. If Participants can register on RUN’s better transportation choices. time allows, we will embark on a sunset website, railusers.net, or via regular mail. ferry ride. So plan to arrive Thursday or Checks should be sent to RUN, Box 8015, An optional tour on Friday, May 5 will give early Friday morning and come with us Portland, Maine 04104. More details will conference participants an opportunity as we experience Seattle’s transit prior be provided on the RUN website as final to experience public transportation in the to the Pacific Northwest Rail Summit arrangements are made. We look forward Greater Seattle area, which has one of on Saturday. to seeing you in Seattle! North America’s most varied transit RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 9 of 20 RUN to Seattle! By David Peter Alan was recently restored to its original 1907 century ago. It had fallen into disrepair, but glory. The former is located now it is beautifully restored and a center of That is what many of us from the Rail across the street from King Street Station. activity once again. Take a walking tour of Users’ Network will do at the beginning Today it hosts Sound Transit’s Link, the area and don’t miss the Klondike Gold of May. For the first time, we will RUN to a light-rail line that runs between the Rush Museum, operated by the National the Northwest for our annual conference, University of Washington and Angle Lake, Park Service. There are lots of eateries and which will be presented in cooperation just south of Sea-Tac Airport. shops in the area, too, and don’t forget to with All Aboard Washington, a statewide browse at the Elliott Bay Bookstore. The organization that advocates for better Seattle also has two “modern” streetcar has been a favorite transit in Seattle, as well as for improved lines: the South Lake Union Streetcar and food location since 1907, and the “locals” Amtrak service on the Empire Builder and the First Hill Streetcar. There are plans fought to prevent a corporate takeover of the Cascades Corridor. to connect the two and then extend the their market in the 1970s. There is also a new line further, which would result in number of historic and famous commercial The conference will take place on Saturday, one long line. There are other plans in the buildings downtown, including the Smith May 6, and our customary tour will occur works, too, now that voters have approved Tower and the Hoge Building, which one day earlier, on Friday, May 5. While you funding for a major transit improvement competed fiercely to be the tallest building can learn a lot about Seattle and its transit in program with a 25-year planning frontier. west of the Mississippi River. those two days, there is much more to see and do. With Seattle’s expanding rail transit, it is Seattle’s transit mix is unique in the Seattle’s historic Chinatown is called the easy to get around. United States. When Seattle hosted the “International District” and it begins World’s Fair in 1962, its “showcase” near the train station. Our conference We suggest that you plan to spend several building was the Space Needle, complete will be held in Columbia City, an artsy days in town, so you can really get the with a monorail to demonstrate its neighborhood on the southeast side of flavor of this unique city. If you have more futuristic credentials. The Space Needle town, within walking distance of the Link time, take a side trip to Tacoma, Portland is still standing, and the monorail is still light rail. The Fremont neighborhood or Vancouver. There is a Vancouver in operating. The King City has several northwest of downtown (sometimes called Washington State, along with the bigger bus routes that feature trolley buses (also the “People’s Republic of Fremont”) still and more famous one in British Columbia. called “trackless trolleys”). These unusual has some of the hip style of the 1960s. These other cities have plenty of sights to see vehicles are only found in four other cities Look for the statue titled “Waiting for and transit to take you around, and there are in the United States, plus Vancouver the Interurban”; yes, there was once trains to take you there. Our colleagues at All in Canada. They run on electric power an interurban line there. Many of the Aboard Washington suggest that you take supplied by a pair of overhead wires. They residents of Ballard, further northwest, an Amtrak train south of Seattle, because ride smoothly, and no “conventional” celebrate their Nordic heritage. these trains will soon be re-routed, and some diesel bus can match their pickup. scenery along Puget Sound will no longer be Seattle has plenty of interesting museums, visible form the train. Seattle’s “signature” transit component including a number of specialized ones, is the Washington State Ferry system. such as the Museum of Flight (Boeing Seattle began as a rough-and-tumble The waterfront is a busy place, due to Aircraft is headquartered in Seattle, at least town in the 1850s. There are two street- the abundance of attractions, and to the for the moment), the Seattle Art Museum grid systems in the downtown area; the extensive network of boat lines. The boats downtown, and the Museum of History & result of a dispute between the town’s go to other places along the coast of Elliott Industry, near the University of Washington. two founders. It is a good city for walking, Bay and Puget Sound, as well as Victoria, although parts of it are hilly. There are B.C., although not to Alaska anymore. Seattle has a food scene, although there some beautiful and historic buildings in You need to catch the train to Bellingham are not many “local specialties” like the downtown Seattle, and the city’s two train and change for the Alaska ferry now. ones found in cities like New York or New stations are among the best of them. If Orleans. Salmon is a local favorite, and you arrive from the east on the Empire Downtown Seattle is a busy place, and this writer particularly enjoyed it at the Builder or form the south on the Coast some of its most historic parts are well Merchants’ Cafe, a historic restaurant in Starlight, you can celebrate your arrival preserved. Pioneer Square, a few blocks Pioneer Square that has been in operation at King Street Station. The station, with from the train station and served by Link, since 1890. Ivar’s, which has been located its marble walls and brass light fixtures, was the heart of downtown Seattle over a (Continued on page 10) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 10 of 20 RUN to Seattle!

(Continued from page 9) is an historic town, and there is a tourist system is elevated, so it affords interesting railroad in nearby Chehalis. Closer to views of the city and the surrounding area. on the waterfront since it opened in Seattle, there is another tourist railroad in There are West Coast Express commuter 1938, is perhaps the city’s best-known Snoqualmie and an antique streetcar that trains during peak-commuting hours only, seafood restaurant. There is a variety runs in suburban Issaquah. There are local and there is the Sea Bus, a ferry to North of ethnic restaurants in town, and the buses that run between those towns and Vancouver. Asian influence is strong. There are also downtown Seattle. a lot of good things to drink in Seattle. If you take a day trip to Vancouver, you Washington State has become famous for Portland, OR is located four hours south will have about five hours to catch the its wines and, with the proliferation of local of Seattle, just over the state line. It is flavor of the city, allowing for time to microbreweries, it is easy to find good beer. similar to Seattle in some ways, but it go through cross-border security at the The in Seattle is good, too, and it’s has a more entrepreneurial style. It also station. If that is all the time you have, not just , but it tends to be on the has plenty of transit. At the present time, check out the waterfront, Chinatown, expensive side. there are five light-rail lines in the Tri-Met historic Gastown and a bit of downtown “MAX” system, as well as the Portland Vancouver. They are all near each other, If you have time, we suggest that you take Streetcar lines, which connect downtown and you will probably have time for a short some side trips. There are the ferries, as with various nearby neighborhoods. ride on the Sky Train, too. well as a number of destinations you can During peak-commuting hours, the West reach by train. Tacoma is about one hour Side Express (WES) trains run from a light So we hope you will join us as we south of Seattle, and it is an interesting rail stop outside the city to the town of RUN to Seattle in early May. If you city in its own right. It has a historic Wilsonville, to the south. There is full fare are coming from east of the city on downtown, with interesting commercial integration on all of these systems, plus the Empire Builder, plan to arrive on buildings and some hilly terrain. It also the Portland buses and the buses across the Thursday morning (Tuesday departure has Tacoma Link, a short light rail line Columbia River in Vancouver, WA (also a from Chicago) and plan to leave on with only five stops. Tacoma proudly town worth visiting). The schedule is tricky, Sunday afternoon. We are sure you will showcases its artistic favorite son, Dale but it is possible to connect at Wilsonville enjoy the conference and the tour, but Chihuly. His interestingly-colored and with a local bus to Salem, Oregon’s capital. there is much more to do in Seattle and shaped glass creations can be found in the Some of Amtrak’s Cascade trains run south elsewhere in the region. Museum of Glass and the famous Bridge of Portland to Eugene, and they stop at of Glass, where the walls on each side of Salem, too. David Peter Alan is a member of the Board the short bridge display some of his three- of Directors of RUN and of the Conference dimensional works in an outdoor setting. Amtrak now runs two daily trains between Committee. He has traveled extensively on Amtrak Tacoma is also home to the Washington Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Vancouver and VIA Rail, and has visited Seattle on several State History Museum, which can keep a also has a walkable downtown, a number occasions in the past. Like other conference attendees serious history buff busy all day. of historic neighborhoods, and one of from out of town, he is looking forward to riding the best Chinatowns in North America. the First Hill Streetcar and the new extension of There are other interesting places along It also has an interesting transit system the Link light-rail line for the first time. When the Cascade route to Portland. Olympia is that features the Sky Train, an automated not riding transit or advocating for it, he lives and the capital of Washington State. Centralia rail system with three lines. Some of that practices law in South Orange, NJ.

2017 Schedule of RUN Board Meetings:

Meetings for the remainder of 2017 are scheduled for March 4, May 6 (Seattle, WA), June 10, August 26, Oct. 14 (Annual Meeting) and Dec. 2.

Board meetings take place at the MTA headquarters in New York City from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

For more information, contact Richard Rudolph, Chair, at 207-776-4961. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 11 of 20

A Desire for Streetcars: A Comprehensive Survey of Southern California Proposals

(Continued from page 4) Los Angeles (Angeleno Upon retirement, Eslinger initially Heights) promoted some sort of public monument Long Beach to commemorate Los Angeles’ streetcar Yellow Car #1020 operated through the heritage. As described in the Nov. 29, 1998 In 2007, a streetcar feasibility study was Angeleno Heights neighborhood north Los Angeles Times article by Patt Morrison commissioned by the city council. The of from 1920 to ”Say a Prayer for the Red Car Revival,” chief proponent of the idea was then 1946. It was saved from the salvage yard the idea quickly gathered support and Second District City Councilwoman by a railfan, and in 2004 ended up in the soon expanded into bringing streetcars Suja Lowenthal, who during a trip to hands of Angeleno Heights activist Bruce back to L.A. Dubbed the Los Angeles Portland Oregon had been impressed by Lash. Lash and several volunteers formed Streetcar Concept it even acquired a (since its streetcar line. a nonprofit group, “Angeleno Heights defunct) website. Trolley Line, Inc.” to advocate for a five- The study was presented to the City and-a-half-mile loop between their historic Like anyone familiar with the political Council. Sumire Gant, who then neighborhood and downtown L.A. using process, Eslinger, as a longtime managed the transportation planning the original yellow car. bureaucrat, recognized the need to enlist and programs division for the City and some boosters with clout to make the is currently Vice Chair of Long Beach After much resistance and red tape for idea viable. The map of proposed routes Transit’s Board of Directors, informs this grand vision, Lash turned over the eventually looked like a plate of spaghetti me regarding the fate of the feasibility car to original volunteer Chris Wabich in reaching into various areas of the city that study: “While it had some political 2015. Wabich has launched a gofundme had expressed interest in the idea. support, the feasibility study was simply campaign to restore the car for display received and filed by Council and no purposes and provide the liability In this time period, I personally witnessed motion was made to continue to the insurance necessary for the Los Angeles the enthusiasm the idea of bringing back next step. I believe it’s still a good County Metropolitan Transportation streetcars evokes in the public. I have been project for Long Beach.” Authority to store it in one of their involved with the community volunteer facilities safe from the elements. organization Southern California Transit As this article was being prepared, I Advocates since 1994. One task I devoted learned of a new grassroots proposal The fundraising site is gofundme.com/ myself to for some years was lining up guest for a streetcar network in Long LATrolley speakers for the monthly meetings we used Beach that received some attention to hold. One of the purposes was to draw on the Urbanize LA website. The members of the public in hopes they might Los Angeles (Downtown) be prospective members. Unfortunately, proposal by local resident Alex Barber over time I discovered that rarely did involves emission-free hydrogen fueled The notion of bringing back streetcars to speakers draw more than at most one or equipment, “without the use of visually downtown Los Angeles has been actively two members of the general public. obtrusive overhead wires by utilizing pursued for nearly 20 years. But the new technology from the French rail saga of this effort has a large cast and a An exception to this was the two times firm Alstom, which recently developed storyline with many twists and turns like a we had Michael Dukakis, former hydrogen-powered light rail cars for use major blockbuster movie epic. Massachusetts Governor and Presidential in Germany.” Barber has laid out an candidate, speak about high speed rail to a ambitious vision of streetcar lines criss- The story begins in the mid 1990s. George healthy sized audience. The other notable crossing the city. It remains to be seen Eslinger, then the Director of the city of exception was our Nov. 14, 1998 meeting whether the proposal draws support or Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting, had where Mr. Eslinger spoke about his Red fades into obscurity. become intrigued at the distinctive historic Car revival proposal. Attendees numbered decorative street lights in portions of the around 40, half Transit Advocates The article (“Should Long Beach Build a city. He discovered they had been designed members and half the general public. And Hydrogen Streetcar?”) can be viewed at to also anchor the overhead electric lines midway through the presentation, urbanize.la/post/should-long-beach-build- of the streetcars that used to operate in Los (Continued on page 12) hydrogen-streetcar Angeles (the Red and Yellow cars). RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 12 of 20

A Desire for Streetcars: A Comprehensive Survey of Southern California Proposals (Continued from page 11) founded by long-time Downtown Los with attendees the significant progress the Angeles stakeholders … to lead the project had achieved to that point. a camera crew from a local TV station fundraising and development efforts of the showed up, having heard of the event streetcar project. Since that time, LASI’s Last year Measure M was passed, an via the advance publicity I arranged. role has expanded to include assisting additional ½% Los Angeles County The meeting took a break while Eslinger with planning, environmental review, transportation sales tax which includes was interviewed in the hallway and engineering, and outreach.” $200 million for the downtown Los subsequently appeared on that evening’s Angeles streetcar project, which one would newscast. That didn’t happen for other Between 2008 and 2011, the CRA imagine solves the funding gap for the events we held, even for Michael Dukakis! provided $10 million in funding for studies project. Except as noted by Eddie Kim Impressed by the response the concept and other activities to help facilitate the in the Dec. 9, 2016 Los Angeles Downtown provoked, I have kept track of its progress project. In 2011, the Los Angeles City News article “Streetcar Backers Angle for over the years. Council voted to provide $1 Million to Measure M Money,” the project list for the the project from Local Return monies measure has the streetcar, “…in the third Fairly quickly, the downtown route allocated to the city by , a ½% of three tiers of funding priority. Its money overshadowed the other proposed countywide transportation sales tax. would come in 2053, implying the project routings, which soon were dropped would open in 2057 … It could only get from further consideration. Eslinger In late 2012, another milestone for early funding if Measure M’s revenues also eventually faded from his initial the project occurred as residents living outperform initial estimates, opening up leading role. Other entities and players adjacent to the planned route approved fresh dollars for distribution, according to took up the cause, including the Los —by a margin of 73%—to tax property Metro.” Huizar in the piece is optimistic Angeles Conservancy, Central City owners along the route up to $85 million. as to the possibility of early funding, while Association and the (now defunct) Los This was seen as a key component also citing other funding prospects that Angeles Redevelopment Agency (CRA). of project funding and an important might aid in closing the gap such as federal Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard in signal of community consensus of the funds or a public-private partnership. 2001 obtained $100,000 in federal funding sort that is essential for the prospects of for a feasibility study, which was released securing federal funds (in this case, project At this point, the estimated cost is $266 in September 2006. proponents hope to obtain $100 million million. An engineering design consultant from the Federal Transit Administration’s is investigating ways to trim the budget to The final piece of the puzzle which Small Starts grant program). under $250 million, which is important Eslinger foresaw, the need for a heavy- if the project is to have any hopes of hitter advocate to make the project Until 2013, one of the big unanswered securing federal funds. “Projects that cost viable, emerged in 2008 when Los questions about the project was: once more than $250 million must compete Angeles City Councilman José Huizar built, how would its operations be funded? for federal dollars alongside the nation’s embraced having a streetcar as a key In that year, the Los Angeles City Council most expensive and sophisticated transit component of his initiative to revitalize the approved $295 million in operations proposals, including subway lines,” as downtown corridor, Bringing funding from its Measure R Local Return Laura Nelson noted in the Sept. 2, 2014 Back Broadway. Under his leadership, fund to support the streetcar for 30 years. Los Angeles Times article “Downtown L.A. the streetcar concept began to gather At our 2015 RUN Annual Conference streetcar line cost estimate is shaved by momentum. held in Los Angeles on Southern $55 million.” The project in 2010 and California making the transition from 2011 sought to secure federal TIGER In 2009, the nonprofit Los Angeles roads to rail, I moderated a panel during (Transportation Investment Generating Streetcar, Inc. (LASI) was formed and is the morning session on “Big Rail, Little Economic Recovery) program grants, only described on its website as “… modeled Rail”, highlighting rail expansion and the to not make the cut. Even with a trim of after the successful public-private/ emerging regional and inter-regional rail its budget to below a quarter of a billion non-profit partnerships in Portland and network. Among the panelists was Jessica its prospects of getting federal funds are Seattle, which pioneered modern streetcar Wethington McLean, Executive Director murky as best. systems in the western. U.S. LASI was of Bringing Back Broadway, who shared (Continued on page 13) RAILRAIL USERS’ USERS’ NETWORK NETWORK NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER PagePage 13 10 of of 20 12

A Desire for Streetcars: A Comprehensive Survey of Southern California Proposals (Continued from page 12) hints that there may be the sort of discord Pasadena that is a problem if one aspires to consensus The route selected is a 3.8-mile one-way as a justification for securing funds from Fred Dock, Director of Transportation loop that will start at 1st Street and run the state and federal governments. Also for the city of Pasadena, was kind enough south along Broadway, west along 11th Councilman Huizar leaves office in 2019. to provide a summary of streetcar Street, north along , east If the project isn’t being built by then will interest, “The City of Pasadena is not along 7th Street, and north along Hill back it wilt due to its chief advocate no longer currently considering a streetcar. There to 1st Street. This will serve key destinations holding office? Time will tell. have been two efforts to advance a and communities: South Park, Financial streetcar project in the last 30 years – one District, Historic Core, Grand Park, Civic The website for the project is streetcar.la/ that sought to develop a heritage line in/ Center, Fashion District, Convention near Old Pasadena that ended about 20 Center, Staples Center and LA Live. Los Angeles (San Pedro) years ago. A more recent effort in the 2010-2012 timeframe sought to develop Recently, the environmental impact On July 19, 2003, the Port of Los Angeles a modern streetcar route that would report was certified, while design work began operation of the 1.5-mile Waterfront connect the four business districts (Old and preliminary engineering are currently Red Car Line, consisting of two replica Pasadena, Civic Center, Playhouse and underway. The proponents hope that if all railcars patterned after South Lake) and potentially Pasadena the funding obstacles are surmounted in interurban Red Cars. A third railcar, an City College. That effort is currently a timely manner, construction and vehicle actual vintage PE car (#1058), was restored dormant, but not entirely defunct. The procurement would allow revenue service and operated on special occasions. Downtown Pasadena Neighborhood to start in late 2020. Association has more recently advocated To facilitate a street realignment the for a streetcar.“ Not everyone is sold on the project. A well streetcars ceased operation Sept. 27, informed insider tells me the project is 2015 with its future in doubt. In response Riverside causing tension in City Hall, with various to community outcry over the end of elected officials opposed to devoting so the service Councilman Joe Buscaino Consideration of a streetcar project began much scarce transportation funding to at the announcement in 2016 of plans in June 2014. Jay S. Eastman, Principal a project serving a relatively small area to revitalize the Ports O’Call shopping/ Planner of the Planning Division— while there are needs throughout the city eatery complex (now to be known as the Advanced Planning & Strategic Initiatives, (for example, to expand bus-only lanes San Pedro Public Market) highlighted city of Riverside Community & Economic beyond the sole one at present on Wilshire that an element of it will be using the Development Department, tells me, Boulevard). Even some transit activists streetcar equipment to provide visitors a “The City’s Economic & Community quietly question the wisdom of the project. link between the two ends of the massive Development Department initiated a Having it as a one-way loop also is criticized development which in its first phase consists feasibility study to consider barriers and by noted Portland OR based consulting of 16 acres. benefits of a fixed guideway system in transit planner Jarrett Walker. In his July the City (i.e., a streetcar or similar transit 7, 2009 blog post “On One-Way Loops,” David Roberts, Director of Economic mode). The study was envisioned as he states, “In a one-way loop, the way you Development & Planning for Councilman an abbreviated ‘Alternatives Analysis,’ go from A to B is completely different from Buscaino, informs me that regarding which is the study previously necessary the way you go from B to A. It’s likely to be the timeline for the streetcars to begin for a fixed guideway program to be much longer or shorter. In fact, the more operations, “The development recently submitted into the federal government’s direct the service from A to B, the more hired an architectural design/engineering New/Small Starts program. As such, circuitous it’s likely to be if you want to team for the project. I’d anticipate more the feasibility study was to look at routes, come back.” definitive answers by mid Summer/Fall ridership, and comparative modes of The prospects of the project are hard 2017.” transit. Additionally, the study considers to assess. It has come a long way from the economic benefits associated with the its start as a vague notion being floated The website for the Public Market project is transformative land uses often associated nearly 20 years ago. But the funding is still jerico-development.com/san-pedro-public- with a fixed guideway. problematic and also the political pushback market/ (Continued on page 14) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 14 of 20 A Desire for Streetcars: A Comprehensive Survey of Southern California Proposals

(Continued from page 13) After extensive public outreach and a The Big Picture detailed alternative analysis of multiple “The study was initiated in 2014, and routes and technologies, a streetcar was To provide some perspectives on the was nearly completed at the end of 2015; selected as the locally preferred alternative streetcar movement, I reached out but an unfortunate circumstance with the by the City Councils of the two cities in to proponents and critics who kindly project consultant caused a significant early 2015. provided helpful comments. delay. Additionally, there were limiting factors with the consultant’s scope of work, The project has navigated the lengthy Julie Gustafson, Community specifically in that it is narrowly focused on process to obtain federal and state funding. Relations Manager of Portland federal methodologies/funding, and does The FTA on March 10, 2015 issued Streetcar, Inc., kindly assisted in not fully account for other options, such as a Finding of No Significant Impact, contacting two streetcar advocates. California’s Cap-and-Trade and Public- completing the environmental process. Private Partnerships (PPP). By this point, the 4.15-mile 10 station The first advocates quote is from the project (with an estimated budget of Community Streetcar Coalition Chair, “The City’s Planning Division $297.9 million) had acquired a name, DJ Baxter: intends to complete the study from the OC Streetcar. The route travels where the consultant left off, and through and along “The Community Streetcar Coalition is we are also pursuing grants to help Santa Ana Boulevard before entering a thrilled to see the continued success of address the shortcomings with the former Pacific Electric Red Car right- new systems opening across the country. original scope of work. Due to of-way to a transit hub in Santa Ana at Each new streetcar line or extension is staff shortages, we were unable to the intersection of Harbor Blvd. and helping to attract investment, retail activity, complete the study in 2016. Westminister Avenue. In early 2016 and amenities along its route, making President Obama included $125 million our communities more vibrant, walkable, “At present, we do not have a for the project in his proposed budget, economically healthy, and environmentally timeline for when the feasibility study a good sign for its prospects to secure sustainable.” will be finalized.” federal funds. August of the same year it was awarded $28 million in cap and trade The Coalition’s website is www. The city has a page on its website funds from the state of California. streetcarcoalition.org/ devoted to the project: riversideca. gov/planning/riversidereconnects/ Two additional milestones for the The other quote is from Portland project occurred recently. First, Streetcar, Inc. Executive Director Santa Ana/Garden Grove OCTA in late 2016 released a Dan Bower: Request for Proposals for the In 2006, the voters of Orange County manufacture and delivery of eight “In 2001, Portland pioneered the country’s approved the renewal of the ½% streetcar vehicles. Then early first modern streetcar system, bringing transportation sales tax, Measure this year the FTA issued a letter back a way to move easily around the city M. A component of the renewed announcing its support for the project and a tool to build new neighborhoods. measure was the transit extensions to to officially enter the engineering Since then, Portland has seen more than Metrolink program. Its goal is providing phase. The next step is for OCTA to $6.5 billion of new real estate construction transportation options between stations seek a full funding grant agreement value along the streetcar lines, and one new of Metrolink, the regional commuter rail from the FTA, which could fund rider for each housing unit built. Streetcars system, and key activity and employment up to half of the project budget. are now a vital piece of American urban centers. In 2008, the cities of Santa Ana Construction is set to begin in transportation, moving people to and from and Garden Grove were awarded funds to 2018 with the start of testing and work, home, school, and errands.” study options for a fixed guideway between operations planned for 2020. the Santa Ana Regional Transportation The Streetcar’s website is portlandstreetcar. Center (an Amtrak/Metrolink The OC Streetcar’s website is org/ station) and Garden Grove. OCstreetcar.com (Continued on page 15) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 15 of 20 A Desire for Streetcars: A Comprehensive Survey of Southern California Proposals

(Continued from page 14) relative to alternatives, such as buses. Streetcars can easily be blocked by parked The aforementioned transit planner Jarrett Marc Scribner is a Senior Fellow at cars and traffic accidents, obstacles buses Walker has questioned the usefulness of the Competitive Enterprise Institute are able to maneuver around. streetcars. In a July 3, 2009 blog post, (a well-known Libertarian think tank) “Streetcars: An Inconvenient Truth,” he who focuses on transportation, land Q. Is there an element of nostalgia states: use, and urban growth policy issues and behind the movement to bring back has been quoted by numerous major streetcars? Streetcars that replace bus lines are media outlets. He was kind enough not a mobility or access improvement. to answer some questions I submitted A. There is absolutely an element of If you replace a bus with a streetcar via e-mail after we had a brief phone nostalgia behind streetcar boosterism, on the same route, and make no other conversation. but proponents forget that 20th century improvements,nobody will be able to get residents of U.S. cities cheered the demise anywhere any faster than they could before. Q. Streetcar proponents extol how it of inefficient streetcars. The residents Likewise, if you build a streetcar instead of revitalizes neighborhoods and draws of Burlington, VT, went so far as to a good bus line, that money you spend above investment. Do they? burn their last trolley car in the center the cost of the bus line is not helping anyone of downtown in an “Abandonment get anywhere any faster. A. A study funded by the Federal Celebration” in 1928. Transit Administration and conducted Walker also shared with me one of his by the Transportation Research Board “Streetcar systems key thoughts regarding streetcars: “For during the Obama administration found someone who just wants to get somewhere, little evidence of positive effects on can generally be streetcars in traffic are inferior to buses in the built environment and no evidence characterized as over- traffic, because a bus can go around an of positive economic development. obstacle and a streetcar can’t.” Streetcar boosters have little to show for budget and under- their projects. performing, both in An invaluable resource I drew on in researching this piece was the website of Q. When we spoke you referred to the terms of ridership and the American Public Transit Association streetcar renaissance as coming to an end. revenue.” streetcar subcommittee, heritagetrolley. Why do you think that? What factors do —Marc Scribner, Competitive org, which includes links and details you see as causing this? Enterprise Institute on streetcar systems across the country operating, proposed, suspended and no A. Streetcars were all the rage several longer being considered. Q. As I researched the survey I saw a years ago, but the mood soured as systems pattern of aspiration colliding with fiscal across the country experienced long My thanks to the following who assisted and other realities with most proposals construction delays, large cost overruns, in the researching of this piece, including eventually shelved. Is this also the case and disappointing ridership and revenue. offering suggestions, corrections and nationally? updates: Heather Allen, Fred Dock, Jay

Q. My mother, when I was discussing Eastman, Sumire Gant, Julie Gustafson, A. Streetcar systems can generally be the survey, expressed to me her feeling Karen Khukoyan, Mike Lyster, Perias characterized as over-budget and under- if streetcars draw people out of their Pillay, Jane Reifer, David Anthony performing, both in terms of ridership cars and help reduce traffic, especially in Roberts, Marc Scribner, Thy Vo, and revenue. Ridership peaks prior to downtowns, she saw that as a reason to Chris Wabich, Jarrett Walker and Fred the introduction of fares, but as Atlanta support them. Have any traffic studies Zohrehvand. recently discovered, even adding a dollar substantiated this possible benefit? fare can cause ridership to collapse. There Dana Gabbard is a RUN Board member and simply is little demand for a transit mode A. Mixed-traffic streetcars are not an executive secretary of Southern California Transit that is barely faster than walking down the efficient method of reducing traffic Advocates. sidewalk. congestion and may well make it worse RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 16 of 20 Riding the Rails in Germany, Austria and Hungary:

By F.K. Plous its yellow-stucco exterior and white baroque their comforting “clickety-clack, clickety window apertures, was very much evident. The clack” and the gentle rolling that develops Take 4: Onward to Budapest— interior was somewhat tired, and offerings from as the trucks find a low spot first on one rail, a machine dispensing pastries and cookies, had then on another. Instead, the front of the by highly conventional train little appeal, but the busy central waiting room, car would plunge into the trough created by the ticket office in the north wing and even the opposed joints, a brusque “Ka-CHUNK” Kőszeg turned out to be a marvelous little town nearly deserted snack bar in the south wing would issue from the trucks, followed by of 7,000 filled with charms rarely documented provided plenty of that exciting station “feel” the same set of noises as the rear truck in the travel pages, including a real medieval we used to have in American cities of the same negotiated the joint a second later. fortress right in the center of town. From size before they lost their passenger service and behind these walls, a mere 800 men under the the depot became a parking lot. The central How long is this going to go on?—I asked myself Croatian general Nikola Jurisics turned back an waiting room rose to the height of two stories, as the annoying “ka-CHUNK, ka-CHUNK army of 120,000 Turks in the autumn of 1532. and the empty overhead space provided a sense routine continued. I opened my map of Hungary History buffs love to talk about the Siege of of comfort and importance absent in the low- and measured the distance to Csorna, the junction Vienna, but not all of those battles took place at ceilinged modern stations that survive in the few where our train would join the Vienna-Budapest Vienna proper. At Kőszeg, a major contingent American cities that still have passenger service. main line and, hopefully, its welded rail. About 35 of the Turkish army was hurled back well miles apparently—perhaps half an hour at the before it got anywhere near its objective. The departure board said the 11:10 train rate we were traveling, which felt like no faster than would leave from Track 1, which was right 50 miles per hour. I sat back and tried to enjoy the And on a rainy Saturday morning, Eliza, next to the building, so we would have scenery, if not the ride. Bob and I got a personal guided tour of no need to tow our luggage down one of the fortress from Eliza’s friend Zoltán those steep-and-narrow narrow stainless- The prospect unfolding outside the huge Pocza, the town’s cultural commissioner steel ramps and into the pedestrian tunnel window looked like Indiana—flat farm fields and manager of the castle/fortress accessing the outer tracks. Our train, which with an occasional swale before reverting complex. We also enjoyed an authentic originated at Szombately, was already there. to prairie again. Kőszeg, bordering on Hungarian dinner the night before Austria, had flat fields too, but mountains prepared by Zoly and his wife, Nori, Unlike the three trains we had ridden in Austria, rose off to the west. Here, perhaps 20 miles in their cozy bungalow. Hungarian however, the one we were about to board was east, the mountains were gone and we hospitality is justly famous, but you don’t not new. The engine, positioned at the north end were surrounded by the Alfőld, the great have to know a local family to enjoy it. The of the consist, was one of those plain bread-and- Hungarian central plain famous for its restaurants we visited knew exactly how to cheese double-ended electrics that have been fecundity and the (source of much of the treat tourists, and the wine, beer, cuisine pulling European trains from Scandinavia to bounty which has made Hungarian cuisine and service were never short of excellent. the Balkans and from Scandinavia to Spain for an international treasure. Corn, wheat, oats, the last 40 years. Behind it stood four of those barley, wine grapes, fat cattle and hogs, hens But our three days in Kőszeg quickly standard, barrel-roofed coaches once common and geese and ducks, beans and every sort of expired, and on Sunday, Zoly showed up in all over Europe but now relegated largely to the vegetable seem to spring from the soil here. his SUV to take us down to Szombately to Eastern European routes where high-speed lines Unlike so much of Europe, Hungary was board the train for Budapest (no, we never have not yet been built. I felt like a character one place where even in the depths of World did get to ride that little single-track branch in some black-and-white subtitled movie as I War II and the Soviet captivity, nobody line connecting Koszeg with Szombately). heaved my suitcase up into the vestibule and starved. The land is simply too rich. The sun was shining and the thermometer hunted for a seat. The three of us found a set of around 70 as we followed the two-lane facing fours on the left side of the train. Within But amidst all the plenty, one prospect blacktop into Hungary’s tenth-largest minutes the coach was nearly filled. Right on from the window depressed me. Perhaps city—pop. 79,000—and the oldest city time the train began smoothly to move out of a quarter mile from the railroad, earth- in Hungary, to catch the 11:10 a.m. train the station and up to the interlocking—presided moving machines were building a giant for Budapest. With about 45 minutes to over by another of those six-story control interstate—or, because Hungary has spare before train time, I had some time to towers—at the north of the track fan where no states, perhaps an “inter-county.” examine the station before we left. three single-track lines converged, including the This was probably the M 86 motorway one pointed north over which we had arrived intended to connect western Hungary to The tracks through Szombately run north- from Vienna, the rural branch to Kőszeg the Danube Valley and Budapest. What south, and the head house of the station is on curving off to the northwest, and another would happen to our train when it was the west side of the tracks facing into what curving northeast toward the Vienna-Budapest finished? Would the branch-line trains looked to be the center of the city three or four main line, which we would join just west of the disappear as they had in America? Would blocks away. The building, with a two-story city of Győr on the Danube. the main-line trains (which ours was about central pavilion flanked by identical single- As soon as we reached our branch line, to become) follow them into obscurity? story wings on the north and south sides, I began hearing a sound we had not Would Hungary’s newly discovered but still still showed some of the shabbiness it had encountered anywhere else on the European lagging prosperity allow every citizen to accumulated during the Soviet years, but the rail system—jointed rail. But these were not own a car, or perhaps two, rendering essential handsomeness of the structure, with the staggered joints of North America, with Continued on page 17) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 17 of 20

Riding the Rails in Germany, Austria and Hungary

(Continued from page 17) she said. “They’ve been home in Győr for the spectacular view of more than half the train as weekend, but now they’re going back.” it reflected the western sunlight from one angle the trains obsolete? Would the stations at Sopron after another until it slid to a stop with the head and Szombately be cheated out of the funds It reminded me of my days at the University of end in the train shed and half the cars outside (as I they needed for updating, leaving passengers to Illinois, when the Illinois Central used to store learned when visiting Pest’s other station, Nyugati tow their suitcases up and down those pathetic extra Harriman coaches at Champaign and (East), both of the terminals on the east bank steel ramps along the stairs instead of getting attach them to train No. 8, the Southern Express, of the Danube are relatively short—and also new ramps with a shallow slope designed for to carry students home to Chicago on Friday narrow. Only about four tracks fitted under the wheeled luggage? Would the tired waiting afternoons. main train shed, with a couple more on each side rooms at Sopron and Szombately never get terminating outside the shed. a makeover and continue their slide into And once our train regained track speed the irrelevance until all the passengers were driven resemblance to the IC grew even stronger, because away to their cars and the passenger trains were at Gyor we had joined the straighter and busier We disembarked and went immediately outside gone? of the two main lines connecting Vienna with onto Kerepesi Street to catch an electric bus Budapest, the one carrying the Railjets, and our to our accommodations—a small apartment Not pleasant thoughts for the vacation of a speed increased to what felt like about 90 miles normally occupied by Zoli and Nora’s college- lifetime. Fortunately, the “ka-CHUNK, ka- per hour, which would have been standard on student son, who providentially was in the CHUNK” that had led me into these baleful the IC main line, especially between Gilman and U.S. at the time. As we stood at the bus stop musings was about to end. A rapid brake Otto, where a short stretch of Automatic Train I reviewed the station exterior. Like much application signaled that changes were in store, Stop allowed passenger trains to reach—and of Budapest’s architecture, it is modeled on and as we began a gradual curve to the right occasionally surpass—100 miles per hour. the Parisian 3rd Empire style, but Hungary’s I looked out of my left-side window and saw economic problems have left it poorly that we were quickly converging with one The towns were flying by now—Nagyhegy, maintained and somewhat shabby-looking. of the two double-tracked Vienna-Budapest Acs, a brief stop at Komarom where we first main lines at Csorna. A brief clattering over saw the Danube—then flying down the river’s Yet the grandeur is still there, just waiting to be frogs and switch points, then blessed silence as charming valley before curving away to the unlocked by a rehab. Several days later a walk- the “ka-CHUNKs” disappeared, replaced by southwest through Almaspuszta, Tata and through of Nyugati station revealed the same the gentle whir of welded rail. A few minutes Tatabanya, always at high speed on superb track problems—and potential. Our walking tours later we slid to a stop in the junction town of that made the ancient coaches ride far smoother of Budapest showed that private enterprise has Csorna and stood at the platform with a cut of than their 1950s look would suggest. At Obarok, restored some of the city’s most gorgeous buildings covered-hopper cars blocking our view to the a perfectly engineered 80-degree curve brought to their highest and best use, with glamorous right and the depot building sitting across the us from southeast to due east before a brief stop hotels occupying restored insurance-company platform to our left. Just as I was wondering why at Bicske, and then forward again. We were in headquarters and some of the leading global we were stopping so long at a tiny junction, I the Budapest suburbs now, gradually descending businesses taking over and rehabbing downtown saw our locomotive moving toward us on the and winding our way down into the valley of office buildings neglected under 45 years of next track across the platform to our left. Then the Danube flowing almost due south between Communist rule. The results have been spectacular. I saw another locomotive on another track pull the soaring heights of Buda on the west bank three more coaches forward and out of sight, and the low-lying flats of Pest on the east. At the Perhaps soon the Hungarian government will and moments later I felt the shove as the coaches bottom of the grade the tracks swerved sharply step forward and match the private sector’s were coupled to our original four. Our three- to the north, and we stopped briefly at the west- initiative with a major restoration program for car train had grown to seven cars, and we had bank station known as Kelenfold before again the nation’s railroad stations, including not only picked up a new locomotive. turning east to the crossing of the Danube. the two French temples of transportation in Budapest but that lovely little baroque palace in A few minutes for formalities and we were off Had we continued north, we would have Szombately as well. again. I went forward to examine the three new ended up in Deli station, a stub terminal of coaches and found that one of them was a first- undistinguished ‘50s modern design just at the But don’t wait until the stations are restored. class car. Nobody was in it, as Csorna is a very base of Buda Hill. Few long-distance trains Hurry to Hungary now. It’s one of the small town and few people had boarded there. call there, as the station is used mainly for last bastions of conventional European So what was the reason for the additional cars? commuters. Like most trains arriving from railroading left on a continent that continues the west, ours turned east a mile short of Deli its transition to high-speed rail. And like so The reason became apparent 20 minutes later and trundled across the Danube into Pest so it much of Hungarian literature, drama and as we pulled into the much larger city of Győr. could terminate at Keteli (West) Station, one of poetry, the Hungarian rail system teems A crowd of several hundred waited on the two stub terminals on the Pest side of the river. with irony: Its conventional passenger trains platform, and as they boarded it quickly became Despite its name, the tracks serving Keteli come are faster than the American trains that our apparent they were young. in from the east, so that our train had to make a media mistakenly call “high-speed.” sweeping 180 through several Pest neighborhoods Eliza reminded me it was Sunday. “These kids before the Keteli train shed loomed ahead. With F.K. Plous is director of communications for Corridor are probably going to universities in Budapest,” an engine and four cars ahead of us I got a Capital LLC. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 18 of 20 Alaska: ‘The Trip of a Lifetime,’ Part 3

By Richard Rudolph award winning galleries which present the full really get a chance to appreciate the Chair, Rail Users’ Network spectrum of Alaska art, from ancient Eskimo ambience. We stood in a long line of ivory carvings to contemporary paintings passengers which snaked around the main The final segment of our Alaskan and sculpture, both Native and non-Native. waiting room several times. We were all adventure began by boarding the Alaska Highlights include Alaska’s largest gold waiting to pick up our seat assignments Railroad and travelling to Fairbanks where display, extensive displays of Alaska Native before boarding the train. It seemed more we would spend two nights enjoying the art and artifacts, and the world’s only restored logical for passengers to get on board midnight sun and visiting several notable Ice Age steppe bison mummy. after an announcement had been made sites. The Denali Star, which originates in and tickets could be scanned by Amtrak Anchorage, departs from Denali Park After dinner in a vegetarian restaurant in personnel once the train leaves the station. at 4 p.m. daily from mid-May to early downtown Fairbanks, we happened upon September. It takes four hours to travel the McCafferty’s, a coffee house that offers live We took the 2:10 pm daily Cascades train, 122 miles to Fairbanks, which is considered music every Friday-Saturday night. The No. 507 which terminates in Eugene, OR. the “Golden Heart of Alaska.” Although owners were the musicians and seemed to be We had arranged to be picked up by my son it was not as scenic as our trip to Denali, enjoying singing oldies from the ‘50s and ‘60s who lives in Astoria, Oregon at the mouth our time was well spent relaxing and to the patrons. The crowd was sparse so we of the Columbia River. He volunteered contemplating what we would do upon stayed through the last set. The performers to pick us up at the Kelso-Longview,WA. arrival. After checking in at our hotel, we were friendly and welcoming and also station rather than staying on the train to set out on what we thought would be a seemed grateful to have an audience! Portland and then catching the 6:20 pm short walk to a grocery store. We were in dedicated bus that travels from Portland’s search of some fresh fruit and a good leg We left early the next morning with mixed Union Station to Astoria twice a day. The stretch. The short trip turned out to be a feelings; we wished we had set aside more State of Oregon owns a rail line between long one. The sky was light, it seemed like time to experience the northern interior Astoria and Portland. It was last used to carry it was 5 p.m. It wasn’t. We walked several of Alaska, but were also looking forward passengers during the 200th anniversary miles to find a store that stayed open past to the rest of our travels via Amtrak to see of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. The state 9:00 p.m. The trek, however, was well family in Oregon and Colorado. An early purchased three used Budd cars from BC worth it. We not only experienced the flight back to Seattle provided time to have Rail of British Columbia and the Portland “never-ending-day” but were rewarded lunch with long-time friends and make it to & Western Railroad operated the equipment with fresh fruit and vegetables, which we the renovated historic King Street railroad between Linnton, OR (just west of Portland) munched all the way back to the hotel. station to catch one of the newly refurbished over the 90 miles to Astoria. Originally, Spanish Talgo trains that are part of Amtrak planned to operate the train from The next morning as we headed out to Amtrak’s Cascade fleet. Union Station in Portland and maintain get coffee and a paper, we noticed a crowd the equipment under contract. At the last gathering along the river across from our The King Street Station, which was built minute, however, it reneged. As a result, the hotel. We meandered over and found that between 1904 and 1906 by the Great train was operated out of Linnton and was the Golden Days River Regatta had just Northern Railway, served as the city’s operated and maintained by Portland & begun. We saw whimsical pirate ships and first elegant passenger depot. As train Western Railroad Crews. Amtrak provided cleverly crafted rafts made from whatever ridership seriously declined after the ticket sales and bus service was provided from can be taped, nailed or glued together Second World War, the station fell into a Union Station to Linnton. Although the floating down the Chena River. We learned state of disrepair. To make matters worse, excursion service ended in 2005 there is still that it’s an annual event which had been “several ill-considered and poorly executed hope that some day passengers might once postponed because of high water from a modernizations concealed or destroyed again get a chance to ride on the Astoria line, number of rainstorms. Later, we strolled much of the station’s ornate interior detail at least between Astoria and Wauna, which is along the Chena River Walk—a 3.5-mile and elegant ambience.” The City of Seattle 20 miles away. Members of the Astoria Rail path which connects the most scenic parks purchased the property from the Burlington Preservation Association are busy at work and plazas of historic downtown. Flowers Northern & Santa Fe Railroad for $10 in restoring a steam engine that was built in were in full bloom and obviously thrived 2008 and invested five years and $56 million 1925 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. In in the extended daylight. We spent the to restore its stately elegance. While we the meantime, tourists are able to take the afternoon in the University of Alaska’s are delighted that the station has been Astoria Riverfront Trolley which travels Museum of the North. It is filled with restored, we wondered whether riders (Continued on page 19) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 19 of 20 Alaska: ‘The Trip of a Lifetime,’ Part 3

(Coninued from page 18) and modern amenities such as indoor and in Chicago, the Diner Lite service on the outdoor patio seating, a restaurant or food Lakeshore and the bus trip back from Rensselaer over a 2.7-mile section of the former passenger vendor, bike storage/rental and enlarged to Beantown. The new lounge, which is located rail / freight line. Volunteers from the non- ticketing, baggage and lobby space on the between the Concourse and the Great Hall, profit Astoria Riverfront Trolley Association ground floor will be added. is a welcome improvement, for it is twice as operate the service and maintain the streetcar large as the old one. It can accommodate up and tracks. The service is quite popular for it While we have headed east to Denver on the to 360 passengers who are traveling in sleeping parallels the Columbia River which can be California Zephyr more than a dozen times, it is cars or in Business Class, as well as Select Plus seen most of the way. The round-trip ride takes still exciting to travel over Donner Pass, view the and Select Executive Amtrak Guest Rewards 45 minutes and cost $2.00. high Sierras and the Lake Tahoe area, roll on members. The two-story facility features new to Reno, Nevada and then through Glenwood street access to the taxi stand on Canal Street, After spending several days visiting my son Springs Canyon before heading over the Rocky a new elevator, a glassy staircase that allows and his family we returned to Kelso to catch Mountains and through the Moffat Tunnel natural light into the lower level, and bathrooms the Coast Starlight, which was heading south to Denver. Chris, our sleeping car attendant with shower facilities. While these are certainly to Emeryville, CA. As we had purchased on this leg of the trip, was top notch in every welcomed improvements, there is a major design tickets in advance departing from Portland, way. We had several amicable conversations in flaw. The large cloakroom where passengers can the conductor was quite accommodating and the dining car while sharing a table with other store their bags is located to the right and behind let us walk through several coaches to our passengers and the food was passable. We were where Amtrak customer representatives greet sleeping car. The train stops in Portland for appreciative that Amtrak is making an effort to and check in passengers. Passengers wanting to approximately half an hour before heading provide more options for vegetarians. However, leave the facility can store their bags in this room south. This allowed us to get off and walk the Superliner sleeping car that we were assigned but at their own risk. Red Cap agents greet a few blocks to purchase some wine, cheese to was in desperate need of refurbishment. The passengers who need help with their baggage and crackers for the trip south to Sacramento upholstery was tattered and the bathrooms and as they walk to their train, but there is no one where we would catch the California Zephyr shower facility needed to be upgraded. monitoring the cloakroom. Like many other to Denver, Colorado. The current Coast passengers, we stored our luggage and headed Starlight pales in comparison to when Brian We arrived at Denver’s Union Station on downtown to a nearby restaurant for dinner Rosenwald trained and supervised the on- time, but too late to catch the last bus that wondering whether our belongings would still be board service crews who are assigned to this the Colorado Department of Transportation there when we returned to begin the last leg of train. Our sleeping car attendant greeted operates over its northern route to Fort our trip, going home. us as we got back on board in Portland and Collins, CO. The relatively new bus service helped make the beds that evening, but was called Bustang is an amazing bargain. A The diner lite service on the Lakeshore was never seen again. Never. There was no coffee single ticket is $10, the senior fare is $7.50. a disappointment. The vegetarian omelet made in the morning and when we stood My daughter graciously picked us up which this hungry passenger ordered was ready to get got off in Sacramento at 6:35 a. instead and our stay with her was great. prefabbed and microwaved before serving. m. she evidently was still sleeping as we had My wife, Muriel, however, returned to It was off-tasting and rubbery, and was to unlatch the door ourselves and hop off Seattle on the second day. She rendezvoused left on the plastic plate to be thrown in the before pulling our luggage to the train station. with a childhood friend from Yelm, WA trash. Perhaps the arrival of new dining to attend a surprise party at the Summit cars, on order for many years, and the The City of Sacramento purchased the House restaurant in Mt. Rainer National “changing of the guard” in Washington, 88-year-old train station and the adjacent Park. Their friend of 60 years was turning DC will make a difference. As Lady Luck property from the Union Pacific Railroad 70. She flew out and back from Denver’s would have it, it was the last day that in 2006. By 2013, the City finished the International Airport and then took the the Lakeshore service was suspended due first phase: relocating UP’s tracks 500 feet new RTD electric rail line to Union Station to track work east of Rennsselaer, NY. north. The new track alignment improved to meet up with me in time to catch the So, we spent the last five hours of the safety and efficiency of train operations. California Zephyr back to Chicago and then the trip on an Amtrak charted bus heading The second phase is well underway. When Lakeshore Limited to Boston. back to Beantown. We were involuntarily finished the renovated station will include subjected to heavy metal music blaring new Amtrak offices, leasable office and retail As our trip back from Denver was largely from the sound system the entire way. space, and food vendors. Both the interior uneventful, I will close with several observations Despite this lackluster finish, our Alaskan and exterior of the station will be restored about the new Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge adventure was indeed a trip of a lifetime. Please become a member of RUN… From the run We invite you to become a member of the Rail Users’ Network, which represents rail passengers’ board of interests in North America. RUN is based on the successful British model, which has been serving passengers since 1948. RUN networks passengers, their advocacy organizations, and their advisory directors councils. RUN is working to help secure an interconnected system of rail services that passengers will use with pride. RUN forms a strong, unified voice for intercity, regional/commuter, and transit rail passenger interests. By joining together, sharing information, best practices, and resources through Rail Users’ Network networking, passengers will have a better chance of a vocal and meaningful seat at the decision making Newsletter is table. published quarterly RUN members enjoy newsletters, international conferences, regional rail forums, and other meetings to by the Rail Users’ share information while working to improve and expand rail passenger service. Network, a 501 (c) (3), Membership is open to passengers, official advisory councils, advocacy groups, public agencies, tourist nonprofit corporation. and convention bureaus, carriers and other profit-making organizations. 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