NEWSLETTER Spring 2016 Vol. 13, Issue 2 Will Privatization Save The ?

Individual By Richard J. Arena Transportation Bill, known as the NEC infrastructure is Highlights the FAST (“Fixing America’s a millstone. If full annual The Northeast Corridor is an Surface Transportation”) Act, maintenance and state-of-good- expensive piece of real estate, the major changes were to repair costs (estimated to be in snaking along the coast from reauthorize and to excess of $2 billion/year) were Boston to Washington, DC. split Amtrak into two separate included in Amtrak’s NEC profit Rail Commuting in While less than 2% of America’s financial accounts—the and loss statement (which they Ventura County p. 2 land mass, it is home to over 50 Northeast Corridor (NEC) and cannot because they are capital), million residents and responsible the National Network (NN). the net result would be an NEC Brooklyn-Queens for 20% of the nation’s GDP. The purpose for this split was loss in the billions. Light Rail? p. 3 Every day over 2,000 trains from to keep the “profits” from NEC Amtrak, commuter rail agencies, operations there, and not use Second concern: FAST does not and freight lines share the tracks, them to subsidize losses on NN differentiate between operating and Canadians’ making it the world’s busiest trains. Simple? Not quite. expenses and infrastructure Mobility Needs p. 4 rail corridor. Plans have been costs. Clearly, a much preferred proposed to upgrade the NEC First concern: Amtrak’s NEC outcome would have been Enhancing Hoosier to true high speed rail, but there does not actually realize a separating Amtrak into three State Service p. 6 is not enough funding even for profit. While the trains may financial accounts: NN, maintenance. Is there a solution? make money on operations, NEC Operations, and NEC often called “above-the-rail,” Infrastructure. RUN Statements on Perhaps. In the latest Surface the capital cost of maintaining (Continued on page 8) NEC, Amtrak’s On-Time Performance p. 9 It’s Time to Register!!! By Richard Rudolph, Ph.D. improving the quality and level Manager of the MBTA; Gerald RUN to Boston! p. 11 Chair, Rail Users’ Network of services currently provided. Francis, General Manager, Keolis Commuter Rail Amtrak’s “Who’s Looking Out for You? Thanks to the generosity of Services; Stephanie Pollack, Service p. 12 The State of Rail Advocacy in our sponsor, the event is free Massachusetts Secretary of New England” conference is and open to the public. People Transportation; and Rina taking place Friday, April 29, planning to attend, however, Cutler, Amtrak’s Senior New Rail Starts 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 need to register in advance on Director for Major Station In 2015 p. 14 p.m. at the Boston Foundation, the RUN website (railusers.net), Planning and Development. 75 Arlington St., 10th floor in for the conference room can Boston. Sponsored by the Rail only accommodate 75 people. Mr. Depaola will provide an Users’ Network, this regional update on MBTA services conference will examine The day will begin with brief including the purchase of new current actions in New England remarks from Richard Rudolph, cars for both the Red and regarding passenger rail/transit RUN Chair; and Paul Grogan, Orange Lines, the latest plans issues. The focus will also be President and CEO of the for extending service on the on how transit/commuter rail Boston Foundation (invited). Green Line to Somerville and riders can have a greater voice in Featured speakers include Medford and proposed fare planning new services, as well as Frank DePaola, the General (Continued on page 10) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 2 of 16 Rail Commuting Between Ventura County and Santa Barbara an Impending Reality, Thanks to Stalwart Activists and Officials

By Dana Gabbard Dennis Story of Coastal Rail Now, the to make the schedule change a reality final recommendations approved by the (Union Pacific, Metrolink, Amtrak, the Savvy rail advocates are far too familiar SBCAG Board in October 2005 included California Dept. of Transportation, with the daunting complications to commuter rail. the Ventura County Transportation achieving rail improvements. This is a Commission, and SBCAG). The joint status report about one such effort that is 101 in Motion was the basis for the project powers authority that previously just making progress despite the hurdles often list in Measure A, the Santa Barbara advocated for better service but now also encountered in rail advocacy. County transportation sales tax passed directly manages the , the in 2008. It allocated $25 million (over 30 Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Sometimes, as in this case, the impetus years) for Commuter and Passenger Rail Rail Corridor (LOSSAN) Agency, is a behind a rail proposal is geographic. Santa Planning and Service Improvements. The central party in these talks. Barbara, a picturesque coastal community rail portion of the $1-billion Measure A north of Los Angeles, is hemmed in by program is overseen by Scott Spaulding, An extensive and growing list of mountains on one side and the Pacific Principal Transportation Planner at stakeholder organizations and elected Ocean on the other. As a result, the space SBCAG. officials are providing leadership to the available for housing is limited and often effort. Dennis Story has for years tirelessly unaffordable. Many who work in Santa Per the Measure A website, “Eligible worked to build this coalition along Barbara live to the south in Ventura expenditures are capital and operating with putting on an annual event tied to County, which is about 30-40 miles away, costs including developing new schedules National Train Day with a demonstration and commute to their jobs on the 101 and service plans, obtaining environmental round-trip train ride between Santa freeway, which is the only road connecting clearances, negotiating agreements, operating Barbara and Carpinteria along with a the two areas and understandably is highly subsidies, rolling stock and related equipment, press conference attended by key elected congested during peak commute times. promotions and marketing, maintenance, officials supporting the proposal. connecting transit service, track improvements, The 101 corridor is paralleled by the rail station facilities, train and grade crossing The stakeholders include: right-of-way owned by the Union Pacific controls.” Initial efforts have focused on and used by two Amtrak routes, the adjusting the Surfliner’s schedule to make it • Rail Passengers Association of California intercity Pacific Surfliner (which operates convenient for the use of commuters between & Nevada (RailPAC five daily round trips between San Diego Ventura County and Santa Barbara and • Coalition for Sustainable Transportation and Santa Barbara, with two extending other communities in Santa Barbara County (COAST) to San Luis Obispo) and long-distance (including Goleta and Carpinteria) with hopes • Alliance for Sustainable and Equitable route (which operates one of eventually augmenting this at a later time Regional Transportation (ASERT) daily round trip between Los Angeles and with dedicated commuter train service. • Coastal Rail Now (CRN) Seattle). Logically, interest arose among residents in the effected areas to seek a rail A change in the Surfliner schedule involves The officials include: option for weekday commuting between cooperation from Metrolink, whose Ventura County and Santa Barbara. commuter service in Orange, Los Angeles, • State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, and Ventura Counties uses the same rail chair of the Senate Select Committee on In the early part of the last decade, a right of way as the Surfliner, and right of Passenger Rail planning effort was undertaken to address way owner Union Pacific, which operates • State Assemblymember Das Williams congestion along the corridor under freight service throughout California and • First District Supervisor Salud Carbajal the aegis of the Santa Barbara County the western United States. Slots in the who also is a LOSSAN Board member Association of Governments (SBCAG), busy coastal rail corridor served by both • Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider a regional planning agency. 101 in Amtrak, Metrolink, the Coaster (in San • Santa Barbara Councilman Gregg Hart Motion involved extensive outreach to Diego County), and freight railroads are • Goleta Councilmembers Paula Perotte stakeholders over more than two years. at a premium. Negotiations are underway and Michael Bennet Through the efforts of advocates like among the key entities to work out a plan (Continued on page 5) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 3 of 16 Mayor Bill de Blasio proposes Brooklyn-Queens Light Rail

By Andrew Albert The Mayor extolled the virtues of “one would bring transit service to some hard New York,” and how some low-income to reach public housing developments, it In his recent State of the City address, communities don’t have the transportation isn’t that far to existing subway stations, Mayor de Blasio proposed a 16-mile-long opportunities of more well-to-do and of course, many bus lines already light rail line, running along the East River neighborhoods. It is the Mayor’s boldest make the trip. Anti-development groups waterfront (or close by) from Astoria in transportation initiative, but one that are already blasting the proposal, as Northwestern Queens to the Sunset Park definitely deserves some important scrutiny. another giveaway to developers, who will area of Brooklyn, at a proposed cost of raise rents, and drive them out of their $2.5 billion. The line would connect the First of all, the proposed light rail line neighborhoods. neighborhoods of Astoria, Ravenswood, would run much of the way paralleling Long Island City, Greenpoint, existing subway lines, although not for Transportation advocates are saying that Williamsburg, DUMBO, Downtown the entire route. Another hitch is it is the idea should be studied further, and Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, unknown at this point who would run the talks with the MTA should begin. Others Red Hook, Gowanus, and Sunset Park. service. The Metropolitan Transportation are saying that the Light Rail line will Construction could start in 2019, and Authority, New York’s transit agency, be very slow, as it would not be able to would be completed by 2024. would not be expected to take on another get around obstructions, while buses can money-losing route without additional city make detours to avoid congestion. Of Once completed, the BQX streetcar subsidies. And if the MTA doesn’t end up course, a ride on a Light Rail vehicle is could have a weekday usage of as high running the service, that would mean no more desirable to many folks than a ride as 50,000 riders. The increased value free-transfer to existing transit lines, again, on a bus. While it is likely that a small along the waterfront as a result of the unless the City were to subsidize it. number of people would ride from end light rail line could be used to finance point to end point, many would utilize construction, as increased real-estate Another possible wrinkle would be the rail line to connect with subways, values could help pay the expectedly high the additional development the Light but whether there would be transfer cost of building the line in very densely Rail line would bring to areas already privileges remains an unknown. populated areas extremely densely populated. While it (Continued on page 5)

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

Please send comments, letters to editor or articles for possible publications to the Rail Users’ Network at: RUN; P.O. Box 8015, Portland, ME 04104 or email to [email protected] Layout/design editor: Paul Bubny RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 4 of 16

Can VIA Rail Meet Canadians’ Mobility Needs?

looking at operable Budd diesel rail cars for this service but it’s all speculation until the wheels hit the rails with sustainable federal funding. The Budds are also getting very long in the tooth and, therefore, only an interim solution, at best.

Western Canada offers little in the way of reportable passenger rail developments. The concept of a fast passenger rail service between Calgary and Edmonton will likely fade to black unless the federal government pays for it. Provincial revenues from the oil sands and gas fields might just meet the cost of fixing potholes in roads unless there’s an imminent recovery in petroleum prices and royalties. With Alberta’s short- to medium-term economic prospects looking dim, it’s unlikely that private capital would be available for any passenger rail developments anytime soon.

In contrast, the Rocky Mountaineer tourist operation seems to be going from strength to strength as the legendary scenery and cheap Canadian dollar attracts a global customer base. New itineraries and the addition of a Silver Leaf service keep the product fresh and some of the new television advertisements The question marks show existing VIA Rail service routes that could be under threat from the are excellent. Province of Ontario’s HSR plans. The general consensus of communities with existing VIA services is that more frequency, newer equipment, and reduced journey times are immediate The Province of Ontario’s plan for a totally priorities. It’s more affordable and could be implemented quickly. new high-speed, all electric passenger rail service (HSR) between Toronto, London, and By Ken Westcar forgot to ask CN if they would permit more Windsor is resulting in more community head- passenger traffic. It will be interesting to see scratching along the most likely route. Yet to Since the Canadian federal election in October if it results in outright refusal or whether CN be answered is whether it will kill existing VIA 2015, there’s been little on the topic of national can use the extra business to offset declining services between the same cities and bypass passenger rail services from the halls of power freight volumes. CN shareholder value, some passenger markets altogether. The in Ottawa. Meanwhile VIA Rail seems to rather than the public interest, will likely be a Province has hired a previous federal transport have gone remarkably quiet other than for key factor. minister, David Collenette, to study the project trumpeting modest ridership growth over the business case and there’s hope he will instill holiday season. Good news, in a way, but lack of VIA has also acknowledged the demand a good measure of sobriety into a factually- really innovative marketing, modern equipment for day trains between Campbellton and thin announcement by a previous Ontario and service frequencies likely capped their Moncton in the Province of New Brunswick transportation minister. potential when more people are looking towards to cover those days when the iconic Ocean passenger trains to solve their mobility needs. Montreal-to-Halifax service does not run. Wardens and mayors in South Western People living in and around this corridor are Ontario are about to crank up the Verbal commitments on increased train experiencing mobility hardship, especially heat on both the provincial and federal frequencies in South Western Ontario have, when the automobile and scant bus services governments on passenger rail services. so far, gone unfulfilled as it seems VIA are not options. It’s rumored that VIA is (Continued on page 8) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 5 of 16 Mayor Bill de Blasio proposes Brooklyn-Queens Light Rail

(Continued from page 3)

Certainly, the Mayor deserves credit for an innovative idea for bringing mobility to underserved areas of the city, but in the proposed route for the line, those areas are in the distinct minority. Many of the neighborhoods along the proposed rail line—such as Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Long Island City, and others—are well- served by existing subway lines, not to mention tons of bus lines.

Is the proposed Light Rail line worth A rendering of the proposed Brooklyn-Queens light rail line. the investment? Will it bring over- development to areas already burdened? Light Rail line sow the seeds of other operation and routing must be discussed Will it pay for itself, or will the advantages new Light Rail lines in other areas of thoroughly, and a viable financing and of more transit opportunities offset any the City that need mass transit? operational budget must be worked out. potential costs to the City? Will the City A new Light Rail line between Brooklyn or State offset the additional losses to the These are questions that must be & Queens is an exciting prospect—but it MTA, should they be chosen to run/ answered, with discussions taking must work for everyone involved. maintain the service? Without additional place between all the parties: the subidies, would the MTA be forced to development community, the State, Andrew Albert is Vice-Chairman of RUN, the curtail some existing services in favor of the City, the MTA, and local elected Chair of the NYC Transit Riders Council, and the new Light Rail line? Would the new officials. Every aspect of the proposed Riders’ Representative on the MTA Board. Rail Commuting Between Ventura County and Santa Barbara an Impending Reality (Continued from page 2) Despite setbacks, skepticism Association of Governments, Scott expressed by some and institutional Johnson of Metrolink, Lisa Valencia/ Regarding the project and its status, challenges, the effort has been Eric Friedman of the office of Santa Supervisor Carbajal recently made the slowly making progress toward the Barbara County Supervisor Salud following statements: day in the hopefully not too distant Carbajal, Paul Dyson of the Rail “Creating a rail option for commuters future when a rail option will be not Passenger Association of California traveling from Ventura to their jobs in simply a dream but a reality. Kudos and Nevada and Jennifer L Bergener Goleta and Santa Barbara is critical to Story and the other activists of the Los Angeles – San Diego to our long term plan to reduce whose vision and passion has been – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail congestion on the 101 freeway.” the foundation to the progress of Corridor Agency for their invaluable the effort to date and the eventual assistance in the preparation of this “We’ve been working for a long time to success. Their tenacity deserves high piece. establish peak hour rail service between praise. Bravo! Ventura and Santa Barbara counties— Dana Gabbard is a RUN Board member and with regional control of the Pacific My thanks to Dennis Story of executive secretary of Southern California Transit Surfliner service, we should be able to Coastal Rail Now, Scott Spaulding Advocates. push this across the goal line.” of the Santa Barbara County RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 6 of 16

Enhancing the Service By P. J. Streby “advantages and challenges when a private when necessary. Local revenues would be operator replaces Amtrak.” enhanced with an increase in the proceeds Members of passenger rail advocacy of local sales, hotel, and restaurant taxes. groups seem to have to approach their Iowa Pacific (the “private operator”) local issues at the basic grass roots level concentrates on marketing the Chicago- • More Beech Grove Equipment Runs. on each occasion, reinventing the path to-Indianapolis service to business people, Amtrak could be encouraged to increase to either improving existing service levels college students, and tourists. Meanwhile, Beech Grove equipment runs, adding or instituting new services. The passenger rail advocates recognize the coach service to help pay the way. Two Passenger Rail Alliance (IPRA) was need to further raise awareness of the daily trains even five days a week could formed to bring advocates affiliated with service and also build ridership through potentially triple the ridership between several groups together in order to create a major changes to the four-day-a-week Chicago and Indianapolis. more effective voice with which to engage service. with both the General Assembly and Engineering Department of Transportation (INDOT). Schedule and Frequency Improvements

Let us be very clear about why this is • Separate Schedules for Hoosier State The current top speed of 59 mph could necessary. IPRA does not advocate for and . Think about the two be brought back up to 79 mph (as it once improved passenger rail service either out trains as separate operations, running was). This one improvement could shave of a sense of nostalgia for the old days or the Hoosier State at a later time. If 20 minutes off the schedule. The following for an antipathy to the automobile. Cutting Indianapolis passengers were to board engineering work would have to be done. edge, 21st Century, passenger rail systems a Hoosier State departing the Circle City Each requires funding, but the payoff are vital components driving the economic at 7 a.m., instead of 6 a.m., and arrive would be greatly enhanced operation of development of modern societies. in Chicago at 10:30 a.m., it would be a both passenger and freight operations on Observation of the present day, real world much more desirable travel option. In the current route, and provide for a less of the 21st Century demonstrates that this scenario, a late Cardinal (originating congested and conflicted route on the final societies enjoying the benefits of cutting in New York City) would not affect the approach into Chicago. edge passenger rail systems see a level of Hoosier State departure. Ridership economic development that is both greatly would likely receive a boost, as better • Implementation of CTC between enhanced, as well as environmentally planning of schedules around on-time Ames junction (immediately south of sustainable. And they become the kind of departures would be possible. Crawfordsville station) and Munster places in which the millennial generation (immediately north of Dyer station) would wants to live and work. They are our path • Additional Trains (Frequencies). In order save 10-15 minutes by no longer having into the future. for the corridor to be economically viable, the crews stop the trains at both locations there really must be eastbound departures to copy track authority. In this regard, there are three elements from Chicago both in the morning as that are key to Indiana’s future. They are well as the evening, as well as westbound • Implementation of signaling on the the Hoosier State corridor from Chicago departures from Indianapolis in both Crawfordsville branch between CP thru Indianapolis to , the morning and evening. Business travelers, Clermont and Ames junction would allow northern corridor from Chicago thru college students, and tourists would benefit speed to be brought back up to 79 mph, Fort Wayne and on into Ohio, and well from a morning departure east bound out for another 10-minute savings. developed commuter rail systems serving of Chicago, as they would arrive at their the state’s major metropolitan areas. Let’s downstate Indiana destinations with the • Reinstalling the track that take a closer look at one of them, the better part of the day for their activities. removed decades ago between Munster Hoosier State corridor. Passengers could return North in the and CP 509 (because Amtrak was the sole evening or catch the next day’s morning user) would cut another 30 minutes from In the March 2016 edition, Trains Magazine train west bound. Face-to-face business the current schedule. This new routing offered its readers a detailed look at what transactions would then be possible. (former Conrail) would involve negotiating it took to energize a service that was Students could live away from their with Norfolk Southern for access onto threatened with discontinuance in 2013. and still participate in academic their property at CP 509 near the / Bob Johnson’s article, titled, “Hoosier State life. Pleasure travelers could more easily Indiana state line at Hammond, as well as Reflects a New Approach,” spoke to the take in events, with an overnight stay (Continued on page 7) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 7 of 16

Enhancing the Hoosier State Service (Continued from page 6) options to Amtrak, which passes through also well within the capacity of the state to there in the middle of the night, three times provide. with the communities, governmental per week. The Cincinnati-Hamilton-Dayton agencies, and property owners along the area has three million people, many of Re-establishing Indianapolis as a former route. But the payoff would be well whom travel to Indianapolis and Chicago for crossroads of rail transportation in the worth the effort. business or pleasure. Midwest results in strong economic gains for the entire region. Connecting major In short, with the necessary engineering, a Enrollment at the University of Midwestern cities with modern passenger four-hour schedule between Indianapolis Cincinnati, Miami University, Xavier rail enables the formation of a coherent and Chicago is attainable. University, University of Dayton and central manufacturing region supplied with a mobile and capable workforce. Extension to Cincinnati Indianapolis should be Indianapolis Union Station could once again be the focal point for redevelopment • Extend the Hoosier State corridor to envisioned as the hub of a and economic growth in Indianapolis. serve Cincinnati and the communities of potential Indiana network southeast Indiana. Indianapolis should be In addition to its own investment, Indiana envisioned as the hub of a potential Indiana connecting Chicago, must be positioned to apply for federal network connecting Chicago, Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Louisville (and monies at such time as they become Louisville (and on to Nashville?), and St. on to Nashville?), and St. available. This requires, at the very least, a Louis. Offering a daily, 79-mph Hoosier State master plan for modern passenger rail to service 100 miles southeast to Cincinnati Louis. be in place at the state level. via tracks now used only by the nocturnal Amtrak Cardinal, with stops at Indianapolis others is nearly 100,000. Many students Next Steps International Airport, Connersville, come from Indiana, Chicago and other Oxford, Hamilton and downtown Midwest cities. The Indiana Passenger Rail Alliance would Cincinnati (Union Terminal), would benefit suggest that the next step in providing a Indiana communities currently grossly Funding modern, cutting edge passenger rail system underserved by transportation facilities. for Indiana is for INDOT to reach out to Funding is always a question. Amtrak, Iowa Pacific and the CSX railroad, Midwest Regional Rail Initiative studies show Passenger rail, as any modern form and request estimates of the capital costs that the Chicago-Indianapolis-Cincinnati of transportation (or other public and contractual arrangements that would be corridor would be the second-most cost- infrastructure) requires public investment. necessary for a daily Hoosier State service, on effective Midwest route in terms of ridership/ This is true for both roads and air a different schedule from the Cardinal, with revenues vs. operating costs (trailing only transport, as well. The funds to build both morning and evening departures from Chicago-Milwaukee-Twin Cities corridor). and maintain roads are no longer both Chicago and Indianapolis. Once those Investment in this corridor to provide entirely funded by the motor vehicle costs have been determined, the next step multiple daily trains at between 79 and 110 fuel tax. About half comes from the would be to work with both INDOT and mph could produce significant economic general fund of the state. Almost $100 appropriate parties in the General Assembly benefits, including more than 2,000 jobs at million in federal grants were received to secure the necessary appropriations and Indianapolis, 700 jobs at Lafayette, and nearly for the expansion of the Indianapolis authorizations. 3,000 jobs at Cincinnati, while increasing International Airport. property values near stations by an average of Author’s note: I want to acknowledge more $300 million. While it can be argued that more Hoosiers those who assisted with the article’s fly or drive than take trains, it must be preparation by providing material or An Indianapolis International Airport station admitted that they do so, in part, because editing: Steve Coxhead, President, IPRA; would provide rail access to an airport with there are virtually no trains available Don Yehle, Editor, IPRA newsletter; and domestic airfares at the national average, in Indiana. It is very difficult to choose Ken Prendergast, OARP (All Aboard compared to Cincinnati-Northern a mode of transportation which does Ohio) Executive Director. which has the nation’s second-highest not exist! Adequate public investment domestic airfares (trailing only Anchorage, to provide the state with cutting edge P. J. Streby is a baord member of the Indiana AK); Southeast Indiana has few travel passenger rail is not only necessary, but is Passenger Rail Alliance, based in Peru, IN. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 8 of 16 Will Privatization Save The Northeast Corridor? (Continued from page 1) Surface Transportation Board, and subject Unfortunately for them, the show was a hit to FRA safety oversight. and when the investors come looking for Congress has been looking for a way to their share of the profits, it was long gone. incent the private sector to inject funds into An important part of the concession is the Amtrak’s NEC and Chicago infrastructures. requirement that the IMO invest at least $1.2 Similarly, the NEC profit is pledged to too American Intercity Rail Network for the billion yearly in infrastructure improvements many stakeholders: 21st Century (AIRNet-21) is a potential which would target problem areas and 1. Amtrak has proposed that it will buy new Congressional solution to achieve this chokepoints. Thus, AIRNet-21 effectively rolling stock with a RRIF loan secured by goal. AIRNet-21 does what the FAST Act creates the NEC Infrastructure Trust Fund the NEC profit. doesn’t: spin off the NEC and Midwest about which we have all often spoken. 2. The NEC profit has been pledged to bring Amtrak-owned infrastructures into a the NEC back to a state of good repair. federally owned entity—the National Under AIRNet-21, the objective is to shift 3. Even though the NN is split off, there is Railroad Infrastructure Corp. (NRIC). travel from highway to rail, thereby making still an expectation that the NEC profit will AIRNet-21 a revenue play. The strategy support the network in the future. The NRIC would be managed by a is sound, as the marginal costs of adding 4. And lastly, let’s not forget Gateway—that private sector Infrastructure Management an additional train to a schedule pales by $23-billion project is also looking for Organization (IMO) under a 50-year comparison to the fixed costs of maintaining funding and casting a greedy eye on the revocable lease, with funding coming from the infrastructure. It is envisioned that NEC profit. its own capital as well as a guaranteed increased frequency, better on-time The NEC “profit,” averaging several RRIF loan. Under the proposed performance, new city-pairs, and additional hundred million dollars per year, is clearly agreement, the IMO wouldn’t be off-peak and reverse commute options will not up to this task. permitted to run its own trains and would drive more commuters to the service. The bottom line is that AIRNet-21 can be mandated to offer fair access to all. be an important part of the solution. Its All rail carriers would be required to pay Amtrak’s problem today is its utilization of statutory mandate to invest more than $70 access fees, and while existing schedules the NEC “profit.” For an analogy, recall the billion over 50 years toward infrastructure is would be protected, there would be movie The Producers. That storyline was how a significant step in the quest to bring true opportunities for operators, both existing two corrupt producers oversold investment high speed rail service to the NEC. and new, to pursue new services, city pairs, in a horrible show, fully expecting the and fare options. The IMO would be production to close with a loss, thereby Richard J. Arena is President, Association for competitively selected and regulated by the eliminating the need to pay off investors. Public Transportation. Can VIA Rail Meet Canadians’ Mobility Needs?

(Continued from page 4) rights of way could be achieved quickly gratifying that passenger rail advocacy, and, potentially, at a fraction of the cost. particularly in Ontario, goes from When invited, Transport Action strength to strength. After trying the “fly Ontario (TAO) and South West TAO and SWOTA are also emphasizing or drive” mobility model for the last half- Ontario Transportation Alliance the need for rural bus connections to century or so, it’s becoming increasingly (SWOTA) are acting on a pro-bono local transit and VIA services. This apparent that it no longer meets all the basis as advisors by emphasizing the resonates with wardens and mayors needs of modern Canadian society. need for steady, incremental VIA who are dealing with car-free mobility Greater balance in transportation is improvements based on the recently demands of seniors and youth in required in pursuit of economic and released “VIA 1-4-10” plan. As a their communities. If the result is a social sustainability and climate goals. result it’s very likely that affected combination of improved local mobility Steel wheel on steel rail has a major municipalities will seriously question plus increased VIA ridership, through restorative part to play and more people the province’s logic for a very better rail station accessibility, it will be a than ever are coming on-board. expensive and distant HSR plan when win-win. they understand how faster and more Ken Westcar is a board member of Transport frequent VIA services on existing CN From a personal standpoint it’s very Action Ontario and a RUN Board member. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 9 of 16 RUN Issues Statements on NEC, Amtrak’s On-time Performance

Rail Users Network Response to also have the same 15 minutes, regardless on time. Obviously this option is more the Surface Transportation Board if a three-hour trip or a two-day trip. With complicated, but exact station arrival Regarding Amtrak On-Time the practice of extra padding at the end of times and passengers at each specific train Performance: STB Notice of Proposed a long distance train, then also permitting are tracked today, so the information is Rulemaking (NPRM) in Docket EP-728 a 30-minute tolerance is not necessary. available to perform this calculation. and its companion Public Policy Statement The train would continue to be measured (PPS) in Docket EP-726 on Dec. 28, 2015. on-time at its final scheduled station. Since RAIL USERS’ NETWORK commuter trains are often a different type STATEMENT REGARDING NEC The following was adopted by the Rail Users’ of operation than intercity rail, and usually FUTURE PROCESS 2-16-16: Network Board of Directors at its meeting held are only traveling less than 90 miles, the five The Rail Users’ Network (RUN) is a not-for- in New York, Feb. 6, 2016. Richard Rudolph, minutes for commuter trains would remain profit organization that advocates for Amtrak, Ph.D., Chair, Rail Users’ Network. at five minutes as they are measured today. commuter rail and rail transit riders in the United States and Canada. Our membership There are many ways to measure on- B. Since an intercity train stops at multiple consists of rail advocacy organizations, transit time performance. Typically for the stations, often including major cities, along advisory committees, and concerned rail airlines, a flight is considered on-time the way, measure one or two or three and transit riders. Through our conferences, if it arrives at its destination within 15 of the major intermediate station stops, the RUN Newsletter and other activities, minutes of schedule and commuter trains where a lot of passengers get off the train we promote “best practices” for advocates, are considered on-time if a train arrives and include those in the on-time statistics, managers and planners. at its final station within five minutes of as well as the final station. For example, schedule. Today, for intercity rail, on-time on the route from Chicago to Emeryville, We are deeply concerned about the is a mixture of 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or measure whether the train is within 15 current state of repair of the entire NEC. 30 minutes within schedule, depending on minutes of scheduled arrival at Denver, While we understand the future capacity the length of the route, and is measured Salt Lake City, Reno, and Emeryville. On needs of the NEC, we also understand only at the scheduled arrival time at a the train from NY to Chicago, measure that it is not only used for Amtrak trains train’s final station. With some intercity Cleveland and Chicago. This shows a that stay within its boundaries, but also for routes lasting two hours and others lasting more realistic percentage of on-time for trains that travel as far as Chicago, Miami two or three days, there is much variety passengers on a given train route, than and New Orleans. We also understand in the traveling distance of trains in the when only measuring the final station stop. that it is used by hundreds of thousands of United Station. In addition, the current daily commuters on New Jersey Transit, practice of adding 45-90 minutes of C. Use a passenger weighted average for SEPTA, MARC, Metro-North and other extra time at the end of a long train route on-time percentage, by measuring the systems. The number of riders on these (between the final two stations) can result number of passengers getting off the systems greatly exceeds the number of in a train that is operating well over an train at each stop and whether the train is Amtrak riders in the NEC, and it is vital hour late at most stations, to then be on on time at the station. For example, on a to all riders that the NEC and connecting time at its final station, if it arrives at the train from NY to Albany, if 30 passengers lines be brought to a state of good repair final station within 30 minutes of schedule. get off at Rhinecliff, 40 passengers get before grandiose projects are built. Here are several options to the current on- off at Hudson, and 50 passenger get off time measurements, which we believe the at Albany and the train is on-time at Today’s NEC is plagued by a number of STB needs to consider before adopting its Hudson and Albany, but late at Rhinecliff, difficulties that are approaching, or have Proposed Rulemaking in Docket EP-728. then the on-time percentage would be reached, crisis level. New York’s Penn Station 90/120 (40 Hudson passengers on-time and the trains that go there from New Jersey A. Change to a flat 15 minutes within plus 50 Albany passenger on-time, out are constantly beset by power outages, schedule for an intercity train to be of a total of 120 passengers), which is congestion, and inefficient operation. The considered on-time, which matches the 75% for that particular train, for the exisiting North River Tunnels were damaged current on-time for airlines. A flight from passenger weighed on-time. In other by Hurricane Sandy, with no plan to build NY to Boston and NY to LA both have the words, 75% of passengers on-board that additional tunnel capacity except Gateway. same 15 minute tolerance, so trains should train arrived their specific final station (Continued on page 12) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 10 of 16 It’s Time to Register!

(Continued from page 1) Panelists include Timothy Brennan, the surrounding area use to get around the Executive Director, Valley Planning city. The tour will start at 9:00 at South increases. Mr. Francis will talk about Commission, Stephen Smith, former Station, where architect Brad Bellows will Keolis’ role in providing commuter rail Executive Director of the Southeastern explain the ongoing efforts to improve service in the area, the Regional Planning and Economic station capacity and development in the efforts underway to improve it, and how Development Commission, Michael Izbicki, station area. Then we will take the train to the company is reaching out to customers Executive Director, New Hampshire Rail Fairmount, on the line that RUN Board to listen to their comments, complaints and Transit Authority, and Jack Sutton, former member Pamela “Mela” Bush-Miles is advice. President and Board Member, Maine Rail pushing to have changed from “commuter Group. rail” into the Indigo Line. We will also ride Stephanie Pollack, Massachusetts historic and modern trolley cars, subways Secretary of Transportation (invited) will The second panel will explore the current and buses. We will visit , see talk about the work that needs to be done state of advocacy in the Greater Boston the transit-oriented development at the new to create a mobility system that responds area, who the major players are, the impact Assembly Square Station, and see some to the imperatives of our times: a system they are having on the MBTA and transit historic sites that are accessible by transit. that is less carbon-based, more transit- service, and what can be done to insure We plan to end out tour with dinner at oriented, and focused on social equity. Rina greater rider representation to improve and the historic Durgin Park restaurant in the Cutler, Amtrak Senior Director, Major expand service. Andrew Albert, RUN’s Vice Quincy Market, which has been serving Station Planning and Development— Chair who is also Chairman, New York traditional Yankee food since 1827. If you NEC Infrastructure and Investment City Transit Riders Council will moderate. plan to leave town before the tour ends, let Development will focus her remarks on Panelist include Mela Bush-Miles, Lead us know, and we will advise you when it is plans for upgrading , as well Community Organizer, Greater 4 Corners time for you to head back to the station. as the work that is currently being done to Action Coalition; Kristina Egan, Director, upgrade passenger rail stations along the Transportation for Massachusetts; Lee If you plan to attend the conference and New Haven-to-Springfield line, as well as Matsueda, Political Director, Alternatives take the tour, we suggest that you purchase other initiatives to improve the passengers’ for Community & Environment; and Ellin a seven-day “T” pass for $19.00. A single- experience on the NEC. Reisner, Somerville Transportation Equity day pass costs $12.00, so the extra $7.00 Partnership. allows you to ride the “T” for your entire During lunch, participants will be afforded time in the Boston area. These passes are a prime opportunity to share information The final panel, “The Great Missed not available everywhere on the system, so and experiences regarding their efforts and Opportunity—The North/South Rail we recommend that you buy one as soon those of their organizations to promote Link” will examine why the “Big Dig” as you arrive if you are coming by rail at and improve passenger rail and rail was a highway-only project, which did South Station. transit in their local areas. Our luncheon not include a rail link between North and speaker is Maggie Super Church, whose South Stations. David Peter Alan, Esq., Who should attend: rail advocates, expertise spans multiple fields, including RUN Board member and Chairman, transit/commuter and long-distance rail urban planning and design, community Lackawanna Coalition, will moderate. users, planners, environmentalists, civic, development, real estate finance, and Panelists will present a case study on business, and non-profit leaders, real estate non-profit management. She is working efforts underway today to correct developers and others who are interested in with the Conservation Law Foundation it. Panelists include former Governor transit oriented development and passenger and Massachusetts Housing Investment Michael Dukakis; Brad Bellows, a rail issues. The event is free and open to Corporation to promote TOD, equity and Cambridge architect; and Robert O’Brien, all, and it includes a continental breakfast, good health in the greater Boston area. a former chair of the North-South Rail lunch and afternoon refreshments, so be Link Citizen Advisory Committee. sure to register early as space is limited and The afternoon session will feature three we need to know how many are attending. different panels. The first will focus on Conference attendees are also invited to The deadline for registering is April 22. the status of passenger rail / transit join us on Saturday, April 30 for an optional Please be sure to register on RUN’s website rail advocacy and plans for expanding inspection tour of Boston’s major transit (railusers.net) or send your name, address, passenger rail in New England. RUN Chair facilities, and the variety of transportation affiliation, phone number and email Richard Rudolph, Ph.D., will moderate. modes that Bostonians and people from address to RUN, Box 8015, Portland, ME RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 11 of 16 RUN to Boston!

By David Peter Alan

That is what many of us will be doing for this year’s RUN Conference on Friday, April 29. We will also feature a tour of transit and transit facilities in the Boston area on Saturday, April 30, and we hope you will come for the conference and stay for the tour. There is a lot to see and do. So, if you can schedule some extra time for your visit, we suggest that you plan to spend that time in the Boston area and get the flavor of the city. There is plenty of transit, so you can get around relatively easily. You can learn more from the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors’ Bureau. Their website is www.bostonusa.com and their phone number is (888) SEE-BOSTON, numerically (888) 733-2678. South Station, Boston. (Photo by Eric Allix Rogers)

It’s also easy to get to Boston by train. from Chicago will drop you in Boston in The longest is an interurban-style line to Amtrak runs frequent daily service from the evening. Riverside. The other lines run along major New York, Washington, DC and other streets west of downtown: Huntington points on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) Once you get there, you will be greeted by Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue and line. We suggest that you sit on the right a wide variety of transit operated by the Beacon Street. Those lines operated with side of the train going to Boston, so you MBTA; known as the “T” by locals. The traditional streetcars in the past, and it can watch the Connecticut Shore Line website for the “T” is www.mbta.com, is still possible to ride PCC (Presidents’ go by. Trains arrive at South Station, and the phone number is (617) 222-3200. Conference Committee) streetcars from where you can connect with the MBTA Boston has one of four legacy subway the 1930s. They run on a single line, from (Massachusetts Bay Transportation systems in the nation, with three separate Mattapan to Ashmont in Dorchester, where Authority) Red Line subway. If you need lines, designated Red, Orange and Blue. they connect with the Red Line to Harvard to use the Orange Line subway instead, They all go to Downtown Boston, but they Square in Cambridge and points north. The you can get off the Amtrak train at Back do not all connect at a central point. The continued operation of the PCC cars is now Bay Station. If you plan to “RUN to “Green Line” is not a line, but a collection under threat, so we suggest that you make Boston” from upstate New York or of four light-rail lines that share a sure to ride them during your visit. points west, Amtrak’s Limited common underground route downtown. (Continued on page 13)

If you would prefer to receive the RUN Newsletter electronically, please let us know by e-mailing [email protected] RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 12 of 16

Amtrak’s Florida Service: Cost-Cutting Takes Its Toll

By Gary Prophet serving both Orlando and Tampa and were on the Silver Star, the need for a diner also part to Miami. Clearly, they should became less and less. In fact, according Amtrak is continuing to reduce costs, split again, as the Tampa ridership to 2014 statistics, the most popular four- regardless of impact on revenue. The plunged after the “standard train consist” city pairs for travel on the Silver Star are as removal of the diner from the Silver idea was implemented and “costs follows: Tampa to/from West Palm Beach Star, along with reducing the train from reduced” by closing the maintenance (192 miles), Tampa to/from Miami (257 four coaches to just three coaches, will facility at Tampa. Then, years later, when miles), Orlando to/from Tampa (99 miles), continue to discourage ridership from the the schedules of the south bound trains and Fort Lauderdale to/from Tampa Northeast to Florida. were moved to nearly identical schedules (235 miles). The top two-city pairs for the in Florida, more passengers were lost. are NY to/from Orlando and The stocking of the café cars and diners Washington to/from Orlando. appears to continue to get worse and Before that time, a very convenient Silver worse, with more and more food items Meteor departed New York at 7:10 The Silver Meteor needs to return to a 7:10 out of stock during the trip, sometimes p.m., arriving the next late afternoon in p.m. New York departure, so that the trains within the first hour of a train’s 26-hour Orlando and late evening in southern do not service Florida southbound at nearly journey. While this practice may save waste Florida. Now, one must leave four hours identical times. Also, the cruise industry or reduce items that must be thrown away earlier, effectively killing part of the day is large in southern Florida, resulting in a at the end of a train’s journey if they are of departure and the entire following day, lot of travel to Florida from the Northeast expired, the continued practice of running as far as a workday goes. and Middle Atlantic states. Despite this, out of more than half of the items in both northbound trains from southern café and lounge cars has a huge negative I have never taken a southbound train Florida leave too early in the morning for impact on café and diner revenue and on to Florida after this schedule change was cruise passengers to get off a cruise ship the experience of the customer. made. When Amtrak provided a train between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and be able to from New York after the rush hour (Silver be certain to make a train to the north. The Amtrak effectively killed the Northeast-to- Meteor), I took it twice a year. Once this intercity Florida market needs to be carefully Florida market in the 1990s when sleeper change was made, few passengers would reviewed, as simply reducing the size of space and coach space were severely travel from the Northeast to Florida on trains over the past 20 years has not worked, reduced from 15- to 18-car trains to nine the Silver Star, as it was pointless, as the with any cost savings more than offset by cars, which was usually a baggage, four Star would provide arrival times in Florida decreasing revenue and fewer passengers. coaches, lounge, diner, and two sleepers. similar to the Silver Meteor, but a late In the 1990s, both the Silver Star and morning departure from New York. So, as Gary Prophet is RUN Treasurer and Vice Silver Meteor split, with part of each train fewer and fewer long-distance passengers President, Empire State Passengers Association. RUN Board Statements on NEC, Amtrak Performance

(Continued from page 9) Connecticut is not up to the appropriate “commuter” railroads which operate on standard for track on such a heavily-used the NEC. We are also concerned about the At least one more tunnel, if not two, line as the NEC. In Massachusetts, the planning frontier of 2040. According to must be built as soon as possible. The MBTA has filed an action to have the Amtrak, the existing North River Tunnels antiquated and non-standard power and PRIIA §212 declared illegal. must be taken out of service for repairs no signal systems in use there have no place later than 2034. The Gateway project calls on a modern railroad. Portal Bridge in Before any grand plan is implemented, it for new tunnels, with no promise earlier nearby New Jersey is an unreliable choke is necessary to fix the existing problems than 2030. This is an unreasonable risk point, but Gateway pushes for two new on the NEC: tunnels to New York Penn to the mobility of the region. We call for spans, when one will be sufficient. Further Station, Portal Bridge, the Baltimore the entire NEC to be upgraded to a state south, the 1873-vintage Baltimore Tunnel Tunnel, track improvements on the of good repair that is appropriate for a is a choke point and a security hazard. Metro-North-owned portion of the line, modern passenger railroad, before any Further north, Metro-North track in and equitable financial arrangements for further plans are made. FIX IT FIRST! RAILRAIL USERS’ USERS’ NETWORK NETWORK NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER PagePage 13 10 of of 16 12 RUN to Boston!

(Continued from page 11) history, check out the Freedom Trail, a Richardson, are also located at Copley walking tour that connects sites where the Square. , the location of the There is some interesting non-rail transit, American Revolution began in 1775. You Massachusetts and many too. The “T” is one of only five systems in can learn about early Boston history at historic homes, is also within walking the United States (and one in Canada) that the Old State House Museum. Old North distance of downtown. South of Back runs “trolley buses,” also known as “trackless Church, where Paul Revere hung lanterns Bay, the South End is being revitalized trolleys.” These buses are powered by to warn of the impending British invasion in (take the Orange Line to overhead electric wires, but run on rubber 1775, is still standing in the city’s North End. and walk south). For an experience that tires, like conventional diesel buses. They Today the area is an Italian neighborhood, does not feel like traditional Boston, are quieter and ride more smoothly, though. with plenty of good restaurants. For seafood, take the Blue Line to Revere Beach and They run north from Harvard Square. check out the Union Oyster House, which explore the historic beach town. The There are also ferries that take commuters has been in operation since 1826. You can right-of-way for the Blue Line was once to their homes on the other side of Boston get to the North End on the Orange Line an interurban line to Lynn. Harbor from Downtown. subway or on a Green Line car. Boston was not much of a “food town” during The Boston area also contains one of the Fanueil Hall at the Quincy Market is this writer’s undergraduate days at MIT in the four legacy commuter rail systems in the another historic site worth visiting. The Sons late 1960s, but it is now! There is a wide variety country. A number of lines radiate out of Liberty met there to protest against the of ethnic restaurants that reflects the city’s from Boston (which many Bostonians still British, and the market is active again today, diversity. Chinatown is located within walking consider the “Hub of the Universe”), either like it was many years ago. Durgin Park, on distance of South Station. You can still find from South Station, or from North Station the second floor of the Quincy Market, has traditional New England food like Yankee pot on former Boston & Maine Railroad lines. been serving traditional Yankee food since roast, broiled scrod (Boston’s name for codfish) The system can take you to a number of 1827. This writer recommends Yankee pot and fish chowder (which is always made with interesting and historic cities and towns, roast, and Indian pudding with vanilla ice milk, as is New England clam chowder, which any of which provide an enjoyable day trip. cream for dessert. There is also a museum has a thicker base). The traditional Saturday Southside trains can take you to Providence, dedicated to the Boston Tea Party in 1773, supper is “beans and franks” served with thick the capital of Rhode Island, Worcester, the a protest against British taxation. You can slices of chewy brown bread. There are also principal city of Central Massachusetts, walk to the harbor or take a bus from South “local” desserts, like Indian pudding, made with and other now-suburban towns which Station, served by the Red Line subway. corn meal and molasses and topped with vanilla feature quaint shops and old-fashioned ice cream. “Boston cream pie” is actually a cake; town squares. Northside trains from North There are other world-famous museums white cake with chocolate frosting and whipped Station can take you to historic towns like in Boston, too. For art lovers, there are the cream or custard between the layers. If you Concord, where the American Revolution Museum of Fine Arts (take the Green Line spot a local bakery, grab a raspberry turnover, a began, and Salem, site of the infamous “E” car on Huntington Avenue) and the lemon square, or a fig square; the inspiration for Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and the first Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (two blocks Nabisco’s “Fig Newton”; named by Nabisco’s demonstration of the telephone, nearly two from the Museum of Fine Arts). The Museum predecessor company for the nearby town of centuries later. There is also a line that goes of Science is equally famous (take the Green Newton. If you wish to visit Newton, the Green to scenic maritime towns like Newburyport, Line to Science Park Station). Many of the Line “Riverside” car goes there. Gloucester and Rockport, and another that area’s colleges have museums, too. goes to Lowell, which celebrates its industrial So RUN to Boston with us at the end of history with museums and a heritage Other interesting Boston neighborhoods April! You will have an enjoyable and streetcar line operated by the National are worth visiting, especially if the educational experience at the conference, Park Service. trains leave from weather is good enough for an extended as well as a chance to ride Boston’s North Station, too. They go to Portland and walk. The Back Bay was built on landfill interesting and multi-modal transit Brunswick, other places in Maine, and three from Boston Harbor in the 1840s and system. If you can, plan to spend some towns in New Hampshire. 50s and is packed with now-historic town extra time there, because there is a lot to houses (take the Green Line to Arlington see and do. Boston and its neighboring towns are great Street or Copley Square). The Boston places for walking, and are full of historic Public Library and Trinity Church, David Peter Alan is a RUN Board Member and neighborhoods. If you want to explore designed by famous architect H.H. Chair of the Lackawanna Coaliton in Millburn, NJ.. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 14 of 16 Light Rail and Streetcars Dominate New Rail Starts in 2015

A new subway station opened on Manhattan’s Far West Side in September. The extension of the #7 subway line marked the first expansion of New York City’s subway system in more than 25 years. (Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority) By David Peter Alan commercial development that has been Oak Cliff, over the Houston Street planned for the area. Transit managers viaduct. Service on the 1.6-mile route There were a number of extensions hope to open the next expansion, the began on April 13. Union Station is of rail transit last year, and most were first segment of the long-awaited Second the hub for Amtrak’s , new segments of light rail or streetcar Avenue Subway, late this year. Trinity Railway Express (TRE) trains lines. The Southwest, from Texas to to Fort Worth, and the Dallas Area California, dominated the “New Starts” Charlotte, NC has a new streetcar. It is Rapid Transit (DART) light rail system. map, but New York City and Charlotte, called the Gold Line, and it connects with The line runs with modern streetcars NC were also represented. So was the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) made by the Brookville Equipment Co. Toronto, in Canada. Lynx Blue Line light rail in Uptown (the The center section of the car has no local term for “downtown”) Charlotte. It seats; it is designed to accommodate The New York City system expanded runs 1.5 miles, mostly on East Trade Street, bicycles and standees. The schedule is for the first time since 1989 on Sept. 13, to Presbyterian Hospital. There are plans limited, and takes about seven when the Hudson Yards Station on the to expand the six-stop line in the future. For minutes from end to end. Much of the #7 Flushing Line opened for service. The the moment, it is running with heritage-style funding for the line came from a federal entrance to the station is located on West cars manufactured by the Gomaco Trolley “stimulus” grant in 2010, and further 34th Street, between Tenth and Eleventh Company that previously ran on a heritage expansion is planned. Avenues, near the Long Island Rail Road’s streetcar line that no longer operates. The West Side Yards and about a 10-minute first run took place on Tuesday, July 14. Vintage streetcars in Dallas now run on a walk from Penn Station. The line was longer line, too. The McKinney Avenue extended 1.5 miles to the new station from Dallas has a new streetcar, too. The Transit Authority, a quasi-museum the former terminus at Times Square. The Downtown-Oak Cliff streetcar runs operation that runs a full-service schedule new station will serve new residential and from behind Union Station to North (Continued on page 15) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 15 of 16 Light Rail, Streetcars Dominate New Starts in 2015

(Continued from page 14) Light rail has been expanding in California first several months of operation. Airport in recent years, and last year’s expansion employees get the lowest fares: $10.00 with vintage cars, expanded its line on took place in Sacramento. Sacramento Cdn. each way when purchased online. June 5 along St. Paul and Olive Streets Regional Transit (“SacRT”) extended downtown. The extension, 0.65 miles its Blue Line from its former terminal There is another new start worth long, runs beyond the former terminal at at Meadowview Road, southeast to mentioning: the one that did not happen. Ross Avenue and forms a for the cars, Consumnes River College, adding three The F Street-Benning Road streetcar in improving their connections with DART new stations. The 4.3-mile extension opened Washington, DC was supposed to open for lines. The line is officially known as the “M- for service on August 24. A line to West service at the end of 2014. Non-revenue Line Streetcar,” but it is normally called Sacramento should come next. testing began in November of that year the “McKinney Avenue Trolley” locally. and is still ongoing. At this writing, service is Funding for the expansion came from city- There was also one new start in Canada. scheduled to begin on Feb. 20 of this year. issued bonds, a federal grant and DART. It was the Union Pearson Express from Washingtonians are frustrated with the slow Toronto Union Station to the Lester B. progress of the line toward actual service, Last year was a big year for Metro Rail, Pearson Airport, as the name implies. and they hope that the streetcars will stop Houston’s light rail system. After the It is known locally as the “UPExpress” running empty and stop to pick them up northern extension of the Red Line and bears no resemblance to the Union and give them a ride. opened late in 2013, two new lines opened Pacific in the United States. The trains on May 23, 2015. The 10.6-mile Purple are operated by Metrolinx, which also Other projects have been delayed, but Line intersects the Red Line downtown, operates GO Transit commuter trains there are a number of new starts and and runs to the southeast, and the 3.3-mile in the Toronto Area. The airport service expansions projected for later in 2016. Green Line branches off from it. The began on June 6, and it operates with Two new lines have already opened for Green Line will be expanded two more (DMU) equipment service in Seattle. There are three planned stops later; that segment is scheduled to made by Nippon Sharyo. The line runs for Los Angeles: one on Metrolink and the open in 2017. The two new lines cost $1.3 23.3 km (14.6 miles), mostly along the other two on Metro’s light rail lines. There billion to build, about one third of which existing GO Transit line to Georgetown are new streetcar lines under construction came from federal sources. and Kitchener. The UPExpress stops in Kansas City, Cincinnati and New at the Bloor and Weston stations on the Orleans. Denver’s FasTracks system is Valley Metro Rail in the Phoenix, AZ Kitchener Line, and then goes onto a also under construction, and expansion area also expanded last year. The line was newly-built short branch to the airport. is expected soon. It should be an exciting extended eastward in Mesa for 3.1 miles, The fares are high. The “standard” fare year for local rail transit, and RUN will be running in the median of Main Street and is $27.50 Cdn. (about $20 U.S.) each on hand to ride it and tell you about it. adding four stations. Service began on way, with small discounts for seniors Saturday, August 22. The next extension is and round-trip travel. Fares paid with a David Peter Alan is a RUN Board Member and planned for later this year, at the other end “Presto” stored-value card are also lower. Chair of the Lackawanna Coaliton in Millburn, of the line. Low ridership was reported during the NJ..

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