Ohio Passenger Rail News
Ohio cities to get train Amtrak would Three Rivers service to Ohio collapse under cities set to begin by May
As a result of an action Jan. 16 by a state agency, Clinton budget the cities of Akron, Fostoria, and Youngstown will gain daily train service by May, if not sooner. WASHINGTON DC- "When it comes to Those cities are on the route of Amtrak's Three Amtrak, the nation's intercity rail passenger net Rivers-eastbound and westbound trains linking work, the Clinton Administration is all talk and Chicago, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York no action," said Ross B. Capon, Executive Di City, and over a dozen smaller towns in between. rector of the National Association of Railroad The expenditure by the Ohio Rail Development Passengers (NARP). Commission (ORDC) marks the first time in re "Administration officials often say Amtrak's cent decades that the state has spent money on operating grants should end by 2002. But Presi physically improving rail passenger service. Pre dent Clinton's 1998 budget lacks the most cru viously, any dollars spent by the state on passen Ken Prendergast photo cial tool Amtrak must have to attain operational ger trains went to pay for studies which often self-sufficiency - a dedicated source of capital duplicated earlier studies. New in this issue: funding." While the amount that the state spent was very While we appreciate comments from readers "Congress now must set things right," Capon modest-$12,500 per city-it was enough to who have complimented OARP on the added. "Recognizing the high costs Amtrak's address a huge :blemish in the Amtrak system. newsletter's new format and the variety of news demise would .impose on the nation in terms of Since the Three Rivers began operation Nov. 10, articles, there is one area where we would like more spending on transportation alternatives, 1996, there were no station stops along the 373- to do more-news about the association itself. Congress must create dedicated capital funding mile segment between Nappanee, IN and Pitts So, in this issue, we introduce two additions: for Amtrak (such as from one half-cent of the burgh. The trains ran non-stop through Ohio "Coordinators' Corner" and "Internal Af existing federal gasoline tax), provide enough an intolerable situation. fairs". "Coordinators' Comer" will be comprised resources for Amtrak to survive fiscal1998, en Amtrak restored service on the route 14 months entirely of notes submitted by OARP's regional act legislative reforms aimed at Amtrak effi after the company stopped running its Chicago- coordinators. Submissions may constitute infor- ciencv and allow states to invest some nf tht>ir - ~~~;5-f>eganoperarion Nov. 1 o, artiCles, ttJ.tre iS one area'Where. we' would like rnore ·spending on transportation alternatives, ~ - 1996,there were no station stops along the 373- to do more-news about the association itself. Congress must create dedicated capital funding mile segment between Nappanee, IN and Pitts So, in this issue, we introduce two additions: for Amtrak (such as from one half-cent of the burgh. The trains ran non-stop through Ohio "Coordinators' Corner" and "Internal Af existing federal gasoline tax), provide enough an intolerable situation. fairs". "Coordinators' Comer" will be comprised resources for Amtrak to survive fiscal 1998, en Amtrak restored service on the route 14 months entirely of notes submitted by OARP's regional act legislative reforms aimed at Amtrak effi after the company stopped running its Chicago coordinators. Submissions may constitute infor ciency and allow states to invest some of their New York Broadway Limited. The Broadway, mation about new, localized developments federal transportation funds on intercity passen which featured coach seating, lounge and diner prompted by, or at least observed by OARP co ger rail as part of ISTEA (lntermodal Surface service, plus sleeper compartments, was termi ordinators. "Coordinators Corner" will appear Transportation Efficiency Act) renewal. For pas nated west of Pittsburgh. Its remaining New York whenever material is submitted for it. senger rail to survive, Congress must provide the Pittsburgh segment was called the Three Rivers. "Internal Affairs" will detail the latest devel leadership that the Administration has not." Today, the Thri!e Rivers features coach seating, opments regarding the association, such as an Initially, President Clinton's Fiscal 1998 bud a lounge car, and mail-lots of mail. According nouncing and interpreting bylaw changes, OARP get included $767 million for Amtrak, intended to Amtrak, the train is carrying so much that it is policy, and member activity. as part of the ISTEA reauthorization bill the making a slight profit. On some days, the Three Send your information and stories to: Administration will send to Capitol Hill. But it Rivers is more than 15 cars long, but only 4- 6 of Ken Prendergast, Editor appears that the Administration has abandoned which can·y people. 12029 Clifton Boulevard #505 those plans. -See "CITIES", page five Lakewood OH 44107-2161 -See "COLLAPSE", page three
Ohio Association of Railroad Passengers r ~ PRESORTED 479 Humiston Drive FIRST CLASS What's Inside... A Bay Village OH 44140-3017 U.S. POSTAGE PAID "Y·Train ofThought'" ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED Cleveland OH Permit# 2470 "YIS TEA legislative update
"YLight-rail for Cincinnati
"YCoordinators' Corner William H. Hutchison Jr. OARP Vice President "YInternal Affairs 3480 Kenlawn Ave.
(:nlumhlJS, OH 4~{22·'1. "YODoT's Budget Crunch
Printed on recycled paper with soy based inks .
• < •••••• ' •••••••• ' •••••••••••••••••••••••••• ~ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 0. 0 ••••• 0 ••••••••••••••••• 0 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• < •••••••••••••• , ••••••••••••••••••••••• , • ' , •• 0 •••••••••••••••••••••••••• ' •• 0 ••••• Two Ohio Passenger Rail News, March 1997 Ohio Passenger Rail News Copyright © 1997, Ohio Association of Railroad Passengers Train of Thought Kenneth Prendergast, Editor from OARP Executive Director Mark Carlson, Production Marilyn Carlson, Distribution Kenneth Prendergast Board of Directors t's not often that you will see me offer commentary on an editorial. This, however, I is one of those rare occasions. Rarer still is a newspaper editorial which reads as Officers though it were written by OARP. Such enlightened writing appeared Dec. 31, 1996 in Mark Carlson President Bill Hutchison Vice-President The Cincinnati Post and is reprinted on the facing page. Meg Grey Secretary Tom Allen Treasurer In that edition of The Post, their editorial staff announced what type of transportation Directors investment it wanted in the Interstate 71 corridor between the airport in Covington KY, J. Howard Harding Past-President Jim Dingus 216/330/440 Director through downtown Cincinnati, to the Paramount Kings Island amusement park in War Ron Bergen Director At-Large Vacant 419 Director ren County. Why did The Post select light rail over several other alternatives? Folks, when 64 percent of your region's residents say they want something, you lis Bill O'Brien Director At-Large Frank Gordnier 513/937 Director ten. In Cincinnati, they want light rail. And now, The Post has gone on record as sup Bob Wickens Director At-Large .Bill Schuler 614 Director porting the construction of a light-railline. Any elected leader who ignores that kind of Executive Director support either has some special-interest agenda or just isn't a very good listener. Are Kenneth Prendergast you listening, Congressman Steve Chabot? Hello?!? Perhaps Cincinnati can overcome Chabot's anti-rail crusade, and still win federal funding for light rail. It would, however, be better if Chabot stopped pretending no one wants light rail and did what his constituents are asking of him. In reality, the best option isn't always selected, despite what the public wants. In this case, 64 percent of the people want light rail. They are the ones to whom Chabot and others in his minority should listen. ****** And what's the story on those monorails? There has been a rising murmur in both Cincinnati and Columbus about building monorails instead of more popular forms of fixed-guideway mass transit. Why? It appears the principal argument of those who support the construction of monorails is that this mode of transportation is "more modem", therefore more exciting, and there fore more capable of generating ridership. Let me make something clear right now. I don't hate monorails. I also don't hate light rail, automobiles, passenger trains, or airplanes. Each has its proper niche where it per forms most efficiently. What I do hate is the misapplication of a transportation technol ogy based on financial self-interest or love of image at the expense of practicality. Statements that the monorail is a decidedly modem form of technology are decidedly wrong. They date back to 1880 when France and Ireland first tried them. The first streetcar ran in Richmond, VA in 1888. Streetcars actually are newer than monorails. Still, who cares? When someone tries to use the age of something as a reason for or against it, it tells me that person is running out of arguments. Rational arguments for light rail over monorails are that they are less expensive to build and maintain, offer greater flexibility, are less obtrusive, and offer more stations. Because monorail trains must "wrap" around their rail, the rail must be elevated. "" <..:>------·-- •• __ ...., ...... t"t"'-"• ._ u•._...... _.'-'lh~llU~ll\_JII VI IIJVIIlJI UJJ:;o, is that this mode of transportation is "more modern", therefore more exciting, and there fore more capable of generating ridership. Let me make something clear right now. I don't hate monorails. I also don't hate light rail, automobiles, passenger trains, or airplanes. Each has its proper niche where it per forms most efficiently. What I do hate is the misapplication of a transportation technol ogy based on financial self-interest or love of image at the expense of practicality. Statements that the monorail is a decidedly modem form of technology are decidedly wrong. They date back to 1880 when France and Ireland first tried them. The first streetcar ran in Richmond, VA in 1888. Streetcars actually are newer than monorails. Still, who cares? When someone tries to use the age of something as a reason for or against it, it tells me that person is running out of arguments. Rational arguments for light rail over monorails are that they are less expensive to build and maintain, offer greater flexibility, are less obtrusive, and offer more stations. Because monorail trains must "wrap" around their rail, the rail must be elevated. Fewer stations can be afforded when compared to surface mass transit. Light rail also offers speed-like Dallas' new system where trains hit 70 mph. But, in central business districts, light-rail trains interact intimately with their surroundings as streetcars. A proposed 4-station, 3.7-mile monorail loop around downtown Columbus is pro jected to cost between $150-200 million. For the same amount, a light-rail line with fifteen stations could be built from downtown to near Worthington, about 11 miles away. In Cincinnati, a variety of monorail alignments have been suggested, but they also have price tags that are multiples of light rail's. Monorails do have a place. They link airport terminals to parking decks and dazzle The Ohio Association of Railroad Passengers is incorporated in Ohio children at amusement parks. There are fewer than ten monorails worldwide that devi- .t · t. d t f c d 1 · t d ate from those general applications. There are hundreds of light-raillines in use world- as a non-prof 1 assoc1a 1on an exemp rom 1e era mcome ax un er ...... wtde, employmg more cuttmg-edge technologies than any monorml system now muse. the IRS Code, SectiOn 50l(c)(3) as a publicly supported educatiOnal Until a monorail can operate across a city as efficiently as can light rail, Columbus organization. Dues and donations to OARP may be tax-deductible in and Cincinnati have no reason to be seduced by image over substance. After all, image
~~c~:d:~~e-:i~~~h~-I~~ :.0~~- _____ -~ cut here. ______~s~·~:v:~~i:g~~:tt~n~ ~orebang for the taxpayers' buck is. YES! I WANT BETTER RAIL PASSENGER SERVICES! : WANTED! An introductory one-year membership in the Ohio Association of Railroad Passengers includes Photos and Articles a subscription to the Ohio Passenger Rail News, plus action alerts, notice of rail-oriented events, Clippings from newspapers and magazines must and local meetings. Contributions to OARP may be tax deductible. include the publication's name and date. Your ar Enclosed is a check or money order for... ticles and news briefs should be typed and double spaced, though very short items may be legibly D $ 15.00 for an Individual Membership. NAME written. Preferably, send hard copy with IBM-com D $ 1O.oo for a Retired/Student Membership. TITLE patible text files on 51,4'' or 3Y2" disks. Submis D $100.oo for a Corporate Membership. sions via e-mail to: Send me copies of the newsletter (up to 10). COMPANY __ Intemet:[email protected]. Ohio Association of Railroad Passengers ADDRESS We reserve the right to edit all non-published sub c/o Tom Allen, Treasurer CITY missions. Original photos should be sharp, bright 752 Braumiller Road STATE ...... ZIP CODE ...... prints-avoid slides and negatives. Delaware OH 43015-3110 Always include your name and phone number! Ohio Passenger Rail News, March 1997 Three
used for non-highway purposes. Rail, transit, [(202) 939-3470], has prepared a lengthy plat ISTEA in hot water bikeways and air quality improvement programs form with suggestions for ISTEA reauthoriza By Margaret Koran would be left unfunded, requiring separate lev tion which embodies several main ideas for pre Transportation Policy Analyst ies if they are to be built or retained. serving current aspects of ISTEA plus adding Ohio Sierra Club STEP-21 is proposed by a coalition made up several suggestions for improvement. Some main There are several proposals that will be dis of about 20 states; Ohio was once a member and ideas from their proposal include the following: cussed this year as Congress decides how and now is on the sidelines with this proposal. This •continued dedicated funding for air quality whether to reauthorize ISTEA (Intermodal Sur Streamlined Transportation Efficiency Plan for programs and enhancements (like bikeways, pe face Transportation Efficiency Act). The bad the 21st Century would simplify the number of destrian facilities and historic preservation); news is that the highway lobby is mounting a funding categories and also mandate that states •Flexibility so that states and local govern campaign to take us back to the bad old days receive 95% of the federal gas tax that it collects ments can creatively program important projects; with the highways as king. The good news is and forwards to the federal government. •Provides a strong local role and public par that some groups are fighting for better trans Again, the major problem with this idea is that ticipation throughout the planning process. portation policies and it is up to each of us to there is no assurance that some of the more in Suggestions for changes to the current pro share our views of the various proposals with novative ideas contained in ISTEA, such i!S cess include the following: our elected officials. bikeways and air quality programs would be •Intercity rail eligible for ISTEA funds with First, the bad news. come voluntary. Many states would elect to use 1/2-cent of the federal gas tax dedicated to it; John Kasich (R-Westerville, OH) has the sup all of their money for highways at the expense •Fix it First: repair and maintenance funds port of Governor George Voinovich and others of other forms of transportation. should be used for that purpose and not funneled in Congress for his plan of "devolution." In a into highway expansion projects; nutshell, the idea is that the states do not receive In a state like Ohio, our •Access Program to help connect unemployed a fair share of the federal gas tax so the Federal people to jobs, especially former welfare recipi Highway Administration should be abolished as state gas taxes cannot be ents; a cost-saving measure. The federal gas tax would •National Initiative on Transportation & the be eradicated, in favor ofthe states assessing and used for non-highway pur Environment which addresses air pollution, wet collecting it. This idea is backed primarily by lands loss, energy dependence & other problems. states that currently pay more into the system poses. Rail, transit, The ISTEA-II proposal is the only one which than they receive (called donor states). bikeways and air quality ·aims to fix the current system instead of scrap What's wrong with receiving more money? ping it. It is also the only one that recognizes the Nothing, if accompanying this simplification was improvement programs importance of intercity rail as a transportation an assurance that funding for transit and other mode. The Clinton Administration's proposal for forms of transportation would remain in place. would be left unfunded. reauthorization also includes intercity rail as a If the federal gas tax were scrapped in favor of a source of transportation funding. purely state one, state legislators would have to The HOT-TEA proposal is the Highways Only I think that the future for OARP looks brighter raise the state gas tax to replace the lost federal option. I think that the name speaks for itself and if Congress enacts an improved version of funds. needs no further description. ISTEA. However, if any of the other proposals In an anti-tax climate, who would have the ISTEA-11 is the good news part of this article. is enacted, Amtrak is unlikely to receive addi political will to suggest this idea? Additionally, An organization named the Surface Transporta tional funding in the years to come. And any hope in a state like Ohio, our state gas taxes cannot be tion Policy Project, based in Washington DC. of passenger rail in Ohio will be dashed. purely state one, state legislators would have to The HOT-TEA proposal is the Highways Only I think that the future for OARP looks brighter raise the state gas tax to replace the lost federal option. I think that the name speaks for itself and if Congress enacts an improved version of funds. needs no further description. ISTEA. However, if any of the other proposals In an anti-tax climate, who would have the ISTEA-II is the good news part of this article. is enacted, Amtrak is unlikely to receive addi political will to suggest this idea? Additionally, An organization named the Surface Transporta tional funding in the years to come. And any hope in a state like Ohio, our state gas taxes cannot be tion Policy Project, based in Washington DC. of passenger rail in Ohio will be dashed.
Amtrak would collapse under Clinton budget OARP members should tell their members of Congress that the president's proposal for Am -"COLLAPSE", from page one---- are needed as much as the capital support so trak would kill it. Tell them that Congress needs That is a problem because the Clinton 1998 Amtrak can reach self-sufficiency. Amtrak's op to do better than the administration in terms of budget proposal assumes all Amtrak funding - erating loss for October-December was 13% providing Amtrak funding in 1998 and in sup operating and capital - will come from the below (better than) the two-years' earlier quar porting the creation of a permanent source of Highway Trust Fund. But using the Highway ter, thanks to retiring older equipment, a corpo capital funds for passenger trains. Trust Fund for Amtrak requires changes in the rate restructuring that reduced the payroll by Information appears courtesy of National law (ISTEA) governing the Highway Trust Fund. 2,000 people, aggressive fares increases (some Association of Railroad Passengers. Administration failure to include such changes times too aggressive), and increased funding in the ISTEA bill means Clinton has no inten from states. Contacting Congress tion of making such changes. With Amtrak's system already skeletal, any re You can reach your Senators or Repre In other words, the Administration is propos duction in federal grants - even though Am sentative by telephone or mail. The Con ing zero funding for Amtrak but is not willing to trak is expected to request an increase -leaves gressional switchboard phone number is say so directly. And, as the Clinton 1998 budget Amtrak with two choices, both likely fatal: (202) 224-3121. You may write to your proposal has implied, there would be no Amtrak 1) Lop off even more of the system, so that in Representative at: gas-tax half-cent in the Clinton ISTEA bill. FY'97 and FY'98 together, all service will have House of Representatives Amtrak must have dedicated capital funding ended to Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missis Washington DC 20515 for it to survive. A half-cent would provide $750 sippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and Wyo or e-mail at: million per year. More generally, a stingy capi ming. This would strand thousands of passen http://www.house.gov/Whoswho.html. tal budget lets Amtrak do very little to improve and cause a political backlash that would gers- You may write to Senators Mike De Wine its economic performance, since so much is doom any consensus for federal funding for the and John Glenn at: needed to comply with the Americans with Dis remaining system- even the corridors and high U.S. Senate abilities Act, Food and Drug Administration speed programs so valued by the Administration. Washington DC 20510 regulations, and environmental mandates and 2) Or, run the system intact until all funding or e-mail at: paying principle on the loans used to acquire runs out, provoking a crisis. http: I lwww. senate. gov /senator/ much of the new rolling stock Amtrak now uses. Now that the president has spoken, the atten membmail.html. Federal grants, despite their spiraling decline, tion of rail advocates shifts to the Congress. Four Ohio Passenger Rail News, March 1997
EXTRA!!!~(" e!imr:;; EXTRA!!! From time-to-time we'll reprint views/ How others opinions from other publications. This issue see it ... we feature The Cincinnati Post.
This editorial and its accompanying piece about a proposed monorail, both of which ran Dec. 31, 1996, are reprinted here with the permission of the editorial staff of The Cincinnati Post.
it would improve our quality of life in ways estimated cost is about $900 million, and Ticket to ride that are surprisingly cost-effective. that's probably conservative. But if the It would give suburban commuters a fast, region's congressional delegation speaks By the editorial staff at The Cincinnati Post convenient alternative to driving their cars to effectively, and with one voice, the federal It's coming up on decision time. And no, work every day. With stops at such hubs as government would probably provide between we're not talking about the stadiums. We're the airport, downtown Covington, downtown 50 and 70 percent of the money. talking about something even more impor Cincinnati, the University of Cincinnati and The fact is that the region could build an tant: the I-71 corridor, from the airport to the Clifton hospital complex, Norwood, Blue effective mass transit system for less than it is Paramount Kings Island. Ash, Mason, and Paramount Kings Island, the spending to keep the Reds and Bengals in Over the last two years the Ohio-Kentucky appeal is obvious. town. Indiana [OKI] Regional Council of Govern A less obvious function, but in many ways a A light-rail transportation system would ments has been conducting detailed studies of more important one, would be to take people make life better for Greater Cincinnatians the I -71 corridor. The goal: to figure what, if from the central cities to jobs in the suburbs. from all walks of life. We can afford it. We anything, should be done to relieve the con Employers at the airport, suburban shopping should build it. gestion that exists now and to meet the centers, office parks, restaurants and the like region's transportation needs over the next 25 are finding it increasingly difficult to attract The monorail debate years. and keep workers. Often the major barrier for By the editorial staff at The Cincinnati Post Through a process that has aggressively such employees is reliable transportation. OKI's deliberations about the I-71 corridor sought advice from the general public as well Above all that, the light-rail plan would be a have been marked in recent months by a as from elected representatives and transpor huge step toward freeing Greater Cincinnati strikingly harsh controversy between light rail tation experts, OKI has winnowed the options from the tyranny of the car. proponents and those would prefer a mono to these: That may seem an odd description of the rail. • Light rail: Build a light-rail system machine that, in this century, has come to Monorail proponents, led by Northern featuring electrically powered trains to carry Kentucky developer William Butler, believe people quickly to employment, shopping and A light rail system such a system would be more forward recreation hubs. It would include a tunnel looking than light rail, and would have a through Mt. Auburn to allow for service to would improve the better chance of attracting riders. the University of Cincinnati and the medical-- . Most OKI planners, however, believe. that years. and keep workers. Often the maJor barrier tor By the editorial staff at The Cincinnati Post Through a process that has aggressively such employees is reliable transportation. OKI's deliberations about the I-71 corridor sought advice from the general public as well Above all that, the light-rail plan would be a have been marked in recent months by a as from elected representatives and transpor huge step toward freeing Greater Cincinnati strikingly harsh controversy between light rail tation experts, OKI has winnowed the options from the tyranny of the car. proponents and those would prefer a mono to these: That may seem an odd description of the rail. • Light rail: Build a light-rail system machine that, in this century, has come to Monorail proponents, led by Northern featuring electrically powered trains to carry Kentucky developer William Butler, believe people quickly to employment, shopping and A light rail system such a system would be more forward recreation hubs. It would include a tunnel looking than light rail, and would have a through Mt. Auburn to allow for service to would improve the better chance of attracting riders. the University of Cincinnati and the medical Most OKI planners, however, believe that complexes in Clifton. quality of life in light rail - using cars on conventional The trains would be linked to an expanded railroad tracks, with an electrical power bus system and a series of park-and-ride lots. Greater Cincinnati source overhead - would be far superior, The system would be developed in phases, and that a monorail is simply impractical. along a route roughly parallel with I-71. At first blush this might seem a premature • Busways: Build a bus way system mean freedom. But the automobile inexorably debate over the technical question of which of dedicated roads used only by buses and emer dictates the shape of our community in ways two mass transit systems would be better. It's gency vehicles- to route buses around rush that are often not conducive to a high quality more than that. hour choke points. The busway would gener of living. Congress in 1997 is scheduled to reautho ally follow the light-rail route along I-71. The development pattern spawned by the rize the Intermodal Surface Transportation • High-occupancy vehicle lanes: Dedi car holds many people hostage in their car for Efficiency Act [ISTEA - pronounced "iced cate freeway lanes to buses and cars with insane amounts of time every day. It isolates tea"]. That legislation will set the parameters multiple occupants. The OKI proposal for this people. It requires the sacrifice of more farms for most federally assisted transportation option calls for both converting some existing and forests every year. spending for at least the next five years. lanes to HOY use and building new lanes Imagine what it would be like if you could Many local officials believe, with good specifically for multi-passenger vehicles. cut your commute to the five or 10 minutes it reason, that if Greater Cincinnati is to get any • Transportation System Management: would take to reach a park-and-ride lot and federal aid for a major mass transit project, Develop a regional bus system, and take a then to spend rest of your daily trip reading or that project has to be written into the ISTEA variety of low-cost steps to improve transpor chatting with a neighbor. bill. tation. These would include intersection Imagine coming downtown for a Reds or If Congress perceives that Greater Cincin improvements, park-and-ride lots, programs Bengals game and not worrying about park nati can't decide between light rail and mono to encourage carpooling and telecommuting, mg. rail, the logical response would be for it to and high-tech traffic control projects. Imagine a transportation system that re deny funding all together and give it to a • Do nothing. duces pollution, helps contain suburban community that knows what it wants. Ohio Passenger Rail News, March 1997 Five Light rail surpasses heavy expectations By Kenneth Prendergast OARP Executive Director prompted. Over $100 million in new apartment, of these projects, the Blue Line extension to condominium, office, restaurant, and retail con Highland Hills/!-271, narrowly missed being in CLEVELAND- Ronald Tober, general man struction can be directly attributed to the line. cluded in the first tier because its $40 million ager of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit More is coming. A theater and hotel complex price tag was deemed too high. First-tier status Authority (GCRTA), hoped the authority's new was announced for the Flats entertainment dis guarantees a state funding contribution before light-rail Waterfront Line could attract 1.5 mil trict. It would replace several parking lots and 2001. GCRTA predicts the Blue Line extension lion riders once it was up and running for a few an underutilized warehouse adjacent to the Wa would carry about 2.2 million riders per year. years. Tober's expectations were more modest terfront Line's Flats East Bank station. Meanwhile, GCRTA has begun investigating for the line's first year. He hoped that 600,000 "The successful opening of the Waterfront Line ways it can encourage development around ex people would ride the new 2.2-mile line through shows rapid transit is not only an excellent people isting stations along its Airport-Windermere Red downtown by July 1997. mover, but is now a positive force for economic Line. The authority created and filled the posi Blue and Green Line trains extended from development as well," Tober said. tion of economic development specialist - Shaker Heights began using the line July 10, GCRTA's first such endeavor.
1996. By Thanksgiving, GCRTA had reaso~to As a pilot project, GCRTA is working with a give thanks. A little more than four months after Cleveland neighborhood development corpora the Waterfront Line opened, it reached its first tion to possibly relocate a station and rebuild a year ridership goal. And, if things keep going neighborhood around it. As proposed, a pedes the way they are, the Waterfront Line will carry trian-friendly, ecologically self-sufficient urban over 1.5 million passengers by July 10, 1997. village would be designed simultaneously with Local critics who have opposed rail transit have Mark Carlson photo the relocation of the West 65th Street Red Line lost much credibility. GCRTA's 1996 ridership In early January, GCRTA pleaded its case to station to nearby Lorain Road. In other words, statistics underscored rail's popularity: the city's the Ohio Department of Transportation for $89 the mixed-use residential/commercial neighbor three rail lines posted a 16.5 percent increase, million in state aid to help realize four new Cleve hood and the train station would be designed so while bus ridership slid 1.6 percent. For the com land-area rail projects. Total cost of the projects each could feed off the other. bined bus/rail GCRTA system, ridership rose 0.8 is $259 million (see article "ODoT's budget The last few years have been marked by ex percent over 1995. The rail division carried the crunch" on page six of this newsletter for spe pansion and improvement of Cleveland's rail sys entire system. It was the third straight year the cifics on these four projects). tem. Of course, growth is inherently an exciting rail network posted double-digit gains. All four projects made it into the second tier thing. And, it appears that this growth will con That's not all the Waterfront Line has ofODoT's "Maj_orNew Capacity Program". One tinue for the foreseeable future. .{ til a more permanent station can be built. Ohio cities to get trains ORDC officials are debating whether they - "CITIES", from page one--- will buy the trailer or give the $12,500 to Ideas for the Three Rivers Fostoria is likely to get a station stop Akron as a grant so they could buy the before the other two cities as they have trailer. If ORDC buys the trailer, and Ak Proposed scenarios for the Three Rivers' future range fewer barriers to readying their station for ron builds a more substantial station, from modest to bold. II • ••• ... •••• p:vzttea aoale!Jaa 6 a gmt••· 1 t:tt tout ptvJccrs tttaae tt tttro nte seconu tter tntng. Ana, It apperu-slfiar thiS growth will con- Thacs n<>1: all 1:he Waterfront Line has ofODoT's""MajPrNevv C!apacityJ>r.ograxn". One tinue for the foreseeable future. ' . ~ til a more permanent station can be built: Ohio cities to get trains ORDC officials are debating whether they -"CITIES", from page one---- will buy the trailer or give the $12,500 to Ideas for the Three Rivers Fostoria is likely to get a station stop Akron as a grant so they could buy the before the other two cities as they have trailer. If ORDC buys the trailer, and Ak Proposed scenarios for the Three Rivers' future range fewer barriers to readying their station for ron builds a more substantial station, from modest to bold. Amtrak's return. City fathers will use the ORDC could redeploy the trailer to some Amtrak wishes to return first -class sleepers and a dining ORDC funds to spruce up a room in the other city that gains new service. car to the train. Accordingly, the first-class name Broad old Baltimore & Ohio depot, now owned A new downtown Akron station-serv way Limited would be revived. But should it? The train is by CSX. But it won't be the same room ing Amtrak, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic making money without the high-cost sleepers and dining which Amtrak passenger used before the Railroad tourist trains, and future Canton car. Broadway died. Instead it will be a smaller Cleveland commuter trains-is still sev Amtrak acknowledges it may run the diner west of Pitts room that the city will lease from CSX eral years away. Both the temporary and burgh with only a few members of the dining staff on for $350 per year. Fostoria, like the other a permanent station, however, would use board. Westbound, the train leaves Pittsburgh at 11: I 0 p.m. two cities, will be responsible for mainte the existing Amtrak platform, located at and arrives Chicago at 7:50a.m. Eastbound, it leaves Chi nance and the hiring of a station caretaker. Quaker Square. cago at 9:25 p.m. and arrives Pittsburgh at 7:50 a.m. Fostoria city leaders are considering Amtrak says that, at Youngstown, about hardly enough time for several seatings each of dinner or putting a surcharge on every passenger $26,000 is needed to restore part of the breakfast. ticket to/from that city. They argue that B&O Station, located downtown on OARP member Larry George has suggested a way that Fostoria's station will draw from a large Mahoning Avenue. ORDC questioned the could increase the Three Rivers' revenue. Between Fos part of the state, and that it isn't fair for amount, saying that some of it was for toria and Chicago, the train could be rerouted via Toledo, Fostoria taxpayers to have to bear the sole unnecessary items like landscaping. A Elkhart, and South Bend. financial responsibility for the station. restaurant at the B&O Station, which had There are several advantages. A reroute would add sev While no specific dollar figures have been using the Amtrak waiting room for eral populous cities while only one city would be lost been discussed officially, a flat $1 sur storage, went bankrupt and closed. Nappanee, IN (pop: 4,694). All Amtrak crews in the Ohio charge on each ticket, for example, could Apparently restaurant customers Indiana region should be at Toledo's Central Union Plaza generate about $6,000-$7,000 per year. thought that, when Amtrak stopped us crew base. That is based on the average ridership at ing the station in 1995, it meant the res Via Toledo, besides having many more people than via Fostoria between 1990-1995 when the taurant had closed too. Legal glitches Nappanee, there also are connecting Amtrak Thruway Broadway Limited stopped there. Amtrak must be worked out with the bankruptcy buses to Detroit, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, and Lansing. Also opposes the surcharge, countering that it court so Amtrak passengers can again use at Toledo, there are facilities for handling mail to/from the would burden them with unnecessary ad the waiting room. U.S. Postal Service's Detroit Bulk Mail Center. ministrative costs in figuring out how to OARP member Karl Gelfer, of Co The revenue potential in rerouting via Toledo should distribute funds. lumbus, contributed to this article. more than offset any higher operating expenses. How much Akron will gain a temporary trailer un- more? That's for Amtrak to decide. Six Ohio Passenger Rail News, March 1997 'T"' b d t h billion of the agency's $1.6 billion residential and commercial devel- OD 0. S U ge crone budget. These expenditures help opments. • • • • • • ? maintain Ohio's existing system of Mixed messages Leadmg to higher taxes or Wiser pnorities · over 20,000 miles of highways. By Some ODoT officials recognize By Bradley Flamm the Carillon Historical Park (est. at 2002 those costs will rise to over the inconsistencies highlighted by Transportation Coordinator $15.5 million). $1.5 billion, consuming all rev- the wish list. This is hardly surpris- Eco-City Cleveland The gloomy prognosis quickly enues projected to be viable. ing; some of the projects on the list ODoT Director Jerry Wray an- led to calls to raise the gas tax. Major new construction projects were first proposed over 20 years nounced on January 30 that a first Wray said that a 14-cent per gal- will continue until 2002 in large ago. "We realize we no longer can tier of 25 highway construction Ion increase would raise the $1.5 part because of the sale of Issue 2 build our way out of congestion," projects can be built before funds billion a year needed for 10 years bonds ($120 million annually from Carla Cefaratti, ODoT's Deputy for major new highway projects are to complete all 158 projects in the 1995 to 1998). But the cost of ser- Director of the Division of Multi- exhausted. Without additional rev- Major New Capacity Program. He vicing the debt this creates is huge. . Modal Planning and Programs, enue, ODoT will be unable to con- emphasized that ODoT has not Already ODoT's debt to revenue said during the Columbus confer- struct any new projects after 2002, asked the legislature to hike the tax. ratio is 22% and it will soon rise to ence, "and we need to look at other leavinginlimbo 133projectsfrom The state gas tax is already 22 over 25%, according to William modes [i.e. non-highway] seri- the second and third tiers of its cents a gallon, three times higher Davis, ODoT's assistant director ously." "Major New Capacity Program." than it was in for business Still, it is more likely that the While projects in the second tier 1984. The management. overriding emphasis at ODoT will -a tier which means "we'll-build- state legisla- "If we were remain on highway capacity ex- them-if-we-get-more-money"- ture is reluc- in the private pansion if backers of a gas tax con- are still alive, those in the third tier tant to raise sector, we vince state legislators that the in- are all but dead until at least 2005. this tax, but wouldn't be crease is necessary without a rna- Only four transit projects (only five the political able to stand jor reorientation of priorities. statewide were submitted) made it fallout from it," he said in ODoT has made some significant into the second tier. A fifth project, leaving so comments improvements in its direction and in Dayton, fell into the third tier. many high- made at the operations during the past few The five transit proJects are: way capacity Ohio Trans- years: objective criteria are now 1. Start in 1999 a commuter rail projects un- port at ion applied to the selection of projects, demonstration project from Cleve-· funded may Policy Con- a review advisory committee has land to Cuyahoga Falls (estimated oblige them . ference Jan. been created, and the workforce cost $25 million); to seriously ---• 30-31 in Co- has been streamlined. But the most
2. Construct in 2001 an intermo- consid_er it. ~-;~ Greater Cleveland Regional Tran- northeast Ohi? where the popula- ~uestionthe wis~om of construe~- C?pies of the D~aft~ajor/New sit Authority (GCRTA) buses and tion has remamed stable for o~er mg th~158 proJects o~ODoT s ProJ~ctConstructlo? hst can be Greyhound (est. at $17.5 million); four decades. ODoT's financ1al three tiers. Of these projects, only obtamed from ODoT s Central Of------~------~ • • • d Gue ore for publjc transit $he ross fise wColumbus and comments t . ,., -_r ------~ --.a.a.a•o '-L.I."" t-'U•~L .J."-'YY The five transit projects are: way capacity Ohio Trans years: objective criteria are now 1. Start in 1999 a commuter rail projects un portation applied to the selection of projects, demonstration project from Cleve- · funded may Policy Con a review advisory committee has land to Cuyahoga Falls (estimated oblige them ference Jan. been created, and the workforce cost $25 million); to seriously 30-31 in Co- has been streamlined. But the most 2. Construct in 2001 an intermo consid_er it. :: •:t ·)~.:·,l;t'> lumbus. important reforms - ones that dal passenger station facility at The calls for more tax 'money to Major/New: for cars only would reorient the agency towards North Coast Harbor for light rail, construct more highways seem Existing and proposed environ a truly multi-modal state transpor commuter rail, Amtrak trains, misdirected at best, particularly for mental regulations also call into tation system- remain elusive. Greater Cleveland Regional Tran northeast Ohio where the popula question the wisdom of construct Copies of the Draft Major/New sit Authority (GCRTA) buses and tion has remained stable for over ing the 158 projects on ODoT's Project Construction list can be Greyhound (est. at $17.5 million); four decades. ODoT's financial three tiers. Of these projects, only obtained from ODoT's Central Of 3. Extend in 2003 the GCRTA condition, existing and proposed five are for public transit. The rest fice in Columbus and comments Blue Line to Highland Hills/1-271 environmental regulations, and the - new, improved, and widened will be accepted until April 1 by (est. at $40 million); and growing interest in preserving highways, bridges, and inter writing or calling Larry Sutherland, 4. Extend in 2003 the GCRTA Ohio's dwindling farmland all in changes- respond to current lev Administrator, at ODoT, Office of Red Line to Berea and the IX Cen dicate that the question should not els of traffic, but contribute to Planning, Room 416, Columbus 'ter (est. at $95 million). be: "How much extra money can higher levels of congestion, and OH 43215 (tel: 614-466-2307). In Tier III (the dead projects tier) we get?" but rather "What should thus air pollution, in the future. By This article was reprinted with IS: we build to meet the challenges of making transportation by private permission ofEco-City Cleveland. 5. Extend Electric Trolley Bus the coming decades?" cars easier at the expense of other It appeared in their Feb. 3 e-mail infrastructure to three aviation his Deficit spending means, urban sprawl is also encour newsletter. If you would like to torical sites: the Air Force Mu ODoT operations and preserva aged, leading to the conversion of subscribe, contactEco-City Cleve seum and Huffman Prairie sites and tion costs currently use over $1.3 open spaces and farmlands to new land at: "[email protected]". Pennsylvania to fund rail upgrade no U.S. commuter rail systems currently oper ate with DMU equipment. The DMUs will be HARRISBURG- On Jan. 27, Pennsylvania State funds totaling $4.67 million will be added capable of traveling up to 110 miles per hour, Governor Tom Ridge signed a bill that paves the to the $18.7 million from the Federal Transit compared with current maximum speeds of 55 way for the acquisition of new state-of-the-art Authority. The state funds will be authorized to 90 mph on the corridor. In addition, the DMUs trains that will enhance service along the Key through the capital budget. will offer several customer amenities not cur stone Corridor, the 104-mile rail route between The new trains will come in sets of two to four rently available on the Keystone line, including Harrisburg and Philadelphia. cars, with each set expected to cost between $3 food service, computer hookups for passengers, · The bill authorizes Pennsylvania to enter into million and $6 million. Called diesel multiple and new handicapped accommodations. a labor protection contract with Amtrak and other units (DMUs), the train sets consist of self-pro The trains could be in operation by late sum railroad-related unionized employees. Such a pelled passenger cars that can run individually mer 1999, with interim equipment as early as contract is required in order for Pennsylvania to or teamed together- promising greater sched spring 1998 to provide a preview of the new ser access $18.7 million in available federal funds uling flexibility. vice. The trains will be owned by the state and for the ne-;tl.,'trains. Although frequently used in foreign countries. operated by Amtrak ------ Ohio Passenger Rail News, March 1997 Seven participation. 3-C Corridor: Ohio's missing connections Maybe some state officials will By Kenneth Prendergast tions are still being missed when it dling trains at near 80 mph already get the message if it is presented to OARP Executive Director comes to our message to top state exist. However, at minimum, mi them in black and white. So, con officials. nor station facilities need to be built sider making a photocopy of this Ohio has a great, new service in I recall an incident in March, or rebuilt; a few short stretches of article, then mail it to the the 3-C corridor. In 200I, for less 1988, in which Mark Carlson (be otherwise smooth track should be governor's office, and to your state than $50 million of public and cor fore he was elected to any formal improved; and some road-rail legislators. The 3-C Corridor, or porate money, citizens received position in OARP) used a phone crossings need better safety devices whatever it should be called, is too fast, modern trains on existing dialer to get through to then-Gov along the way. It's a modest start important to be kept down by folks tracks, linking Ohio s biggest cit ernor Celeste on a televised call-in ing point from which something who "don't get it," or for us to quit, ies, reliably on any day, in any show. Mark questioned "with cur more grandiose can sprout, but it only to wonder how much clearer weather, at any time. rent adverse weather conditions in cannot happen without the state's we could have been. I don't get it... mind and your drive to increase business OARP members can sympathize development and with actor Paul Riser who, in TV travel and tourism, commercials for a major telephone when are you going to company, is touting a new, simpli throw your support fied rate plan. Of course, the call behind the (Ohio) ing plan is so simple that no one in House and Senate those commercials understands. "I bills which would cre don't get it," is the common re ate a modern, safe, all sponse. Paul Riser sighs in frustra weather conventional tion: "Am I just being unclear?" speed rail transport Paul, we hear ya. Same thing has system linking Cleve been happening for decades here land, Columbus, Day in Ohio, between governmental ton, and Cincinnati?" leaders and OARP. No, it's not a Guess what hap misunderstanding about phone pened? Celeste an bills. Rather, it's about how OARP swered he was 82 per says one thing about 3-C Corridor cent in favor of high trains, but too many political folks speed rail, but didn't hear something else. know where the OARP member Robert Stevens money will come New York states turbo train struts its stuff across Ohio in Oct. 1995. Bob Boyce photo of Helena, Montana sent a letter from, and that Ohio The train was photographed at Columbus' Arch Park on the 3-C Corridor. Dec. 10 to Ohio Governor George needs to spend more on education. Voinovich, describing a trip to Eu- The connection was then cut, pre A corridor by any another name? . rope, and the ease of linking trans- venting Mark from restating his Marketing a product, in this case a transnortation nrono~ll1mn~t hP rlnnP 1- in Ohio, between governmental ton, and Cincinnati?" leaders and OARP. No, it's not a Guess what hap misunderstanding about phone pened? Celeste an bills. Rather, it's about how OARP swered he was 82 per says one thing about 3-C Corridor cent in favor of high trains, but too many political folks speed rail, but didn't hear something else. know where the Bob Boyce photo OARP member Robert Stevens money will come New York state's turbo train struts its stuff across Ohio in Oct. 1995. The train was photographed at Columbus' Arch Park on the 3-C Corridor. of Helena, Montana sent a letter from, and that Ohio Dec. 10 to Ohio Governor George needs to spend more on education. Voinovich, describing a trip to Eu The connection was then cut, pre A corridor by any another name? rope, and the ease of linking trans venting Mark from restating his Marketing a product, in this case a transportation proposal, must be done portation modes-notably involv original question which wasn't ad properly to reach the right audience with the best possible message. So far, ing rail. He asked, in part, "that you dressed. The next morning, Mark that hasn't happened. Maybe the 3-C Corridor train proposal could be put give the fullest possible consider called Celeste's office, and even into a better frame of reference by giving it a new name altogether? ation to an Ohio matter-the res tually got two ofthe governor's top For example, some of you may have heard of a new state loan program toration of intercity passenger rail legislative people on the line, nei called the brownfields initiative. If not, it's an effort to clean up abandoned, over the Cleveland, Columbus, ther of whom had a clue about the environmentally contaminated industrial properties in urban areas so they Cincinnati 3-C Corridor." 3-C Corridor trains. It's no won can be redeveloped for new, job-producing uses. The term "brownfields", That prompted a personal re der Celeste lacked information once explained, fits the issue like a glove. And it has a benevolent connota sponse Dec. 20 from the governor. when his own "experts" couldn't tion since redevelopment keeps older, established urban areas from sliding "The infrastructure required to de address the issue. into economic decline. velop this system, including land As most of us know, it won't cost Grasping the brownfields issue is made easier because there is an oppos acquisition costs and track con billions to implement modem 3-C ing term- greenfields. A greenfield is a pristine piece of land on the urban struction, could easily exceed ~1 Corridor passenger rail service. fringe. While it can be cheaper to build homes or businesses there, the new billion. Unless we can recoup some According to a litany of state construction often duplicates and makes redundant housing and commer of the more than $300 million in funded studies, it won't cost more cial space in older parts of the city. The greenfield development requires federal gasoline taxes we send to than $50 million. One must won new, equally redundant sewers, highway pavement, higher taxes, and farm Washington each year that is never der if all the right people are read land destruction. returned to Ohio, there is little hope ing all these studies on which Ohio Can a similar word or phrase be found to identify with 3-C Corridor trains, we could afford to finance such a ans have spent millions over the so that, once explained, it brings to life a clear, accurate, and persuasive venture," he wrote. Voinovich con years. Or are they just not under identity? The identity could help clarify economic and social issues of why cluded his letter on a positive note, standing what they said? 3-C Corridor trains are needed. If you think about it, 3-C has some similari adding "While my reply may not With all that work and money ties with the brownfields issue. We're trying to redeploy existing rail infra exactly be what you would like to spent, state officials (we're not just structure, focus economic activity into established city centers, and do so in hear, I share your hope that some picking on the governor here) an environmentally friendly manner. day our nation's rail passenger rail should know that no property needs Maybe the term can be generic, also like the brownfields term, so that it system will be the equal of the one to be acquired. No tracks need to might apply to any existing or proposed conventional-speed, city-to-city, you described in your letter." be built. Between the 3-C cities, passenger rail services in the state? Perhaps there is an OARP member who Methinks there is something very plus Dayton, Springfield, Galion, had a light bulb illuminate over their head while reading this article. Feel familiar here. It shows that connec- and others-tracks capable of han- free to share those ideas. The only bad ideas are the ones kept secret. Eight Ohio Passenger Rail News, March 1997 Proper Channelling rJDrJD 0 Member 614, and one Board A volunteer association can -iHh Member At-Large. Those seats never have enough active mem- ,(\\ §currently are held by Jim News Briefs bers who professionally work INTERNAL Dingus, Larry George, Frank ~~~~lfjf{lllll:lll~ffJ.filillli!.tl•l~l!llilll~ together, adhering to a chain of 11(VJ,llll Gordnier, Bill Schuler, and Bill Send for OARP brochure command. For this new, periodic O'Brien. column on the on-goings inside OARP, it seemed Because of term limits, only Frank Gordnier OARP has a supply of brochures available for a good idea to begin with a couple of tips. These of Dayton (Area 513/927) can seek another two- new member recruitment. To receive a quantity tips may be helpful for members who are curi- year term in his board seat. He has announced of membership brochures, write to: ous about becoming more active, and who wish he will seek re-election. Bill Schuler stated he OARP Membership Brochure to learn how to get the most out of their OARP. would like to remain on the board by being Mark Carlson, President From time to time, there are some terrific ideas elected to the at-large position. All others may 479 Humiston Drive out there about OARP that never get acted upon. run again, but can seek only one of the at-large Bay Village OH 44140-3017 If you have an idea or suggestion of how OARP board seats this year, or the other two at-large Remember to include your name and address might be able to accomplish something in your positions next year. At least one person will not along with how many brochures that you'll need hometown (and you probably know more about run again-see below. If you would like to run with your request. A post card is sufficient. your city-regardless of its size-than another for one of the seats on OARP's Board of Direc- member living only twenty miles away), you tors, contact President Mark Carlson at (216) Seney on ORDC board should run that idea by at least one board mem- 331-3161. Afternoons are usually the best time James Seney, past mayor of Sylvania, OH (a ber and/or officer. of the day to reach him. suburb of Toledo) and member of a former All Even if a regional coordinator, board member, Aboard Ohio! committee backing 3-C Corridor or officer has a new proposal, they should Larry George resigns from Board passenger trains, has been named to the board of double-check it with someone on the board. Sadly, we have been informed by Larry the Ohio Rail Development Commission. Check the directory on page 11 of this issue. Your George - OARP's long-time presence in To Seney, who now works):'or the Ohio Depart idea may be the right one at the right time. Or, ledo - that he will resign from the board. He ment of Developmen~lacesCharles Gerhardt on the off-chance, it may be in conflict with an delivered his letter of resignation Feb. 3 to OARP as the ODoD's representative on the ORDC educational program that OARP is already de President Carlson, Secretary Meg Grey, and Ex board. veloping. It's better and easier to play it safe. ecutive Director Ken Prendergast. Larry wrote: This also extends to every letter with OARP's "It is with deepest regret that I write this letter. name on it. Even OARP's president, vice presi I am resigning from the OARP Board of Direc Late-breaking news! dent, or other leader must have their official tors effective immediately. It is being done for A preliminary agreement between Norfolk communiques proof-read by a fellow officer to health reasons. Southern Corporation and CSX Transportation ensure that it reflects the association's implied "I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Mark has been reached so that both companies may t or written policies. Hopefully, this doesn't Buckley of Toledo as my replac~ment.Mark is split Conrail between them. While their are many frighten off activism. We just want to maintain a employed by Amtrak at the Toledo station, is a positives to this deal, there also are negatives. professional level of conduct which OARP mem member of OARP, and has a vast knowledge of It appears Norfolk Southern will get the Con bers, and others, can be proud of. rail operations in general, Amtrak operations in rail line between Chicago, Toledo and Cleveland In most all-volunteer associations like OARP, particular, and is a walking encyclopedia of rail used by Amtrak's Lake Shore and Capitol whenever someone comes up with a new idea, passenger service history. Limiteds. CSX will get the Conrail line east of r'l~""'lcnvl ___ t __ £ .o..1------L ''T !-""~-....1.,._...... ,.l.T~~- ...... ,.,., r'\ ADD __,,...... _...1- .....- ....t....:- ...-..-l to Rnff<>ln Rn<:tnn !'Inn NPw York l'itv nann!!""!!. B~t;l'lOAkl''s presi + Shop till you drop + st~e~ play + visit the museums + enjoy Chicago! In addition to serving Amtrak's eastbound Complete packrt of df'f 1 ------~ Ohio Passenger Rail News, March 1997 Ele1·cn .TJive!llgent hers PLEASE PATRONIZE THESE AUTHORIZED TRAVEL AGENTS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE OHIO ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS: Akron Parkside Travel US A (330) 724-1800 Joel Brown Alliance Alliance AAA Travel (330) 821-2323 (330) 456-6315 Canal Fulton Massillon AAA Travel (330) 854-6616 Cleveland Ohio Motorist Association/AAA Travel (216) 361-6080 Cleveland Randall Park Mall Travel Agency (216) 475-8747 (800) 999-2434 Robert Peck Columbus Accessible Travel Agency (614) 792-3555 (800) 837-2822 Jude Cuddy Columbus Ohio Automobile Club/AAA Travel (614) 431-7823 Elyria Tours & Travel Service, Inc. (216) 323-5423 (800) 443-7789 Mike McCiister Mansfield Mansfield Travel Center (419) 756-8747 Jay Gilbert Massillon Massillon AAA Travel (330) 833-1 034 Cheryl Anderson Piqua Miami County Auto Club/AAA Travel (513) 773-3753 Sandusky Sandusky Travel Service, Inc. (419) 626-4633 Roberta Slyker Solon Astro Travel Service (216) 248-7740 (800) 759-7404 "Amtrak" AI Mladineo Troy Miami County Auto Club/AAA Travel (513) 339-0112 Authorized Amtrak travel agents who wish to join OARP, maintain current membership status, and be listed in the TRAM DIRECTORY should send a $50 check, made payable to OARP, to: Tom Allen, Treasurer; 752 Braumiller Road; Delaware OH 43015. The TRAM annual listing fee entitles you to list your CITY, the NAME OF YOUR AGENCY, one LOCAL PHONE NUMBER, one LONG DISTANCE PHONE NUMBER, and the name of one CONTACT at the agency. Renewals will be billed by the Treasurer. Updated: November, 1996 Directory o£the Ohio Association o£Railroa d Passengers '/). PRESIDENT Mark D. Carlson 479 Humiston Drive Bay Village 44140-3017 21 6 I 331 -3161 Q5 PAST-PRESIDENT J. Howard Harding 489 Overwood Road Akron 44313-5327 330 I 867-5507 c~ VICE-PRESIDENT Bill Hutchison 3480 Kenlawn Ave Columbus 43224-3450 614 I 268-2709 (5 SECRETARY Meg Grey 405 W. Columbus Street Pickerington 43147-1059 614 I 837-7463 TREASURER Tom Allen 752 Braumiller Road Delaware 43015-3110 614 I 369-5804 AREA 21613301440 Jim Dingus 20600 Chagrin Blvd. #701 Cleveland 44122-5996 216 I 561-9200 r::rJ ~ AREA 419 Vacant 0 ~ AREA 5131937 Frank Gordnier 1430 Weatherfield Court Dayton 45459-6205 513 I 435-6094 ::::...;J C) AREA 614 William Schuler 3785 Headleys Mill Road Pataskala 43062-8680 614 I 927-8808 ::...... AT-LARGE ·,...... ; Ron Bergen 2866 Park Drive North Silver Lake 44224-3744 330 I 922-9923 AT-LARGE ~ William O'Brien P.O. Box 20189 Columbus 43220- 614 I 451 -7226 AT-LARGE Bob Wickens 8109 Southern Pines Drive Maineville 45039-9442 513 I 677-3330 <::TO f ,.:,~r-;:,TOl 1111111:.,11- 110' eery v rn'!!g~ -=FI::if 1 ~o -\:JU rr . Akron 44313-5327 330 I 867-5507 E:'5'PAST~P.RESIDENT J. Howard Harding 489 Overwood Road 43224-3450 614 I 268-2709 cf=1 VICE-PRESIDENT Bill Hutchison 3480 Kenlawn Ave Columbus b SECRETARY Meg Grey 405 W. Columbus Street Pickerington 43147-1059 614 I 837-7463 Tom Allen 752 Braumiller Road Delaware 43015-3110 614 I 369-5804 TREASURER - if AREA 21613301440 Jim Dingus 20600 Chagrin Blvd. #701 Cleveland 44122-5996 216 I 561-9200 U') Vacant ~ AREA 419 ~a AREA 5131937 Frank Gordnier 1430 Weatherfield Court Dayton 45459-6205 513 I 435-6094 ~ AREA 614 William Schuler 3785 Headleys Mill Road Pataskala 43062-8680 614 I 927-8808 ~ AT-LARGE Ron Bergen 2866 Park Drive North Silver Lake 44224-3744 330 I 922-9923 ~·-- AT-LARGE William O'Brien P.O. Box 20189 Columbus 43220- 614 I 451-7226 AT-LARGE Bob Wickens 8109 Southern Pines Drive Maineville 45039-9442 513 I 677-3330 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ken Prendergast 12029 Clifton Blvd. Suite 505 Lakewood 44107-2161 216 I 529-7677 ~ GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIR. Bill Hutchison 3480 Kenlawn Ave Columbus 43224-3450voice- 614 I 268-2709 cd fax - 614 I 268-4007 C/:) DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Manfred 0. Orlow 2801 Far Hills Ave. #205-E Dayton 45419-1607 513 I 294-0718 NEWSLETTER EDITOR. Ken Prendergast 12029 Clifton Blvd. Suite 505 Lakewood 44107-2161 216 I 529-7677 NEWSLETTER PRODUCTION Mark Carlson 479 Humiston Drive Bay Village 44140-3017 216 I 331-3161 00 AREA 2161 Cleveland James Stevenson 192 Franklin Drive Berea 44017-1445 216 I 234-5885 ::-... ,__,;>a 3301440: Elyria Phil Copeland 110 Indiana Avenue Elyria 44035-7228 216 I 365-7970 cd Warren Douglas Hudson 3981 Greenmont Drive, SE Warren 44484-2611 330 I 865-2557 ~ AREA 419: Toledo W. Scott Lawson 23624 W. Moline-Martin Road Millbury 43447- 419 I 855-8510 ·-8 Lima John H. Keller, Sr. 721 Woodward Avenue Lima 45805-2059 419 I 224-9936 a Mansfield Richard A. Fry 616 Sherwood Drive Mansfield 44904-1740 419 526-3775 I I a Sandusky Steve La Conte 421 South Old State Road Norwalk 44857-2414 419 I 668-6225 c...,:) ....- AREA 5131 Cincinnati W. Mike Weber 9800 Misty Morn Lane Cincinnati 45242- 513 I 891-9251 cd 937: Clermont Ronald D. Garner 1884 Kress Road Mount Orab 45154-9518 513 I 444-3098 a~ Dayton Linda Leas 1118 Oakdale Avenue Dayton 45429-1516 937 I 253-9448 -on Springfield Stephen Klipfel 825 South Tecumseh Road Springfield 45506-4235 937 I 882-6521 ·-Q.;l AREA 614: Columbus Robert Boyce 1080 Lincoln Road Columbus 43212-3234 614 I 486-7038 ~ · Delaware Tom Allen 752 Braumiller Road Delaware 43015-3110 614 I 369-5804 National Association of Railroad Passengers I NARP Passenger RaiiNews Hotline (24-hours). This is NOT a free call 900 I 988-RAIL Executive Director Ross Capon 900 Second Street, NE #308; Washington DC 20002-3557 voice- 202 I 406-8362 0...., Assistant Director Scott Leonard or e-mail [email protected], Web www.worldweb.net/-narp fax- 202 I 408-8287 ~ OHIO NARP Region 6 Directors James Stevenson 192 Franklin Drive Berea 44017-1445 216 I 234-5885 z Mark Carlson 479 Humiston Drive Bay Village 44140-3017 216 I 331-3161 Keith Dover 1021 Skinner Avenue Painesville 44077-4256 216 I 357-8120 OHIO NARP At-Large Directors J. Howard Harding 489 Overwood Road Akron 44313-5327 330 I 867-5507 James Dingus, Jr. 20600 Chagrin Blvd. #701 Cleveland 44122-5996 216 I 561-9200 Updated: March 1997 Twelve Ohio Passenger Rail News, March 1997 OARP Calendar of Events/Meetings March 1997 Date Event Time Location Address Contact person & telephone number 8 Columbus Local Meeting 9:30 a.m. Red Door Tavern 1736 West 5th Avenue Bob Boyce 614 I 486-7038 13 ORDC - Committee Mtg 9:00 a.m. Riffe Center 77 South High Street Linda Nelson 614 I 644-717 6 ORDC - Full Commission 10:00 a.m. Riffe Center 77 South High Street Linda Nelson 614 I 644-7176 15 OARP Board Meeting 8:15a.m. Holiday Inn- Sidney OH I-75 Exit 92 (SR 47) Mark Carlson 216 I 331-3161 15 OARP/NARP Region 6 Mtg 10:00 a.m. Holiday Inn- Sidney OH I-75 Exit 92 (SR 47) Mark Carlson 216 I 331-3161 21 Toledo Local Meeting 7:30p.m. Oregon Municipal Bldg. 5330 Seaman Road Mark Buckley 419 I 476-4569 April1997 Date Event Time Location Address Contact person & telephone number 11 Columbus Local Meeting 9:30a.m. Red Door Tavern 1736 West 5th Avenue Bob Boyce 614 I 486-7038 18 Toledo Local Meeting 7:30p.m. Oregon Municipal Bldg. 5330 Seaman Road Mark Buckley 419 I 476-4569 May 1997 Date Event Time Location Address Contact person & telephone number 10 Columbus Local Meeting 9:30a.m. Red Door Tavern 1736 West 5th Avenue Bob Boyce 614 I 486-7038 15 ORDC -Committee Mtg 9:00a.m. Riffe Center 77 South High Street Linda Nelson 614 I 644-7176 ORDC - Full Commission 10:00 a.m. Riffe Center 77 South High Street Linda Nelson 614 I 644-7176 7:30p.m. Oregon Municipal Bldg. Mark Buckley 416 I 476-4569 16 Toledo Local Meeting 5330 Seaman Road - 17 OARP Board Meeting 8:30a.m. Columbus OH Radisson Inn-North Mark Carlson 216 I 331-3161 17 OARP Annual Meeting 10:00 a.m. Columbus OH Radisson Inn-North Bill Hutchison 614 I 268-2709 All meetings are subject to change. OARP suggests that you confirm dates, times, and locations for all meetings. -'# MAY 17 Saturday the· Ohio Association tJA~~ - \{OU AnnUal Meeting of -~ MAY 17 Saturday ()?I~~ the· Ohio Association 111"'J,oo 1c;;:t -~/rv. am '''"''·::::'/ of Railroad Passengers Saturday, May 17th 10:00 am to 4:00 pm ~Stateof your Association ~Electionsto the OARP Board of Directors Radisson Inn Columbus ~Localnews and developments 4900 Sinclair Rd. at Morse Rd. ~Speakers(not yet confirmed) Exit 1-71 (exit #116) at Morse Rd. ~Detailsof the CSX/Norfolk Southern acquisition of Conrail. Plus ... and tum right onto Sinclair. how will it affect Amtrak, how will it affect Ohio, and how will it affect future rail development in Ohio • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ·~cuthere ...... ~------Mail in Registration Form Please register early! Registration fee is only $20.00 if made by Monday, May 12. Late Number of people attending:__ Amount enclosed: __ _ registration fee will be $22.00. The earlier you register, the better we can control our meeting costs. As always, we must confirm a Name(s) ______meal count with the hotel prior to our meeting. Mail your registration, with a check or money order payable to Address. ______OARP, to: OARP Annual Meeting City State ZIP _ Last minute phone regis __ ___ Bill Hutchison trations may be called to: 3480 Kenwood Avenue Phone_( ) _ (614) 268-2709 ______Columbus OH 43224-3450