WINTER 2014 Troy forced to condemn station land Volume 41, Number 1 BY LARRY SOBCZAK in early January,” City Manager the adjacent property owner and The city of Troy began con- Brian Kischnick said. “We will ending with the Su- demnation proceedings to gain follow the letter of the law over preme Court refusing to hear a ownership of the land occupied condemnation proceedings to case involving ownership of the by the recently completed $6.3 gain clear and continuous own- land on which the building and million Intermodal Transit Cen- ership of the property.” parking lot sit. Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers ter along Doyle Drive near Ma- The city found itself in this Developer Grand Sakwa ple Road and Coolidge Highway. position beginning with a long Properties gave the 2.3 acre par- www.marp.org “We initiated condemnation protracted legal dispute with (See CONDEMN, page 3) WHAT’S INSIDE…

NSTB report on Niles derailment See Page 3

Take the train to the wild north See Page 4

Snow train cancelled See Page 5

Amtrak discusses food and beverages See Page 6

SANTA’S IRON SLEIGH. The Steam Railroading Institute’s locomotive brought Santa and passengers to the village of Ashley on special excursions this holiday season. It’s the fi rst time this locomotive, which served as a physical model for the animated movie “,” has been on the rails in nearly fi ve years. (Photo by Rosemary Horvath) PAID 44870 U.S. POSTAGE U.S. PRESORT STD. PRESORT PERMIT NO. 10 PERMIT NO. SANDUSKEY, OH SANDUSKEY, 1225 steams again! Historic locomotive brought thousands to Ashley Breathing fi re and steam for Owosso (Pere Marquette 1225’s in Lima, in 1941. It was one of the fi rst times in nearly home) to make the hour-long taken out of service in 1951 and fi ve years, the historic Pere journey to the town named in became part of a static display Marquette 1225 locomotive honor of John M. Ashley, de- at Michigan State University in brought life back to the central scribed as promoter and builder 1957. A group of students be- Michigan village of Ashley this of the Ann Arbor Railroad. gan restoring the locomotive in past Christmas season. The has 1969. By 1988, the students had Costumed elves and hobos been out of service since 2009 evolved into the Steam Railroad- as well as locals greeted 19 when the Federal Railroad Ad- ing Institute and the locomotive trains carrying more than 500 ministration mandated a rebuild was ready to begin its second ca- passengers each trip to the tiny and inspection of its boiler. In reer as an excursion locomotive. town of 563 residents along the November the Steam Railroad- Around the time the 1225 Central Railroad, ing Institute completed the ar- began running under its own a line more familiar with haul- duous physical and fundraising power again in the mid-1980s, ing freight for small rural indus- tasks to return the locomotive to children’s author and illustra- tries. service. tor Chris Van Allsburg wrote an Sold-out passenger lists The 1225 is a 2-8-4 (Berk- award-winning book, “The Po- boarded on weekends through- shire) steam locomotive built for lar Express,” about the locomo- out the holiday season at the (PM) tive he used to climb on as child

MI 48318-0076 ca, when his family attended home Ɵ Steam Railroading Institute in by MARP 180076 PO Box U (See 1225, page 3) Page 2 Th e Michigan Passenger Winter 2014

Michigan Association of Railroad Th e Michigan Passenger Passengers, Inc. is published four times annually by the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Inc. OFFICERS Copyright © 2014 Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Inc.

Chair All articles not originated by MARP are copyrighted by their Robert Tischbein respective originators. All rights reserved. Articles used in 586-726-9737 accordance with the Fair Use Clause of the [email protected] Constitution. Vice Chair The Michigan Passenger welcomes submissions on passenger rail Larry Krieg 734-347-2179 issues for publication. Material sent for publication should be sent [email protected] to our Editor at: [email protected].

Secretary Clippings from newspapers and magazines must include the Hugh Gurney publication’s name and date. Photos sent in by e-mail should be in 517-545-2979 JPEG format. [email protected] We reserve the right to edit all submissions.To subscribe to this Treasurer publication, join MARP by fi lling out the application below. All David Randall MARP members receive a copy of this publication sent to their 248-924-4078 home or business. [email protected] Michigan Passenger Editor & MARP Webmaster: REGIONAL CHAIRS Larry Sobczak, [email protected] Metro 586-781-6891 Robert Patterson 313-836-3736 [email protected] Contributors: Kay Chase East/Central Michigan Cathy Hart Rosemary Horvath 989-506-9539 Rosemary Horvath [email protected] Steve Sobel

West Michigan Vacant Contact MARP if you are interested in this position. About MARP… [email protected] The Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Inc. (MARP) was established in 1973 as a consumer advocacy group to improve Don Monteith intercity rail and bus service, improve local transit and encourage (231) 675-1608 the preservation of historic railroad stations. [email protected] MARP is not affi liated with , the railroads, governments or AT-LARGE EXECUTIVES any political party. MARP is incorporated as a Michigan non-profi t organization and is exempt from federal income tax under the IRS John D. Langdon 616-218-9009 code, 501( c )(3) as a charitable educational organization. Dues and [email protected] donations to MARP may be tax-deductible in accordance with the IRS code. Jim Wallington 517-303-6038 MARP is an all-volunteer organization. Its membership consists of [email protected] passengers and citizens who want a viable, balanced transportation Kay M. Chase system in Michigan. We can all use the help we can get! 269-388-3777 [email protected] http://www.marp.org [email protected] Kathleen Newell http://www.facebook.com/pages/michigan-association-of-railroad-passengers 310-740-0421 [email protected] http://twitter.com/michrailpass JOIN MARP TODAY!

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center was delayed. refused to hear the case in No- will be able to demonstrate other CONDEMN The Oakland County Circuit vember. parts of the law in court. (Continued from Court agreed with the city’s ar- In December, the city had “We are confi dent that it gument that the 2000 agreement the land appraised and offered will be found this meets a public page 1) was still in effect because the Grand Sakwa $550,000. need,” he said. center had full funding for con- The city has approximately In a separate issue, the city is cel to the city in 2000 with the struction and it was in the pro- stipulation that a transit center be $2 million in unused funds from negotiating with Amtrak and the cess of engineering and architec- the original Federal grant to Michigan Department of Trans- built within 10 years. The dona- tural designs. tion was part of an agreement be- build the center to tap into. portation (MDOT) over moving tween the city and Grand Sakwa In May 2013, the Michigan Kischnick said the city was the current Amtrak stop a few that allowed for the construction Court of Appeals had overturned forced to fi le for condemnation hundred yards south in Birming- of the adjacent shopping center the Circuit Court decision and of the property because Grand ham to the new transit center. and condominium complex. it said that Grand Sakwa owned Sawka had not responded to its Kischnick said that nego- the property. By that time, the Grand Sakwa fi led a lawsuit offer. tiations with Amtrak and MDOT transit center was more than half are ongoing and could be infl u- in Oakland County Circuit Court way completed. He said that the appraisal and to regain the property in 2012 the waiting period followed con- enced by the timing of condem- after construction of the transit The city appealed to the demnation laws and that the city nation proceedings. Michigan Supreme Court which Jumper wires blamed for Niles Amtrak derailment BY LARRY SOBCZAK remote sensors had detected a the track. The NTSB said the use of The National Transportation problem with the equipment. On board the train were 165 the jumper wire was inconsis- Safety Board (NTSB) has deter- The result was eastbound passengers and 4 crewmembers. tent with Amtrak procedures for mined that the probable cause of Amtrak train 350, The Wolver- Emergency responders reported using jumper wires to override the derailment of an Amtrak train ine, entered the Niles Yard from that 13 people were injured; 8 signal and train control safety- on Oct. 21, 2012 in Niles was the main track at Control Point of those were transported to area critical circuits. from the improper use of jumper (CP) 190 while traveling 61 hospitals. None of the injuries The NTSB said inadequate wires on a signal system. mph. The train derailed about were reported to be life-threat- oversight by Amtrak manage- The jumper wires which 291 feet after diverging from the ening. ment to ensure that proper jumper were attached by a signal super- main track and traveled 1,148 Amtrak estimated the dam- wire safeguards were employed visor caused the signals to show additional feet before coming to age at $400,000. contributed to the accident. a stop on a yard track. it was clear for the train to pro- The NSTB made the deter- The fi nding was published ceed when in reality the switch The train was composed of mination after investigating re- by the NTSB on Nov. 20. was lined to send trains from the two locomotives, one on each corders on board the train and The complete report is avail- mainline into the yard. The sig- end, and four passenger cars. All interviewing witnesses to the de- able at: http://www.ntsb. gov/ nal supervisor was called to the four cars and both locomotives railment. doclib/ reports/2013/ RAB1306. switch earlier in the day after derailed upright and in line with pdf at the hobo kitchen, homemade Volunteer presenters needed 1225 bread and soup were served by Michigan Operation Life- Railroad Police Department. The costumed hobos straight out of (Continued from saver is looking for volunteers to Charlotte Police also assisted. Central Casting. Across the way give presentations about safety page 1) were live reindeer, a fi lm giv- The presentations empha- near railroads in the volunteers’ ing the town’s railroad history, a sized the potential hazards of football games at Michigan communities around the state. trespassing on railroad property State. In 2004, fi lm animators lively bluegrass band at the local pub serving up a turkey dinner Volunteers attend an online and at rail intersections. The high used the locomotive as a model course and an in-person class to school presentations included tips for the movie of the same name. buffet and a shop selling Czech pastries and chocolates hand become a presenter. They can be for drivers as well as pedestrians. The book and movie fi rmly prepared from nearby towns. any concerned member of the In addition, a seminar was cemented the locomotive into community, from public safety Oh yes, besides the 1225, held by retired NS Railroad Po- the hearts of the public and peo- offi cials to ordinary citizens. the other feature of the day was lice Offi cer David Cornelius for ple by the thousands wait to ride An example of a recent safe- the Charlotte school bus drivers. or watch the locomotive steam Santa Claus himself listening to I-Want lists. It’s only a guess, ty activity included a series of The Charlotte school district will through central Lower Michi- presentations given at Charlotte be scheduling a series of presen- gan around Christmas time. but from the number of hands waving from the passengers as High School and Middle School tations for the elementary school The townspeople of Ash- the train coaches pulled away, on Oct 22 prompted by the death students soon. ley and their neighbors in one could say contentment of a student who was trespassing For more information about Elba Township turned the drab abounded. on railroad tracks in April. becoming a Michigan Operation downtown streets and store- The 45 minute sessions were Lifesaver volunteer, visit their fronts (some forever empty) As a footnote, we are told it was sheer coincidence that Pere presented by Curtis Stewart, a re- website at mi-ol.org. More infor- into colorful festive shops sell- tired captain of the Lansing Fire mation about volunteer training ing homemade merchandise Marquette Railway assigned the road number “1225,” the date Department, and George Toll- can be found at the national Oper- and delicacies geared to enter- iver, a special agent from the CN ation Lifesaver website at oli.org. tain hundreds of children ac- of Christmas, to the locomotive companied by unselfi sh adults. that now brings so much joy The Village of Ashley Country each year. Amtrak Ridership statistics Christmas is designed around a Thanks to MARP Board Service name FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 Change 1940’s theme that, as one local Member and journalist Rose- Wolverine: 503,290 484,138 509,100 +5.1% mary Horvath for this report. : 187,065 189,193 191,106 +1.0% put it, “isn’t a stretch for us.” Pere Marquete: 106,662 109,321 104,491 -4.6% At the community hall a bar- Much of it was adapted from an total: 797,017 782,652 804,697 +2.8% bershop quartet sang standards email she circulated after expe- Amtrak national total: 30,186,733 31,240,565 31,559,945 +1.0% riencing the 1225 in Ashley in to a crowded room dining on Percent change is between fi scal years 2012 and 2013. Fiscal years sloppy Joes and hot dogs. Over early Deecmber. begin on Oct. 1 and end on Sept. 30. Page 4 Th e Michigan Passenger Winter 2014

The Algoma Central Railway train passes by a lake in rustic . The trains brings thousands of tourists to the province each summer and fall and provides a valuable service to local residents. (Photo by Cathy Hart) Wilderness experienced by train BY CATHY HART North America where you can northbound passenger train’s A few years ago I was mull- get on and off the train any- arrival. Quite a few people were ing the possibility of a vacation where. Interest piqued, I started waiting for the train, their gear combining my husband’s inter- researching the lodges and their loaded on wagons at the track’s est in fi shing with my interest offerings. Each boasted numer- edge. We chatted with a couple in trains. No small order that, ous pictures of fi shermen/wom- who were making their ninth especially with only two rail- en holding trophy fi sh. trip to Errrington’s Wilderness ways within a reasonable dis- Before booking the trip, we Island Resort, the lodge we con- tance. I had looked into taking made a road trip to to sidering. They gave us advice the Amtrak train to Devil’s Lake check out whether we would and relieved our fears about ND. However, the logistics of take the train from Sault Ste. booking a trip. getting to and from the train and Marie or Hawk Junction. The Since there are few towns lake with gear presented some Canadian customs offi cer gave along the line, destinations are challenges. The other rail line us quite a hard time, not believ- designated by mile marker. within distance was the Algoma ing that anyone would drive that Errington’s, for example, is mile Central Railway (ACR), now far for just the weekend. He marker 206. The fare structure owned by Canadian National obviously didn’t know me! We for the ACR passenger train Railway, which operates be- planned to check out the depot is complicated, with pricing tween Sault Ste. Marie and at Hawk Junction and then drive by zones. And tickets are not Ken Hart travelled by train to Hearst, Ontario. the short distance back to Lake purchased in advance, you just remote Canada for the fi shing. I was on the ACR web- Superior Provincial Park to show up at the depot. The train (Photo by Cathy Hart) set up camp. The Highway 17 that arrived consisted of a loco- site when I noticed a button passports and welcomed us back drive along Lake Superior is one motive, one coach, and a bag- for “Lodges along the Line”. to Michigan. Hmmm…. Sure enough, there of the most beautiful drives in gage car. We watched the pas- Fast forward one year and was a list of outfi tters acces- the Midwest with cliffs, rivers, sengers board the train, the gear we were on our way to Err- sible directly from the passenger waterfalls, and stunning views get loaded, and then watched the ington’s Lodge. We chose to train, which is separate from of Lake Superior. train till it was out of sight. take the train from Sault Ste. the Agawa Canyon tourist train. Through no planning on our We drove back to Lake Su- Marie (more time on the train The ACR passenger train is one part, we arrived at the Hawk perior Provincial Park and set up for me). Interestingly, you pick of only a few fl ag stop trains in Junction depot just before the our tent on a site directly on the up the passenger train from the Lake Superior beach. The Park train yard, not the depot. My is large and quiet – quite differ- fi rst impression was how clean ent than the sparsely wooded the passenger coach was. This U.S. parks with noisy visitors. is a train for wilderness adven- We had a pleasant weekend turers with fi shing gear, cool- listening to the lapping waves, ers, and other outdoor stuff. I cooking on the fi re pit and en- did not expect freshly washed joying the peace and quiet. windows and a coach so spot- South through the Cana- less you could eat off the fl oor. dian and U.S. border, we got Along the way, people left the an equally hard time from the train at a highway and at lake U.S. customs offi cer. Why were cabins along the tracks; others you there such a short time? joined us along the route. A Did you buy anything? (Yes, large number of people boarded ketchup chips for the kids.) at Hawk Junction, considered Oh, you have kids, where are a major departure point for they? (Home playing video wilderness trips. The couple Here’s an example of a rustic cabin that many Canadians and Americans games.) Why didn’t they come we had talked to a year earlier can only easily aceess by using the Agawa Canyon Train. (Photo by with you? (They’re teenagers.) boarded for year number ten. Cathy Hart) Etc. Finally, they handed back (See WILDERNESS, page 5) Winter 2014 Th e Michigan Passenger Page 5 Agawa Canyon Snow Train cancelled BY LARRY SOBCZAK Canadian National Railroad (CN) announced Nov. 19 that it is terminating operation of the Agawa Canyon Snow Train. “Since 2011 when we launched our new train, we have actively promoted the Snow Train and its newly refurbished equipment. Unfortunately, rider- ship has stagnated and the service is not economically sustainable,” said John Orr, CN Vice President for Eastern Region. “CN remains committed to Sault tourism and will focus its resources on pro- moting and growing ridership on the summer and fall tours where we have seen success.” The Snow Train typically operated six Saturday excur- Steve Sobel took this slide photo of the Agawa Canyon Snow Train near Searchmont, Ontario in sions each winter north of Sault March 2001. Canadian National Railway decided to stop running the train beginning this season. Ste. Marie Ontario to the Agawa cursions has increased by more Marie accommodation sector Snow train promoters have a Canyon. than 10 percent. experienced a very challenging diffi cult task ahead of them. CN said it promoted the win- Tourism Sault Ste. Marie and year in 2013, and the cancella- During the winters before ter service but passenger counts its industry partners are very dis- tion of the Snow Train is going Sept. 11, 2001, the snow train have failed to grow, remaining at appointed at the announcement to hit us hard when we don’t had 25 coaches, two dining cars, approximately 1,500 per season. by CN. have those visitor levels on the two dome cars and fi ve or six en- CN said it will still continue “That is why it is so disap- weekends for the balance of the gines according to passenger de- operation of its successful sum- pointing to hear of the cancel- winter”. scriptions. Trains used to be up mer and fall Agawa Canyon ex- lation”, said Tourism Sault Ste. While TSSM looks at this as to a mile long carrying 1,600 to cursion trains. Marie (TSSM) Executive Di- a defi nite set back, the organiza- 1,800 passengers a day. “CN is very pleased by the rector Ian McMillan. “It just tion said it is determined to work Sept. 11th made it diffi cult to success of the summer and fall seemed we were making inroads with CN Rail to look at alterna- cross the border and the price of excursion trains,” Orr said. in growing the passenger levels, tives to operating a winter train, gasoline skyrocketed after Hur- “Working with our partner Tour- and thought collectively we were so that consideration will be giv- ricane Katrina and the wars in ism Sault Ste Marie, we will con- in for the long haul, in restoring en to bringing the Snow Train Iraq and Afghanistan, making tinue to invest in the promotion these tour trains to the historic back in 2015. the Sault Ste. Marie out of reach and delivery of this featured ex- levels of passengers they experi- TSSM was instrumental in for many travelers. cursion train service”. enced as recently as 2002”. working with the CN Rail, as Last year, the Snow Train ran Orr said the canyon tour, Kevin Wyer, Chairman of well as the Provincial and Fed- just six coaches, one dining car along with the newly- refur- Tourism Sault Ste. Marie and the eral Governments, to secure the and two engines. bished train cars, has attracted General Manager of the Delta $11.2 million for the purchase of In additon, passengers have an increasing number of passen- Waterfront Hotel and Conven- upgraded coach equipment and reported fares steadily increasing gers. In the last two years, rider- tion Centre echoed the senti- the onboard audio/video tech- since CN Rail bought the railroad. ship on the summer and fall ex- ments, saying “the Sault Ste. nology.

to do a technology detox – no Sault Ste. Marie was a long day on the desserts. The white cake, WILDERNESS phones, laptop, TV, etc. We for my husband, though there lemon fi lling, cream cheese (Continued from fi shed, explored, viewed wild- is not such a thing as too long a frosting dessert – gluten free of page 4) life, stargazed and enjoyed a train trip for me. course – was the best dessert peaceful, soul-healing week We returned this past July, I think I have ever had, gluten About an hour and a half with more loons than I had ever bringing the boys this time and free or not. more and we arrived at our des- seen. We caught walleye and boarding the train from Hawk The minnow races were fun. tination. The train stopped right pike and had a couple fi sh fries Junction. The fi shing was fabu- But the most memorable at the northern most point of in our cabin. The train comes lous, with large perch (12”) in thing was the silence. You can Lake Wabatongushi, a 22 mile north Saturday, Monday, and addition to walleye and pike. go almost anywhere on the lake long lake within the Chapleau Thursday and south on Sunday, Still there was no moose. and hear nothing but birds and Game Preserve, one of the larg- Tuesday, and Friday. I admit breezes. It’s almost as if you est wildlife sanctuaries in the that I made my husband, more It was cool and rainy which can feel the whole of the vast- world. Al Errington and staff than once, leave his fi shing and gave us ample opportunities to ness of the Canadian wilderness. were waiting trackside to wel- head over to the tracks prior to catch up on card playing. Addi- It was exactly what we needed come guests. We took a cedar train arrivals. tional excitement was caused by to counteract the stress in our boat to our cabin on Heritage fl ooding that derailed a freight We did not see northern lives. And we have started our Island where we enjoyed a cozy train and caused lodge guests to lights or a moose, but there’s al- own tradition, having already cabin with a wood stove (it was come in and out of the resort by ways next time. Our week went booked year three. the second week of September). by much too quickly and on our fl oat plane instead of train. We saw a mother bear and cub fi nal morning we packed up in The dinners at the lodge Cathy Hart is a MARP within an hour of arriving. the rain, vowing to return the were just as amazing, and our member residing in Leslie with her husband Ken and two sons. It took me a couple of days following year. The return to hostess, Doris, outdid herself Page 6 Th e Michigan Passenger Winter 2014 Amtrak commits to end food and beverage losses Amtrak is moving forward with a plan to eliminate its food and beverage losses over fi ve years. It builds on successful ini- tiatives implemented since FY 2006 that have increased the cost recovery rate from 49 percent to 65 percent. “We have made steady and consistent progress, but it is time we commit ourselves to end food and beverage losses once and for all,” said President and CEO Joe Boardman. “Our plan will expand initiatives that have worked, add new elements and evolve as updated information and opportunities lead us to bet- ter solutions.” Amtrak Inspector General Ted Alves agrees improvements have been achieved and testi- fi ed before Congress that “over The dining car is full aboard Amtrak’s Southwest . Dining service is a necessity for most passen- the last several years, Amtrak gers because most trips extend past meal times for many passengers. (Photo by Steve Sobel) has taken action to reduce food and beverage losses and improve beverage into a single depart- Just this week, for example, Am- transaction time and signifi cant- program management controls ment. This new organization also trak began a pilot on the Silver ly reduces accounting expenses and these efforts have yielded establishes a long-distance ser- Meteor (-Miami) long- and the risk of fraud or abuse. In benefi ts. We believe opportuni- vices general manager and route distance train to test a new touch- addition, many venues that have ties remain for further improve- directors responsible for profi t screen tablet-based solution that pursued similar initiatives have ment.” and loss of specifi c trains who dining car service attendants use seen increased sales. This model will identify opportunities for to take passenger orders and print is very popular in the airline in- In infl ation adjusted dollars, further cost savings and effi cien- customer receipts. dustry and has been seen as a fa- the Amtrak food and beverage cies. vorable change by travelers. loss is down $31 million, from In 2014 Amtrak will roll out $105 million in FY 2006 to a pro- Some of those opportunities its Point of Sale (POS) system “I am confi dent Amtrak will jected $74 million in FY 2013— include: aligning dining car staff- across its national network. Cur- succeed in this effort just as we or about a 30 percent move in the ing with seasonal changes in cus- rently in operation on Ex- have in other areas and across a right direction. tomer demand; establishing met- press and California trains, POS wide range of fi nancial and op- rics to assess service attendants’ technology improves the custom- erating performance metrics,” Boardman explained that ap- onboard sales performance; re- er experience by streamlining the Boardman said, noting records proximately 99 percent of the ducing spoilage; closely tracking check-out and receipt printing for ridership, ticket revenues, food and beverage loss is report- onboard stock levels; regularly process in café and lounge cars, and on-time performance as well ed from the long-distance trains refreshing menus; and exploring and allows onboard employees as signifi cant reductions in cor- that Congress requires Amtrak to new pricing and revenue man- more time to focus on sales and porate debt and the amount of operate, specifi cally costs associ- agement options to align with customer service. It also pro- federal operating support. ated with the dining car service. customer needs and enhance cost vides real-time inventory status, Cafe car services across the sys- If Amtrak were to eliminate recovery. better decision support and more tem, on the other hand, essential- food and beverage services as fl exibility to introduce targeted ly break even or make a positive Further, Amtrak is us- some observers recommend, pricing and discounts, including contribution to the bottom line. ing technology on board trains the railroad would actually lose aimed at improving customer value and combo meals. more money because of the loss The centerpiece of the plan is service, automating fi nancial and Also in 2014 Amtrak plans in associated ridership and ticket an improved management struc- other reporting, and eliminating to test “cashless” sales for food revenue, and thereby increase its ture that consolidates operations the error prone and time consum- and beverage on certain routes. dependence on federal support, and accountability for food and ing method of manual data entry. The elimination of cash reduces he stated. Amtrak Wi-Fi service expanding to the Midwest Amtrak will be offering free Holland-Grand Rapids will start seeing the availability will lead to increased ridership Wi-Fi on eight corridors in the • : - of the service as the rail cars are and revenues that should more Midwest in early 2014. Springfi eld-St. Louis (expanding deployed. than offset the cost. Amtrak is now installing the to all four round-trips) About 75 percent of Amtrak “The installation of Wi- equipment on railcars under con- • Illini/Saluki: Chicago- passengers nationwide already Fi service on Amtrak trains in tracts with the states of Michi- Champaign-Carbondale have access to AmtrakConnect Michigan makes passenger rail gan, , Missouri, and Wis- • Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sand- Wi-Fi. The addition of Chicago travel more attractive, effi cient consin. The Wi-Fi service will be burg: Chicago-Galesburg-Quin- short-haul routes will increase and productive throughout the provided on these routes: cy the coverage percentage to about state,” Tim Hoeffner, director of • : 85 percent. the Michigan’s rail offi ce, said • Wolverine Service: Chica- St. Louis-Jefferson City-Kansas go-Ann Arbor-Detroit-Pontiac The Michigan Department of in a statement. “We are proud City Michigan is the fi rst Midwestern • Blue Water: Chicago-East • : Chica- Transportation is spending about Lansing-Port Huron $1 million to install Wi-Fi.. state to offer Wi-Fi service on all go- its Amtrak lines.” • Pere Marquette: Chicago- Passengers on these trains MDOT anticipates the service Winter 2014 Th e Michigan Passenger Page 7 From the Board Room: Looking back at 2013 and looking forward to 2014 BY KAY CHASE fund operation of the Wolver- the Transportation for Michigan a non-profi t corporation can- 2013 was a good year for ine route. (The state already coalition trans4M.org will moni- not support or oppose political passenger trains in Michigan. funds the Blue Water and tor this issue closely to ensure candidates, you as an individual Pere Marquette routes.) While continued funding for Michigan can vow to talk early and often In February, MDOT com- some continue to dispute that passenger trains. with candidates. Let them know pleted acquisition of 135 miles PRIIA mandated state support In D.C., Congress continues why trains are important to of Norfolk Southern track of Amtrak routes of less than you and seek their views. Then between Dearborn and Kalama- to dither over the very real and 750 miles, in actuality this may imminent bankruptcy of the get out and work to help put in zoo and began an aggressive prove to be a boon. Michigan offi ce those men and women program to upgrade track and Highway Trust Fund, which has is in the position of controlling needed infusions of $55 billion who recognize that transporta- modernize signals with the goal its own destiny as it continues tion, energy use, and econom- of providing 110-mph service in general fund revenues since its commitment to improve and 2008 to stay afl oat. (This is more ics are inextricably intertwined on much of the Detroit-Chicago expand passenger train services. and vital to a healthy citizenry, route within the next few years. than Amtrak has received over The coming year will pres- its 42 year history!) Congres- economy, and environment. The new Troy/Birming- ent opportunities to continue sional leaders have warned that New Year’s Resolution: Join ham multi-modal station was this momentum, but not without solving the crisis by spending with 300 other MARP members completed and the continuing signifi cant challenges at both the cuts only will eliminate the in actively working toward the dispute with the former property state and the national levels. Mass Transit Fund and jeopar- goal of a modern, effi cient, and owner appears to be on the way dize as many as 3 million jobs. reliable passenger train system to a resolution. Work on the new Lansing lawmakers fi nished the 2013 session without fi nding The current surface transporta- across our state and nation. stations in Dearborn and Grand tion spending bill expires in Rapids is nearing completion a solution to Michigan’s ongo- Kay Chase is MARP’s Com- ing transportation funding crisis. September and PRIIA is up for munications Coordinator. In and both will be open for busi- renewal. Transportation for ness in 2014. Generally characterized as a “fi x a previous life, she worked as the roads” issue, in reality this America t4america.org will be a music librarian at Western In June, the legislature rose is a problem affecting funding following developments at the Michigan University. In addi- to the challenge posed by the for train and transit service as national level. tion to train travel, she enjoys federal Passenger Rail Invest- well as bicycle and pedestrian What can you do? This is an working with the local land con- ment and Improvement Act of facilities. MARP marp.org and election year. While MARP as servancy and watching birds. 2008 (PRIIA) and agreed to 2014 Tenative MARP Meeting Schedule February 19– 10 a.m., town , 1001 W Fort tee only — fi nal planning for Check www.marp.org for University of Detroit – Mercy, St., Detroit, MI 48226 Blue Water 40th anniversary additions and changes to Room 131, Engineering this schedule. MARP meet- May – National Train Day September 20 – Durand Building (#8 on campus ings are held in various activities pre-empt regular Union Station for the annual maps), 4001 McNichols Rd places around the state monthly meeting meeting W, Detroit, Michigan 48221. in order to give everyone a chance to participate. March 8 – Herrick District Li- June 14 – Lansing, Former October 18 –Grand Rapids- Meeting announcements brary, 300 S. River Ave., Hol- GTW Depot, now the REO The Rapid local and inter-city are posted on the website land, Michigan, Hazel Hayes Town Depot, Lansing bus station offi ces adjacent to www.marp.org and include Auditorium, Lower Level of new Amtrak station – station July 19 – Traverse City De- program information and Main Library tour scheduled. pot (The Filling Station Micro- driving directions. Meeting April 5 – Wayne County brewery) November 15 – To be an- minutes are archived on the nounced Community College, Down- August – Executive commit- website so you can review past topics discussed. States narrow choice for new locomotive manufacturer Siemens has been put on travel up to 125 mph and meet built in the United States, likely partment of transportation so- notice it is the likely winner of new federal Tier 4 emissions in Sacramento, Calif. licited offers from locomotive a contract to build the next gen- standards, IDOT offi cials said “This award creates jobs, manufacturers to build 32 to 35 eration of locomotives for pas- in a press release. spurs economic growth and new passenger locomotives. senger service up to 125 mph The notice of intent means a further lays the foundation for a Together Illinois, Michigan, for a consortium of fi ve states. potential vendor has been iden- sustainable, long-term passen- and Missouri will purchase 21 The Illinois Department tifi ed. A contract still needs to ger rail network in the United locomotives, California will of Transportation (IDOT) has be awarded before the purchase States,” said U.S. Transporta- purchase six locomotives and issued a “Notice of Intent to can proceed, they said. tion Secretary Anthony Foxx. will purchase be- Award” to Siemens USA to de- The Federal Railroad Ad- Amtrak debuted the fi rst tween 5 and 8 locomotives. sign, build and deliver 35 new ministration (FRA) allocated 110-mph service segment out- The procurement includes diesel-electric locomotives on $808 million to fund the manu- side of the options for 225 additional lo- behalf of state transportation facturing of the next generation on the Chicago to Detroit Cor- comotives, including a long- departments in Illinois, Cali- of passenger-rail equipment, ridor in early 2012. Today, the distance variant of the base fornia, Michigan, Wisconsin including 35 new locomotives corridor features an 80-mile locomotive. The proposed con- and Missouri, IDOT offi cials and 130 bi-level rail cars. The segment of track where trains tract requires that the last loco- announced Dec. 19, 2013. locomotives will meet stan- are running up to 110 mph and motive of the base order be de- The announcement means dards developed by Amtrak, by 2015, nearly 80 percent of livered, accepted and paid for that Illinois, which is leading states, FRA and rail industry ex- the corridor will see sustained no later than June 2017. the multi-state locomotive pro- perts under the Passenger Rail speeds of 110 mph – all with EMD, Siemens and Mo- curement, has taken the next Investment and Improvement new high performance equip- tivePower, Inc. were the three step to purchase the locomo- Act of 2008. The locomotives ment. companies that submitted bids. tives, which will be built to and all component parts will be The consortium of state de- Page 8 Th e Michigan Passenger Winter 2014

HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY! There was little fanfare marking the 100th anniversary of the in Detroit which was opened for service on Dec. 26, 1913. The beaux arts station closed in 1988 and Amtrak continued using the train platform until 1994. It has since sat vacant and it has been stripped of most of its wiring, plumbing, windows and other fi xtures by vandals and scrappers. Current station owner Matty Moroun has promised a restoration plan for the station but has yet to deliver. To see links to a series articles and photos that the Detroit Free Press recently ran to mark the anniversary, go to www. marp.org? p=5062 (Photo by Steve Sobel) Indian Trails increases frequency to Metro Other changes include moving and adding bus stops; cancelling fl ag stops BY LARRY SOBCZAK On the segment of the Michi- on the edge of campus,” said In- provide the community with es- Indian Trails has made a gan Flyer-Air Ride service be- dian Trails Vice President of Op- sential transportation services.” number of changes to its inter- tween Ann Arbor and Metro Air- erations Ken Henry. “The conve- With expansions and moves city motor coach service this port, there are now earlier and nience of the new stop may also this past fall also came cuts to past fall and the biggest one is later runs to and from the airport appeal to residents of the region services. and the number of daily round who are looking to connect with increasing the number of trips Indian Trails said that it for its Michigan Flyer Air-Ride trips has increased from 12 to 13. Michigan airports and Amtrak The new schedule gives passen- train service.” would no longer stop at the fol- shuttle service between Lansing lowing fl ag stops in order to and Ann Arbor from eight to 12. gers along the eastern end of the In Petoskey, Indian Trails has route access to a wider range of streamline service along its The increase in frequency has relocated its Petoskey stop to routes in Michigan: Gould fl ights than the previous sched- the North Central Michigan Col- allows travelers in the Lansing ule. City, Blaney Park, Thompson, area to use Indian Trails to con- lege (NCMC) store at 1545 S. Rapid River, Bark River, Wil- nect to more fl ights at Detroit Indian Trails said that it was Howard Street. son, Norway, Marenisco, Besse- Metro Airport—150 more arriv- discontinuing the stop at the U-M The College Store, inside mer, Chassel, Keweenaw Bay, als and departures per day for a Central Campus Transit Center NCMC’s Student and Communi- Three Lakes, Michigamme and total of 700 per day. at a savings of about $407,000 in ty Resource Center, will provide Negaunee. operating costs. “The improved schedule Indian Trails ticketing services Cancelled fl ag stops in Wis- makes public transportation a In other changes to its service Monday through Friday from consin include Spread Eagle and more attractive option for trav- across the state, Indian Trails an- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This includes Florence. el,” Michael Ford, CEO of the nounced that it was adding an- tickets for travel on Amtrak’s na- other stop in Alma and moving tional rail network, with which Henry said changes in stops Ann Arbor Area Transportation and stations aren’t unusual. Authority said. Ford had worked its bus stop in Petoskey. Indian Trails connects in Grand with the bus service in changing The new bus stop in Alma is Rapids, Mich., and other cities. Stops at businesses or prop- its service. on Superior Street at the Alma “We’re very grateful to Peto- erties not owned by Indian Trails may change when a business The expanded schedule is a College bookstore “College Cor- skey Regional Chamber of Com- ner Coffee and Books” in the merce President Carlin Smith, closes or the property changes big plus for the Greater Lansing hands, when routes are reconfi g- and Ann Arbor economies, noted downtown business district and it Petoskey City Manager Dan Ral- will offer passenger pick-up and ley, the City Council, and North ured, or in order to improve cus- Indian Trails and Michigan Flyer tomer service. President Gordon Mackay. drop-off service only. Passen- Central for helping to arrange gers can buy tickets in advance our new stop at NCMC’s Col- Contact Indian Trails at 800- “One-third of Michigan Fly- online for travel to or from Alma lege Store,” Henry said. “After 292-3831 or visit their website er-Air Ride passengers—about on all of Indian Trails’ scheduled circumstances forced us to move at www.indiantrails.com to fi nd 30,000 a year—come from out of routes or in person at the DART from our previous location on bus stops nearby your location. state and spend millions locally,” Center on Willow Run Drive just Mitchell Street, where we had Indian Trails operates 34 Mackay said. “Also, for many off Begole Road in Alma. been for 20 years, we made four passengers who either don’t or scheduled routes throughout “Adding this stop should attempts to relocate that didn’t Michigan and beyond that serves can’t drive, this is a critical im- work out. Thanks to everyone in- provement in public transporta- greatly benefi t Alma College 115 communities and travels students, since it’s located right volved, we’ve fi nally settled on over 2.5 million miles annually. tion.” a great location for continuing to