NEWSLETTER Summer 2014 Vol. 11, Issue 3

RUN’s 2014 Conference in —An Outstanding Success!

Individual By Richard Rudolph and government officials, and gave Jefferson’s views on a Chair, Rail Users’ Network members of the public who variety of subjects, including Highlights are interested in transit related transportation issues. By all accounts, this year’s Rail issues. In all, more than 100 Users’ Network Conference, people attended this year’s The daylong Friday conference A Wild Ride On co-sponsored with SEPTA’s conference, which focused on began with RUN’s Chair, (Southeastern how “Passenger Rail and Rail Richard Rudolph, providing NJ Transit p. 2 Transportation Authority) Transit Improves the Economic opening remarks, He noted Citizens’ Advisory Committee Vitality of Cities.” that transit and commuter When Will IL’s Routes was an outstanding success. rail ridership is increasing all Open? p. 3 Much of the credit should be The conference began with across the nation largely due given to members of the joint a “welcoming reception” to millennials and seniors Florida’s SunRail RUN/SEPTA CAC conference Thursday evening, May 1 at seeking alternatives to driving planning committee and staff the office of Urban Engineers, cars. Elsewhere in the world, Begins Operating p. 4 members of the a consulting firm “which brings rail transit, , and Valley Regional Planning award winning projects to passenger rail is viewed Schedule Changes for Commission, the Metropolitan successful completion, whether as a government obligation to p. 4 Planning Organization for it is in the Transportation, insure mobility for all. Given the the Philadelphia area which Facilities or Construction opportunity, he believes, citizens Conference Attendees includes . While a Service areas.” Conference in the U.S. will support the number of rail advocates from participants attending this event expansion of passenger rail with Sample Transit p. 6 across the nation attended, the not only had an opportunity to their tax dollars and with their overwhelming majority came meet and socialize, but also met ridership. SEPTA CAC Chair From the SW from the with a special guest, Thomas Maurice Baynard also gave Front p. 12 area and included planners, Jefferson. He was portrayed welcoming remarks, thanking real estate developers, city by actor Steven Edenbo, who (Continued on page 6) The SLR Initiative In Maine p. 14 NYC’s Vast Transit System About to Grow Bigger A Not-Very-Modest By Andrew Albert open sometime in June. Already 4,5 lines to the 2,3 lines requires Proposal p. 15 the largest transfer point in many sets of stairways and ’s enviable transit Lower Manhattan, the Fulton ramps. The Fulton Transit system is about get a bit bigger. Center will draw together the 1, Center will tie most lines Thanks to the MTA’s Capital 2,3,4,5,A,C,E,R,J,Z subway lines, together along a straight path, Program, including federal, and provide easier connections with the exception of the J,Z state and—in one particular between these lines. Eventually, lines, whose unique location will project—city funding, there will it will also connect to the 2nd still require the use of stairs. be some additions beginning in Avenue subway, providing an There will also be a shopping the Summer, with more to come all-weather underground route mall in the center, as well as in the fall. The Fulton Transit between Greenwich Street and offices, making it a destination Center—which will link 11 Water Street. in itself. The Fulton Transit subway lines, and incorporate Center is convenient to many a glass enclosure, allowing Currently, Fulton Street station downtown points of interest, natural light to penetrate down combines many of these lines including Ground Zero, below the surface—is set to already, but the trip from the (Continued on page 13) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 2 of 16 A Wild Ride at NJ Transit For Riders and Their Advocates By David Peter Alan background, so advocates expected her to Commissioners, Simpson was familiar lead the agency toward better performance, with transit; he had been Administrator of Last winter could not have been worse for with Simpson’s help. Simpson and the FTA in the Bush Administration until the managers and riders at Weinstein had squabbled publicly, and 2009. So it appeared that better times were Transit (NJT). Service had just gotten advocates believed that a harmonious coming to NJT, both for the riders and the back to normal after a year of disruption relationship between the Commissioner people who advocate on their behalf. from damage caused by Hurricane Sandy and the Executive Director would bring in October, 2012. Then came one of about some much-needed improvement. That has not happened yet. At this writing, the worst winters in history, with service three months later, advocates and riders disruptions on NJT’s rail lines in North and Hakim’s tenure started with a burst of remain in suspense, wondering what will Central Jersey occurring with alarming activity. During her first weekday on the happen to their transit in the future. frequency. On top of that, NJT performed job, Monday, March 3, Simpson fired rail very poorly on February 2 at Super Bowl chief Kevin O’Connor and bus chief Joyce As Hakim began her job at NJT, XLVIII, the game billed as the “Mass Gallagher. On the same day, ran Simpson ordered some minor changes Transit Super Bowl.” Even three hours into and out of Penn Station, New York on in Board practices. He said that the after the game ended, the Meadowlands the Raritan Valley Line (RVL) for the first Board would hold two evening meetings Stadium had not yet been cleared, causing time. This marked the first “one-seat-ride” this year; in May and September, disgruntled fans to chant “Jersey Sucks” as service on that line. The Raritan Valley in response to a request by Donald reporters from publications as diverse as Rail Coalition and other advocates had Winship, Communications Director the New York Post and the Sporting News Cpushed for such service for years, with the of the Lackawanna Coalition. He also spread the word of NJT’s defeat. It seemed objective that RVL riders would no longer announced a three-month pilot program that NJT took as bad a beating after the be required to endure an inconvenient for opening meetings of the Board’s game as the Seattle Seahawks dished out to transfer at Newark. So far, only mid-day Customer Service and Administrative the Denver Broncos on the field. trains run through to New York, but NJT Committees to the public. Those three has promised that evening trains, running monthly meetings have already taken So the advocacy community and many after peak-commuting hours, will offer a place, and the future of the initiative will riders were hoping for improvement one-seat-ride later this year. Advocates on be decided in June. Simpson said that, when Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim took the line and elsewhere are still pushing if the experiment went well, all Board over the post of Executive Director at for the extension of one-seat-ride service committee meetings would be opened to NJT, replacing Jim Weinstein, who had to week-ends and toward their primary the public. There were no administrative taken much of the blame for losing nearly objective: peak-commuting hours. problems with the new practice, so 400 pieces of rolling stock to flooding advocates expect it to become permanent. during Hurricane Sandy, as well as for the Later that month, at the March meeting However, members of the public may only agency’s poor performance getting fans of the Board of Directors, Simpson observe and make two-minute statements out of the stadium after the Big Game. made a statement about the changes he before any agenda items are introduced wanted to see at NJT. They included and discussed. They may not ask questions Hakim was hand-picked for the job by the restoration of “off-peak” rail fares, or participate in discussions in any way. Transportation Commissioner James S. better use of Hoboken Terminal to ease Simpson. By law, the Commissioner of capacity constraints at New York Penn For her own part, Hakim said that she Transportation in New Jersey is also the Station, and improved service and fleet would ride the system extensively during Chair of the NJT Board of Directors. planning. It was an extraordinary event. her first month on the job, and that she Simpson and Hakim had worked together Before Simpson, no Commissioner had would talk with employees and other at New York’s Metropolitan Transportation even asked questions at a Board meeting. stakeholders, including the advocates. It Authority (MTA) during the 1990s. When Simpson not only asked questions, but he appears that she has kept that promise. Gov. Chris Christie took office in 2010, he delivered a 24-minute statement about She met with representatives of the appointed Simpson to head NJDOT, and his plans for NJT. He also referred to Lackawanna Coalition and the New Simpson picked Hakim to be Executive the advocacy organizations and their Jersey Association of Railroad Passengers Director of the members as “important stakeholders”; (NJ-ARP) in March, and has scheduled Authority. Hakim is an experienced an unprecedented level of positive another meeting in June. transportation manager and has a legal recognition. Unlike other NJDOT (Continued on page 5) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 3 of 16

When Will the New IL Routes Really Open?

By F.K. Plous On the northwest, the BNSF’s former This would not be easy. Neither route Burlington main lines connect had enjoyed passenger service in more State-supported passenger trains go way back with Galesburg, Macomb and Quincy, than 30 years. in . It was 1972 when the Chicago- a 258-mile route highly valued by Quincy Illinois Zephyr became the second students at Galesburg’s Knox College and In fact, the “route” didn’t to receive state sponsorship Macomb’s Western Illinois University. even exist. In the grand old days of under Amtrak’s 403(b) program. privately operated passenger-train The pact to double frequencies: I’ll service, the Quad Cities of Moline, Within a short time daily round trips to St. support your trains today—you East Moline and Rock Island, IL, along Louis and Carbondale were added, giving support mine tomorrow. In 2006, with Davenport, IA on the west bank the Illinois passenger-train “network” Illinois took the extraordinary step of of the Mississippi, had received their the same spindly, jellyfish-like look it has doubling the frequencies on each of passenger service from the Chicago, today: a big hub at the northeast end in these routes. The Chicago-Quincy and Rock Island & Pacific Railroad—the Chicago, with three long, thin tentacles Chicago-Carbondale routes went from “Rock Island Line.” trailing south and west. one to two round trips a day, while the St. Louis route went from two to four. Within But following the Rock Island liquidation The longest tentacle, plunging deep into a few years, ridership doubled. in 1980, that line had been cascaded Southern Illinois on the former Illinois down to three owners: Chicago’s Central main line to New Orleans, ends 309 But even as legislators and advocates commuter rail agency owned it from miles south of Chicago in Carbondale on congratulated themselves on the successful downtown Chicago to Joliet, CSX owned the boundary between the prairies to the ramp-up of new frequencies, a political deal the 20 miles from Joliet to Morris, and a north and the Ozark foothills to the south. forced them to keep forging ahead on another new short line called the Iowa Interstate Southern Illinois University, the state’s second and much more difficult front: In exchange for owned the track from Morris to the Quad biggest, is a major source of passengers. their support of doubling service on the three Cities and thence to Council Bluffs. existing lines, legislators from the unserved Everything west of Joliet had been single- Lying 30 miles to the west is the 284-mile northwest part of the state exacted a promise tracked, and the Automatic Block Signals line connecting Chicago with St. Louis from their colleagues that the General (ABS) had been removed, so that fixing via the state capital at Springfield. This is Assembly later would fund two new routes, up the entire route for a proposed two the former Chicago & Alton that became one connecting Chicago with the Quad daily passenger trains would have been too part of the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio. It’s now Cities and another connecting Chicago with expensive. called the corridor. Rockford, Galena and Freeport. (Continued on page 11)

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 Steep Falls, ME NARP / TrainRiders Northeast, Maine Rail Group Andrew Albert, Vice-Chair New York, NY 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 Citzien Advisory Board Pamela Bush , MA T-Riders Oversight Committee (MBTA) John (Jack) Corbett, Esq. Washington, DC MetroRiders.org James E. Coston, Esq. Chicago, IL Corridor Capital LLC Bill Engel Clinton, OH Ohio Rail Tourism Association Dana Gabbard Los Angeles, CA Southern California Transit Advocates Robbyn Gayer Norfolk, VA Hampton Roads for Rail Steve Hastalis Chicago, IL National Federation for the Blind J.W. Madison Albuquerque, NM Rails Inc. Please send comments, letters to editor or articles for possible publications to the Rail Users’ Network at: RUN; 55 River Road, Steep Falls, ME 04085 or email to [email protected] Layout/design editor: Paul Bubny RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 4 of 16 Florida’s SunRail Begins Operating

time to Sand Lake Road is one hour and three minutes. Six morning trains run northbound from Sand Lake Road to DeBary, with the first departing at 6:15 a.m. A seventh, the last one of the morning, runs only as far as Sanford. There are two mid-day trains and eight evening trains northbound. Running time is the same as southbound.

At start-up, the service is weekday only. A prominent note on the schedules page of the website makes it clear that “Sun-Rail trains do not run on federal holidays.”

A SunRail train Fare collection for multi-trip passengers is By Bill Engel Park, FL Hospital Health Village, LYNX by a pre-paid card. The passenger “taps” Central Station, Church Street, and the card on the validating machine at the On May 1, 2014, SunRail, the new Orlando Health/Amtrak. boarding station, and “taps” again at the commuter rail service in the Orlando, FL destination. area began operating! For an introductory The equipment is Bombardier built period which was scheduled to end bi-level cars familiar to most rail Phase two of SunRail is planned to May 16, fares were not collected. Fare advocates that are in use on Tri-Rail in extend service north to Deland and south collection was to start on May 19. the West Palm Beach to Miami service to Kissimmee. It will be a year or more and elsewhere. They are operated in before that expansion takes place. This start-up service runs between locomotive-hauled, push-pull-style trains. DeBary, just north of Sanford, to Sand Initial schedules provide for seven This will be an interesting start-up to watch. Lake Road located just south of the morning southbound trains from DeBary Traffic on I-4, which parallels this route, Orlando Amtrak station. Intermediate to Sand Lake Road, two mid-day trains and can reportedly be a real headache. For stops, listed from north to south, are seven evening trains. An eighth morning more information, visit www.sunrail.com. Sanford, Lake Mary, Longwood, train originates in Sanford. The first train Altamonte Springs, Maitland, Winter leaves DeBary at 5:30 a.m. The running Bill Engel is a RUN Board Member based in Schedule Changes for the Empire Builder

By Bill Engel trains #27 & #28. The announced purpose These places will be served by bus, with of this change was to help the Empire Builder westbound passengers from the east In late March, Amtrak announced a operate in a more timely way. detraining at Fargo. Passengers traveling significant schedule change effective April west from the three stops will take a bus to 15 for trains #7 & 27 and #8 & #28, the Then in May, Amtrak moved the Twin Minot, where they will join the train. The Empire Builder. Eastbound train #8 now Cities stop of the train out of Midway eastbound train will not detour. leaves Seattle three hours earlier at 1:40 Station into a redeveloped St. Paul Union p.m. PT instead of 4:40 p.m. Arrival in Depot. It appears Minneapolis patrons will The stated purpose of the detour is to allow Chicago does not change. now have to travel to St. Paul to board the BNSF to do maintenance to improve the train. Midway Station was closed. track. With increased train traffic in North Westbound #7 leaves Chicago at the A second announcement in May was that Dakota, due to oil moving from the Baaken same time, but has a later Seattle arrival. for a lengthy period this summer train oil field, the maintenance must be needed. Intermediate times at stations west of the #7 & #27 will detour between Fargo, Twin Cities were adjusted accordingly, as ND and Minot, ND, missing the stops Bill Engel is a RUN Board Member based in were arrival/departure times at Portland for at Grand Forks, Devils Lake and Rugby. Clinton, OH. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 5 of 16 A Wild Ride on NJ Transit

(Continued from page 2) presented. The first honoree was the were poised to implement significant Lackawanna Coalition, for 35 years of reforms at NJT. It is now unclear, Simpson and Hakim honored the service to the riding public. The second and perhaps even doubtful, that such Lackawanna Coalition at the Board went to Luis Trujillo, a ticket agent at reforms will actually be implemented. meeting on May 15. The Coalition the George Washington Bridge Bus was founded in 1979, in response to Station, for 55 years of service to NJT It seemed at the time that Simpson’s the crisis caused by the deterioration and its predecessors. The third honoree true potential would soon be realized, of the state’s transit system at the was Simpson himself. but that was not to be. It is Simpson’s time. New Jersey Transit itself was potential, and not the realization of also founded later that year. It seemed Simpson displayed his characteristic that potential, that is now his legacy. like a new day had begun for the enthusiasm at the meeting, but Nobody will ever know what he and advocates; a radical departure from the not everybody was equally hopeful Hakim could have accomplished adversarial climate that had prevailed about the future of NJT and the together. Now she is on her own, and through several administrations in initiatives that Simpson had suggested it seems that everyone wishes her Trenton and at NJT. in March. Hakim is now in her well. It is now up to her to implement fourth month on the job, and she the policies that Simpson suggested Then the bombshell hit. Three days no longer has Simpson to back her two months ago, if she can do it. before the meeting, reporter Karen up. Advocates and other observers If she succeeds, she will earn the Rouse broke the story in the Bergen had hoped that Simpson and Hakim credit for actually improving NJT’s Record and the paper’s website, www. would work as a team, but that will performance. northjersey.com, that Simpson would not happen. Nobody knows who the be leaving his post on June 6. The new commissioner will be, or even There is one aspect of the legacy that advocates, as well as NJT managers, if that person will be familiar with Simpson left, essentially as his last act were shocked. They had expected the transit. The former heads of the bus as Chair of the NJT Board. That was Simpson-Hakim team to lead NJT and rail divisions have been fired, the recognition of citizen-advocates as into a new era, but it was not to be. and the agency is still searching for valuable stakeholders. Previously, most Simpson called some of the leaders replacements. So Hakim will have transit managers and Board members of the Lackawanna Coalition and NJ- plenty of challenges on the job. everywhere reserved that description ARP, including this writer, to a private Simpson declared his faith in her only for developers, government meeting immediately before the Board ability to lead NJT through the times agencies and other organizations meeting. He said that he was leaving ahead, but nobody seems to doubt that whose participation was measured his position voluntarily to return to his her ability to do so will soon be tested. only by money or political power. Jim trucking business, but some observers Simpson said that the people who believe that Gov. Christie may have During his tenure of slightly more represent the riders are stakeholders, forced him out. Simpson did not than four years as Commissioner, too. The legitimacy and credibility reveal any substantive surprises at Simpson left his mark on NJT, at least he bestowed on the Lackawanna that meeting; the surprise was that in terms of style. He was animated, Coalition will not reverberate he called the advocates to meet with enthusiastic, and almost always immediately in the halls of transit him, and that he spoke so candidly. interesting. He provided a contrast to power, but an outgoing Commissioner No commissioner in NJT’s history had the dull Board meetings conducted by (both for leaving office, and in terms done that before. his predecessors. of personality) took the rare and important step of recognizing the The Board meeting was “amazing,” Despite his enthusiasm, Simpson legitimacy of citizen-advocates on the according to a senior NJT manager did not accomplish much. He had transit scene. Will the Board members who was there. Because the meeting complained publicly that he could and managers who are still at NJT was held at 6:00, a number of not get things done, due to lack of live up to the promise that Simpson commuters joined the advocates in cooperation by management, especially appeared to give? Time will tell. making statements. There were only Weinstein. With Weinstein and two of two routine items on the official his subordinates gone from the scene, David Peter Alan is Chair of the Lackawanna agenda, but there were three awards it appeared that Simpson and Hakim Coalition and a member of the RUN Board. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 6 of 16 Run’s Philadelphia Conference: An Outstanding Success station. Amtrak is also working with Drexel University and Brandywine Realty Trust to redevelop the station and its University City neighborhood. The proposals are expected to be unveiled within the next two months and will include a plan to provide better access for buses, cars, bicyclists and pedestrians. The keynote speaker, Dena Belzer, founder and CEO of Strategic Economics of Berkeley, CA, has spent much of her career analyzing and promoting transit- oriented development (TOD). She pointed out that “transit is a market-accelerator, not a market-maker” and cautioned that it only works well under the right conditions. It needs to be frequent, connected to major employment destinations, clean and comfortable and transit stops/ stations need to be accessible by biking or walking. Done right, TOD generates Keynote speaker Dena Belzer ridership for transit systems, saves money Additional capital funding from the for households and local governments, (Continued from page 1) legislature will also enable SEPTA to begin improves health outcomes, creates planning for two new rail projects. The economic development and makes money DVRPC for their help and praised the regional rail line to Media and Elwyn will for property owners. She also outlined role of citizen advocacy in fostering be extended to Wawa. The Norristown several trends which are having an impact improvements, saying: “Citizens can High-Speed Line which utilizes streetcars on TOD: Changing demographics make all the difference in the world.” In powered by third rail would have a new provide a greater demand for TOD addition, DVRPC Executive Director branch to the King of Prussia Mall. locations, for there are now 76 million Barry Seymour welcomed conference baby boomers, 75-80 million millennials attendees. He outlined his organization’s The second featured speaker, Drew and almost half of all householders are activities and said: “We are expanding Galloway, Amtrak’s Chief of NEC single—many of these people are looking the role transit can play in developing a Planning and Performance, focused for housing/transportation alternatives. physical form for our region.” his remarks on Amtrak’s $60-million restoration project to repair 30th Street The primary focus of TOD development The first featured speaker of the day, Station’s limestone, clean its facade is still focused on existing downtowns/ Byron Comati, Director of Strategic and waterproof the exterior. Although urban business districts. Streetcars and Planning at SEPTA, outlined and combined annual ridership now exceeds buses are also enjoying a comeback and described the transit agency’s new eight million boardings on Amtrak, SEPTA bike facilities are proliferating. MPOs and capital improvement plan, which has and New Jersey Transit, the plan is on Transit Agencies are investing in TOD been drawn up since the state approved hold as Congress has not authorized the and prioritizing those investments and a new comprehensive transportation money and there is no indication when it there is a new interest in Equitable TOD. funding bill. It doubles SEPTA’s Annual will. Meanwhile, Amtrak is also creating On this last point, Ms. Belzer has been Capital Budget by 2018. This infusion of a new master plan for developing the a key member of a team responsible for additional capital will enable SEPTA to station and its environs. It will likely include creating the Transit Oriented Affordable move forward with “State of Good Repair proposals for building over the sprawling Housing Fund in the Bay area. This was Projects” to improve safety and reliability Penn Coach Yards that stretch north of the (Continued on page 7) and eliminates the need to reduce service. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 7 of 16

RUN’s Philadelphia Conference Success

(Continued from page 6) During the lunch break, Michael you’re identified as liking the product, Weinman, Managing Director of PTSI you are in a lot of trouble.” Rosenwald the first regional structured fund Transportation, presented this year’s plans to open a wine shop in his home started by a metropolitan planning RUN’s Lifetime Achievement Awards town of Chicago, while staying active in organization that is dedicated to two former Amtrak employees, passenger railroading as a consultant. to providing affordable housing now retired: David Nogar and Brian opportunities near transit, in the U.S. Rosenwald. Nogar has a long and Henry Davis, Chief Officer for A $50-million loan fund has been set varied career in the transit industry, Customer Service at SEPTA, also up with an initial $10 million from the first working at New Jersey Transit, presented an award to bus driver Curtis local MPO. The mission is to provide then at the Mass Transit Perrin, who drives a bus that connects funding for early property acquisition Administration as Director of MARC with SEPTA rail transit. Davis referred for affordable housing and other Train Service before being hired to him as “a true SEPTA shining star.” services near transit. at Amtrak. He has held numerous positions at Amtrak including serving as At the close of the luncheon session, Participants attending the conference General Manager, Pennisula Corridor a staffer from City Hall read a also heard from rail activists and Service, Senior Director of Service proclamation issued by the Philadelphia planners who are working at the ground Delivery and as Superintendent, NEC City Council commending RUN for level to reach out to youth, promote Service Operations at Amtrak. He is holding the conference. TOD at the local level, extend the most remembered by rail advocates for reach of rail transit and promote best creating the former , The second panel of the day, which practices for rail advocacy. one of Amtrak’s premier trains, which was moderated by RUN’s Chair ran on an overnight schedule providing Richard Rudolph, focused on Transit- The first panel of the day provided dining and outstanding sleeping Oriented Development and the Local participants an opportunity to learn how car service between Boston and Economy. The first presenter, Vivian to reach out to youth. Phil Dawson, who Washington, DC. Nogar is currently Baker, Director, Transit-Friendly is the Vice Chair of SEPTA CAC and Program Manager, East Side Access— Land Use and Development at New who moderated the panel, talked about Operations Readiness at the URS Jersey Transit (NJT), explained how his former role as Chair of SEPTA’s Corporation in New York City. New Jersey’s Transit Village program Youth Advisory Committee which was works to strengthen the links between founded in 2009, and is unique among Rosenwald had spent most of his career transportation and land use. It transit advisory committees. Dawson with Amtrak, retiring after 39 years of promotes more environmentally and said that one of the accomplishments of service, due to the latest reorganization economically sustainable patterns the YAC was pushing SEPTA and local of Amtrak’s management. His last of living and working in the state colleges and universities to partner in position at Amtrak was Chief, Product and forges partnerhips in support of providing student discounts on transit. Lines. He is held in very high esteem NJT’s larger mission of providing safe, Jeff Kessler, current Executive Chair by rail advocates for his pro-customer reliable, convenient and cost effective of the YAC and Andy Sharpe, former stance at Amtrak. His huge success transit service. Successful TOD, she Communications Director for the in developing the Pacific Parlour said, requires active collaboration Delaware Valley Association of Railroad Car and other enhancements for among elected officials, transit planners, Passengers (DVARP), both commented the in the mid-1990s housing department professionals, on the importance of social media in is legendary, and he has improved private developers, philanthropic communicating with young transit riders the customer service experience on leaders, community development or potential transit riders. Kathleen other long distance trains including financial institutions, and community Grady, Director of Sustainability for the Empire Builder and the California advocates, as well as residents. Temple University, talked about how she Zephyr. Rosenwald spoke briefly at the reassures students at Temple that it is safe conference reflecting on his career. The second panelist, Andrew Svekla, to use transit, and commented that her He said he attempted to “fix Amtrak, Senior Planner at DVRPC’s Office of outreach campaigns for each new class one day at a time” and had to assure Smart Growth, talked about why TOD starts when the entering students first his supervisors that he was not a rail matters at the local level and described appear on with their parents. fan. He remarked that at Amtrak, “If (Continued on page 9) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 8 of 16 RUN Conference Attendees Sample Philadelphia Transit By David Peter Alan him around the nation and overseas, and he the Broad-Ridge Spur to Eighth and Market leads the multi-modal transit tours at APTA streets, it was time for lunch. By all accounts, the RUN conference held at rail conferences around the United States the beginning of May in Philadelphia was and Canada. The participants had lunch at the Reading one of the organization’s most successful Terminal Market, a culinary mecca for events yet. It was held in cooperation with Hickey led the RUN tour in the same style many Philadelphians, and a place where the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit as his APTA tours, taking the participants food and railroad history meet. Hickey Authority (SEPTA) Citizens’ Advisory on the various rail transit lines in the area, explained that there was a farmers’ market Committee (CAC) and the Delaware Valley and explaining the technical and historical on Market Street before the railroad came Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), features of each one. The Philadelphia through. When the Reading Railroad who hosted the conference and got the word area boasts a wide variety of transit. The (originally the Philadelphia & Reading) out to the planning community. SEPTA system includes commuter rail, two built Reading Terminal on the corner incompatible “heavy rail” lines, and lines of 12th and Market Streets in 1889, the The pre-conference reception on Thursday featuring four types of -style cars train shed was elevated and the market evening provided an opportunity for and streetcars. In southern New Jersey, rail continued to operate at street level. The attendees to gather informally, as well as transit consists of a commuter line, a heavy- station began service in 1893, and the last an opportunity to hear Thomas Jefferson’s rail line and a non-electrified line. train ran from there in 1984. Today, the views on transportation, as portrayed by Participants on the RUN tour rode every old station and train shed are part of the actor Steven Edenbo. The conference on mode of transit, even including a bus. Pennsylvania Convention Center, and the Friday featured a number of presenters market continues to operate in its historic who made the case for strong rail transit as The tour began with a ride along the location. In the 1970s, the market was a driving force behind the transit-oriented Schuylkill River on the commuter rail line to almost empty, but today it is full, and it development (TOD) that helps keep Norristown. All SEPTA commuter lines are attracts large numbers of Philadelphians neighborhoods and communities liveable electrified, and most trains run with Electric and visitors who are looking for something and economically viable. Multiple-Unit (EMU) cars. In Norristown, good to eat. Our group feasted on pork the group changed for the “Norristown sandwiches at Dimyck’s and enjoyed Those two events did not comprise the High-Speed Line” back toward Philadelphia. Bassett’s ice cream for dessert. Bassett’s complete experience. On Saturday, May 3, That line is an interurban-style line, powered was founded in 1861 and was one of the a group of rail advocates who had attended by third rail. The terminal at the other end market’s original tenants in 1893. the conference stayed in town for a tour of is the historic 69th Street Terminal, the the region’s transit, including many of the transfer point for other streetcar and bus The afternoon session began downstairs at lines that had been discussed the previous lines, as well as the Market-Frankford Line, a the 13th Street Trolley Station. The group day. The tour leader was Thomas R. subway-elevated line that runs along Market rode one trolley car (they still use that term Hickey, a native Philadelphian who became Street through the city. It was built with in Philadelphia) to the street-running portion interested in transit during his student days track of the broad gauge used in all streetcar of the line in West Philadelphia, walked at Villanova University, when he commuted lines in Pennsylvania. All streetcar lines in one block, and took another line back to by trolley car. They still use that term in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh still use that . The cars were modern the city, although the line that Hickey used gauge today. At the Girard Avenue Station, versions of traditional streetcars, with trolley was actually an interurban line powered it was time to get off the elevated line and poles drawing power from an overhead wire. by a third rail, and the term “trolley car” onto the Girard Avenue trolley line, a line At 30th Street, the group caught New Jersey was never applied directly to it. Hickey unique in Philadelphia. It was out of service Transit’s (NJT) Atlantic City Rail Line to the is currently Chief Development Officer for several years, and came back with rebuilt Pennsauken Transit Center, for a transfer to at Railway Express (VRE), the Presidents’ Conference Committee (PCC) NJT’s River Line, a Diesel-Light-Rail line agency that runs commuter trains between cars from the 1940s (referred to as “PCC that runs between Trenton and Camden. Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia. II” cars in SEPTA circles). The group took After a quick transfer and a short ride to He is also Chair of the APTA (American the car to Broad Street and changed for the the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Public Transportation Association) Streetcar Broad Street Subway, which operates on Camden, it was time to take the Committee. His transit career has taken standard-gauge track. After a short ride on (Continued on page 10) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 9 of 16 RUN’s Philadelphia Conference: An Outstanding Success (Continued from page 7) networks in the Philadelphia area, The final panel of the day focused and described how Philadelphia’s on Best Practices for More Effective its benefits, including expanded neighborhoods benefited from the Advocacy moderated by Andrew mobility choices, improved access to streetcars that run on city’s streets. Albert, RUN’s Vice Chair. Panelists jobs, more healthy and active lifestyles, He said that Philadelphia has the were Naomi Roberson, of Smith reduced household driving, less largest streetcar system in the United Memorial Playground, Nico Amador, congestion and air pollution, reduced States; only Toronto’s is bigger in of RAGE, and Jeff Marinoff, of transportation costs, increased transit North America. The next presenter, the South Jersey Citizens’ Advisory ridership and greater local economic Ted Dahlberg, Manager of the Office Committee. Ms. Roberson spoke development. He also provided of Freight and Aviation Planning about her (and others) efforts to get information on where the “American for DVRPC, cautioned conference SEPTA to run the #3 bus to Smith on Dream is Moving.” Residential attendees to remember the importance weekends, and how they organized to building permits issued have dropped of freight when considering starting achieve this goal, which was ultimately 54% in the Delaware Valley area new passenger rail services on existing successful. between 2007-2011, while over 53% rights-of-way. He said that 203 of the of the residential construction permits 352 municipalities in the region have Nico Amador spoke about RAGE’s have been issued in the region’s core rail freight service and called freight- efforts to end SEPTA’s policy of cities and developed communities. oriented development an anti-sprawl placing a gender on their monthly measure. rail passes, a problem with trans- Svekla also described DVRPC’s gendered riders, and conductors Smart Growth Project Data Base harrassing them, while Jeff Marinoff which he maintains. There are 55 spoke about his successful efforts— completed development projects Advocacy is, obviously, near transit, 22 in progress and a major factor in with virtually no elected officials’ help—in getting a transfer station on 44 proposed. Rose Gray, Senior achieving more and Vice-President for Community NJ Transit’s River Line, connecting and Economic Development for better rail service for that line with PATCO’s line between the Asociación Puertorriqueños everyone. Lindenwold and Philadelphia. en Marcha (APM), concluded the Advocacy is, obviously, a major factor panel with a case study of Paseo in achieving more and better rail Verde, a mixed-use, mixed-income, The panel concluded with Steve service for everyone. environmentally-friendly project in a Fittante, Director of Local Programs low-income neighborhood in North Support at NJT and a former County The conference ended on a positive Philadelphia proposed as a public- Transportation Director, notably in note. Former SEPTA CAC Chair Aissia private partnership (P3). Middlesex County. There he Richardson described how she became established a number of shuttle interested in transit, for her own The third panel of the day— bus routes, which augmented NJT benefit and that of the community. She Extending the Reach of Rail Transit— bus and rail services in the county. contrasted her attitude with that of her was moderated by David Peter Alan, Fittante described the Middlesex grandfather, who never used transit and Chair of the Lackawanna Coalition County system he established, as well who would have celebrated his 100th and RUN Board Member. The first as other community transit systems birthday on the day of the conference, presenter, Thomas R. Hickey, is a that connected with local rail transit. if he were still alive. “I’m delighted to native Philadelphian, Chair of the He said that sometimes, “Small is be a transit advocate at this time in our Streetcar Committee of the American beautiful,” that small transit systems history,” she concluded. RUN Treasurer Public Transportation Association can save money for counties and Gary Prophet summed up the day’s (APTA) and Chief Development other governmental units, while proceedings, adding that advocates Officer for Virginia Railway Express providing much-needed mobility need to not only be “passionate and (VRE). Hickey reviewed the history including connectivity with rail persistent” but also need to help each of the development of rail and transit transit. other and keep on pushing. RAILRAIL USERS’ USERS’ NETWORK NETWORK NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER PagePage 10 10 of of 16 12

Sampling Philadelphia Transit

(Continued from page 8) itinerary. The last segment of the tour was for the entire tour, including dinner in a ride on the Media Line (similar to the Media. Charles Graham, an operations “Lindenwold High Speed Line” back to Sharon Hill Line) to its terminal. A long supervisor with SEPTA, was also on hand Center City Philadelphia. segment of traditional street-running in for the entire day to help ensure that Media capped off the ride. everything ran smoothly. Hickey explained that timing is crucial when planning a transit tour. It is The group arrived in Media for dinner Everything did run smoothly, and all necessary to program meals, opportunities at the Town House, located one block participants said that the tour was an for snacks and “restroom breaks” into from the end of the line, and one of enjoyable and informative experience. the schedule. Connection time is also Hickey’s favorite restaurants. Participants important; if it is too short, there is exchanged “rail stories” and became Hickey has led tours for transit managers a substantial risk of a misconnect. If better-acquainted over dinner. About at APTA meetings for many years, it is too long, the participants can get 8:00, after a long day of riding and although he said that he had started bored during the long wait. Hickey had learning about the area’s transit, it was them for planners many years ago. This planned for a 35-minute connection at time for the group to disburse, with marked the first time that he had led Pensauken, but it was possible to make the several members boarding the streetcar to such a tour for rider advocates. In a earlier Camden train, with a five-minute start on their journey home. Their RUN conversation over dinner, Hickey praised connection. That, along with another experience was over. the tour participants, saying that they quick connection to a commuter train did not complain and showed great at Suburban Station, allowed the group While professional planners outnumbered interest, and there was less attrition to finish the tour an hour earlier than rail advocates at the Friday conference, among attendees than on some of his planned, without sacrificing any segments. the tour participants came from the other tours. High marks of this sort from advocacy community. Twelve of the the nation’s most experienced transit- The commuter train from Suburban conference attendees stayed for the tour. tour leader should have a positive effect Station went to Media, and the group got Three live in the Philadelphia area, on the prestige and credibility of RUN, off at Clifton-Aldan Station to ride the while the others were RUN members its members, and the rider-advocacy Sharon Hill streetcar, an interurban-style from elsewhere in the country. Among community. It appears that he enjoyed line whose cars use pantographs to draw the places represented were New Jersey giving the tour as much as everybody else power from overhead wires. Crews were (three Lackawanna Coalition members, enjoyed taking it. working on the wires over part of the line, including this writer); Cleveland; so SEPTA gave the group a surprise; a Chicago; Oklahoma; Washington, David Peter Alan is Chair of the Lackawanna bus segment that was not part of Hickey’s DC; and Norfolk, VA. Eight stayed Coalition and a member of the RUN Board.

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(Continued from page 3) On May 13, IDOT confirmed that the Unlike the Quad Cities route, Chicago- project is delayed. The best estimate Rockford-Dubuque lacks a strong end Mix and match the routes officials now will give is “late 2015.” point with a big population and a thriving to make a new one. So IDOT economy. The biggest city on the route, developed a creative alternative: Run Quad Cities could be Illinois’ Rockford, is still trying to find its way the trains into Western Illinois over biggest passenger-train success. back to prosperity after three decades the BNSF’s former Burlington Route The lag is painful because all signs point of globalization, NAFTA and offshoring via Aurora, Mendota and Princeton, to the Quad Cities trains becoming the plundered it of some of its most lucrative and then switch them to the former most successful of Illinois’ state-sponsored industries. Absent that 2006 political deal Rock Island just west of Wyanet where routes. to double service on the original Downstate the BNSF crosses the Iowa Interstate routes, Rockford probably wouldn’t have on a viaduct out in the corn fields. By If that seems fanciful, consider this: been slated for a startup at all. building an interlocking at each end and Currently, the busiest piece of passenger a gently sloping 4,000-foot ramp the two railroad in the state is the 184-mile The Rockford startup also received a recent railroads would be connected so that the Chicago-Springfield segment of the setback when IDOT announced it was new passenger trains could use the Iowa Chicago-St. Louis Lincoln Service changing the route the trains are to follow Interstate for the last 53 miles into the route. But the Quad Cities, which are on their way out of Chicago. When a final route choice was announced in 2012, IDOT Quad Cities. about 20 miles closer to Chicago than said it would use Canadian National’s former Springfield, are four times bigger in Illinois Central Iowa Division alignment all The cheaper alternative wasn’t all that population. cheap, of course. The connecting ramp the way. The reason—although IDOT never conceded it—was that the IC route was the at Wyanet initially was budgeted at $26 And while Springfield has only one cheapest alternative because the route was million, but those estimates expanded over industry, state government, the Quad time. So did the improvements needed already there, intact, and no new connections Cities have real industries—John Deere, on the Iowa Interstate, especially after were needed. Alcoa, 3M and dozens of less well known federal legislation required the installation factories that build complex machinery of Positive Train Control. Ultimately, Advocates never liked the IC route. It for customers around the world. This the project was awarded $177 million in followed a circuitous path out of Chicago, classic American smokestack community federal funds and another $45 million and because it had never been part of also has 40 colleges and universities. from the state. Metra’s commuter rail system it had no Prospects for a passenger-rail corridor suburban station locations. Basically, it bode very strong—if the state can only But the work still hasn’t started, ran through sparsely populated Chicago deliver the trains. and the reasons why are not all that industrial tracts until it reached cornfields, clear. Neither IDOT nor Amtrak avoiding most of the bigger suburbs and But who knows when that will be? Every will speak for the record, saying only keeping away from the expressways that launch date so far has been pushed back, that opening of the service has now might have brought passengers to the trains. been pushed back from the original and as another construction season ticks relentlessly away, work on the Wyanet 2013 target date to 2016. Rumors Instead, the advocates complained, the Connection and the IAIS upgrade have are that Iowa Interstate has been less trains should have been rerouted directly not yet begun. than cooperative, demanding more northwest aboard Metra’s Milwaukee improvements than Amtrak and IDOT West Line through Elgin, then onto the Don’t buy that ticket to Rockford believe necessary to fit passenger trains former Chicago & Northwestern line to yet—and definitely not Dubuque. onto the currently all-freight railroad. just outside Rockford, where a switch to The prospects don’t look much prettier the CN’s former IC Iowa Division would “It isn’t really an all-fleshed-out project as for Illinois’ second long-promised new rail occur. In addition to being more direct, far as interconnectivity between the two corridor, the former Black Hawk route the Metra routing would have enabled railroads,” IAIS President Jerry Lipka told across the top of the state from Chicago to the trains to collect large numbers of the LaSalle News-Tribune nearly a year ago. Rockford, Freeport, Galena and Dubuque, suburban passengers at busy Metra “I personally don’t see any construction IA, located, like St. Louis, just across the stations such as Bensenville, Elgin and starting until 2015.” Mississippi from Illinois. (Continued on page 12) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 12 of 16

When Will Illinois’ Routes Actually Open? (Continued from page 11) up resistance very similar to what IAIS cascade old cars down to the was demanding for use of its track on the startup routes as the new Next Generation Schaumburg, where large parking lots Quad Cities route: too much money for bi-levels funded by the 2009 Stimulus Act and nearby expressway ramps already too many improvements. Now the cost began replacing the old equipment. were in place to provide easy access. of the interlockings at Big Timber and Cherry Valley began to look reasonable. But now the Next Gen production run But IDOT nixed the idea because itself is delayed, with an ever optimistic remote-controlled interlockings would Unfortunately, getting the new IDOT saying it expects the first “pilot” have to be built to cross the trains over interlockings built is pushing out the cars to appear in early 2016 and the from Metra to the C&NW (now Union timetable for the Rockford trains just as first production cars to be delivered in Pacific) track west of Elgin at Big far as it’s been pushed for the Quad Cities late 2016. Timber and again from the UP to CN at trains—to late 2015. And just to add salt Cherry Valley, east of Rockford. to the wound, IDOT has announced Insiders say that’s wishful thinking. The Nippon Sharyo plant at Rochelle, IL, hasn’t that the lone daily train will run only to IDOT realizes the advocates were turned out its first Next Gen car yet, and the Rockford and back. IDOT and CN are right. Until two months ago, that is, latest notices from Japan say that the fleet’s still discussing the improvements needed when IDOT suddenly announced it innovative Crash Energy Management to get the trains to the River. had decided on the Metra/UP route technology absorbed more energy than the after all and had found the money-- engineers had calculated when it recently $223 million in state funds--to build the Buddy, can you spare a coach? was given its first test. The more you look at necessary interlockings and upgrade And nobody is talking about where the Illinois’ two new routes the more it looks as UP’s unsignaled freight track between rolling stock will come from. Every car if “All aboard!” has been replaced by “Back Big Timber and Cherry Valley. in Amtrak’s hard-pressed Midwestern to the drawing board.” Horizon fleet already is in service. There’s IDOT’s not saying why it came to its nothing to spare for a startup. Originally F.K. Plous is director of communications at senses, but insiders say CN was putting IDOT and Amtrak were planning to Corridor Capital LLC.. From the Front By J.W. Madison Mr. Gonzales is planning Interim the up to Wichita and Transportation Committee meetings this Newton, where it would connect with the New Mexico: A funding bill made it June, to which they might invite legislators Chief. through the recent “30-day” session of from Colorado and Kansas. the NM legislature, allocating $50,000 for Colorado: Some pretty big news here: studies to ascertain the benefits of keeping (Information courtesy the NM Branch, SW HB 1161 supports continuance of the the Chief where it is, emphasis on economic Chief Coalition ) Chief and studying the proposed reroute and development benefits. This true bill of the La Junta-Trinidad segment to pick is a step up from the Memorial my group Kansas: As in Colorado, various up Pueblo and Walsenburg. This would instigated during the last session. No communities are putting in for TIGER enable direct Chief service to over 150,000 money in a memorial. grants for upgrading and rail replacement more people and close the Albuquerque- on some of the slowest segments. Denver Rail Gap by about 85 miles. This $20,000 of this will be used by the bill made it through and was recently Legislative Council Service and $30,000 Passenger Rail Oklahoma and possibly signed by the Governor. by the University of New Mexico’s Bureau others have pointed out that the issue of of Business and Economic Research. keeping the Chief where it is vs. rerouting (Information courtesy of Rick Klein, La The NMDOT will be studying the via the Southern Transcon is somewhat Junta City Manager) Lamy-Raton right of way (tracks, signals, more complicated in Kansas than in CO bridges) using its own funds. or NM, in that a reroute would abandon Want to learn more? Check the last several small Southwest Kansas towns Newsletter or contact me. Rep. Roberto Gonzales and Sen. Phil but would add populous Wichita and Griego will be pushing all this during surrounding areas. Some people (like J.W. Madison is president of Rails Inc., based in the next, or “60-day” legislative session. Rails Inc) like the idea of extending Albuquerque, NM. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 13 of 16

NYC’s Vast Transit System About to Get Even Bigger (Continued from page 1) NYC Transit System—and it is this particular Atlantic Ave/Barclays Center in Brooklyn type of escalator that has delayed the original will have to change to a shuttle train in the Century 21 store, the Woolworth opening date of the station (and extension) Jamaica. Currently all branches (with the Building, the South Street Seaport and the for several months. It is now hoped that the exception of the Port Washington Branch) shopping mall which will replace J&R Music kinks can be worked out, and the extension have either direct service to Brooklyn, World’s suite of stores. The station on the will open by October or November. or an across-the-platform transfer to #1 line—Cortlandt Street—has not yet been Brooklyn. The new shuttle service will built, but will soon be under construction The third piece of the major expansion story operate from a new platform—platform with the completion of 1 World Trade for the New York Subways is Phase One of F—which will require a transfer involving Center, also known as the Freedom Tower. the 2nd Avenue Subway, which is scheduled stairs and/or an escalator, plus much more to open in December of 2016. This is a most walking. This is due to a new Jamaica The next expansion of the transit system eagerly-anticipated extension of the system, reconfiguration plan, which maximizes is one that the City of New York helped and one that has caused much distress and throughput through the Jamaica Terminal, finance—the #7 train extension to 11th dismay to the Upper East Side. While most but without a doubt makes the trip to Avenue/34th Street, also known as the Javits of the construction is, naturally, occurring Brooklyn less convenient. Center, for the convention center that it sits underground, major barriers, containers, outside of. The #7 line, already one of the muck houses, and other structures have taken Finally, when the Long Island Rail Road busiest in the system, running from Main up residence along 2nd Avenue, putting some begins serving Grand Central Terminal, Street in Flushing, Queens to Times Square, businesses in distress, closing others, and this will free up slots in Penn Station, which will grow by one station to the west and south narrowing the avenue substantially in places. will make it possible for Metro-North trains from Times Square. It will serve not only the Hopefully, it will all be worth it, as a major to begin serving Penn Station, certainly Convention Center, but the thousands of north-south route in Manhattan is born, taking from the New Haven line, via Amtrak’s new apartments and offices that are part of some of the stress (and crowding) off of the Hell Gate Bridge. Many elected officials the Hudson Yards development. Lexington Avenue line (4,5,6), and making from the Bronx are hoping for some new the eastern end of the Upper East Side much stations along the route, such as Co-Op Unfortunately, another station on the line— more convenient. In fact, it will be the Q train City, Parkchester, Morris Park, and Hunts 10th Avenue—has not been built, and will that will serve the four new stations in phase Point, to name a few. These new stations not be part of the initial #7 line expansion. one: 63rd St-Lexington Ave, 72nd St/2nd would give Bronx residents and visitors a Many of us have lobbied for this station to Ave, 86th St/2nd Ave, and 96th St/2nd Ave. speedy ride from the Northeast Bronx to be built while the line was being extended, Phase two will take the line further north into Penn Station. Additionally, Metro-North’s arguing that it will cost far more to build it Harlem, while phase three and four will take it Hudson Line could also begin serving Penn later, and the 10th Ave/41st Street station into East Midtown, and down to Water Street Station, via Amtrak’s West Side line. would have been a very busy one indeed, in Lower Manhattan. When the line enters with the thousands of new apartments phases three and four, a new line, the T, will New Yorkers love and utilize their transit that have been built in the area. While an serve the length of 2nd Avenue. As the Q line facilities—so much so that the vast area has been set aside on the line for the serves Astoria now, along with the N line, it majority of transit users in the U.S. are eventual construction of this station, it will, is hoped that when the 2nd Ave line begins right here in the Big Apple! With the sadly, not be in the initial operation of the operation, the W line will, once again, join the expansions under way and planned, even extension. The Javits Convention Center is Astoria line. more New Yorkers will have transit options frequently a bastion of activity, with many at their fingertips. We can expect ridership tour buses, hotel shuttle buses, city buses, Of course, there are other major to grow even faster than it is now, as more and courtesy vans occupying large tracts of expansion plans in store for the New and more people recognize what just land around the Center. It is hoped that this York area, but these will involve the Long about every New Yorker already knows: very convenient subway extension—making Island Rail Road’s East Side Access Plan, the subway, bus, and commuter rail system the Convention Center just minutes from bringing those trains into Grand Central is THE way to get around! Times Square and Grand Central—will Terminal. When this happens, the Long eliminate the need for so many buses in the Island Rail Road will offer trains on Andrew Albert is Vice-Chairman of RUN, vicinity. The 11th Avenue/34th Street station their branches to either Penn Station or the Chair of the NYC Transit Riders Council, incorporates a new type of escalator in the Grand Central. Those wishing to travel to and Riders’ Representative on the MTA RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 14 of 16 The St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad Restoration Project (SLR)

By Richard Rudolph to recreational areas in Oxford County from the Auburn Municipal Airport and Chair, Rail Users’ Network (Bethel ski areas and the Oxford Casino) downtown Lewiston/Auburn. and onward to Montreal. Tony Donovan, the founder and The start-up costs for the project President of the Maine Rail Transit The SLR project would restore a critical would be approximately $138 million Coalition (MRTC), and other rail component of the state’s rail system to with the state providing $27 million advocates have been working tirelessly a “State of Good Repair,” adding 30 through its bonding authority, another to establish commuter rail service on miles of railway to Class 3 and 4 welded $20 million in private investments and the line that the St. Lawrence and rail which is required for higher speed the rest from federal transportation Atlantic Railroad operates between passenger service. The Back Cove Trestle grants. The annual cost of the service Portland and Auburn but wants Bridge between Falmouth and Portland would be about $38 million and that to abandon. The Androscoggin would also be restored, providing access expense, according to Donovan, could Valley Council of Governments to Portland’s waterfront. The swing be covered by user fares and “value recently submitted on their behalf bridge has been stuck in the open position capture” revenue-generation techniques. an application for a TIGER VI ever since a fire occurred in 1984. The model would involve recouping (Transportation Investment Generating investment in the rail infrastructure Recovery) planning grant to study the The MRTC envisions running 22 daily by capturing additional tax revenues potential for restoring passenger rail round trips from the Lewiston Junction generated by raising property values service between Maine’s two largest Road Station in Auburn to the Portland along the rail corridor. Under MRTC’s population centers, Portland and OceanGate terminal at India Street in plan some of the additional tax revenue Lewiston/Auburn. If awarded, this Portland with stops at Pineland in generated by the new economic planning grant would provide funding development, which would occur within for an environmental assessment and three-quarters of a mile around each final engineering required to address of the proposed rail stations, would be operational and logistical questions. used to support the service. This would Rail advocates require each community along the The proposed St. Lawrence and Atlantic right of way to make its own decision Railroad Restoration Project (SLR) have been working as to how the projected increase in tax builds off of several earlier Maine revenue will be used. DOT studies: a 2004 environmental tirelessly to restore assessment, a cost feasibility study This is certainly a worthwhile project completed in 2005 and the “Portland passenger rail for further study, as it has the support North” study which was funded through of the Maine Congressional Delegation, the FRA’s New Starts Program in 2011. service between the Auburn and Portland City Councils, It is also based on the work that the town councils along the entire corridor, Maine Rail Transit Coalition completed Maine’s two largest the Maine Association of Realtors and in 2013, “The Smart Growth Mobility MaineDOT, but it is not at all clear Project.” This study was funded by population centers, that it will be funded this year. TIGER a coalition of groups including the applications to the U.S. Department National Association of Realtors, Sierra Portland and of Transportation for fiscal year 2014 Club and the Tilliston Charitable totaled $9.5 billion, 15 times the $600 Foundation. It examined the feasibility Lewiston/Auburn. million set aside for the program, and impact of restoring the 30-mile rail demonstrating the continued need for corridor between Portland and Auburn. transportation investment nationwide. Pownal, Yarmouth Village and Falmouth The Department received 797 eligible The Saint Lawrence and Atlantic rail using Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs). applications, compared to 585 in fiscal line which is owned by the state passes These are lighter and more efficient than 2013, from 49 states, U.S. territories through Falmouth, Yarmouth and conventional rail cars. Less frequent and the District of Columbia. At least New Gloucester, and near the Auburn- service would be offered on weekends four of these proposals have been Lewiston Municipal Airport. Beyond and holidays. A shuttle bus service is also submitted by various stakeholder groups that, there is the potential to connect envisioned to bring passengers to and in Maine. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 15 of 16 A Not-Very-Modest Proposal

By J.W. Madison Four: We just plain don’t have enough * We’re not talking “High Speed Rail” tracks to serve all our rail needs. here. Not yet. Class 4 (80 mph) is good We have a long history in America of enough until after the “Rail Interstate” scrambling our private and public policies So Rails Inc urges all passenger rail starts generating ridership and tax (our capitalism and socialism, if you will) advocates to get behind these: revenue. After that, track speeds can be so that we miss out on the best of both. An boosted with grade crossing separation, example for us rail advocates is the way 1) Establishment of a publicly-funded advanced train control and Talgo-style we operate passenger rail service at the “Rail Interstate” system (tracks, station trainset design. We consider it more national level. Consider these: stops and signalling) which would important to go everywhere anytime at re-connect abandoned and under- highway speeds than to go a few places One: Our passenger rail model is served areas once fully served by super fast. insanely upside-down in comparison passenger rail, and bring new service to that of every single other mode of to most cities and sizable communities * A bonus benefit to our proposal would transportation in America. That is to say, built after the ascendancy of the be to inform and clean up our never- one erratically managed, under-funded automobile. ending discussions and arguments over and ethically flabby passenger train “Subsidy,” cost-vs.-benefit and return corporation, neither properly private nor 2) Opening up of long-distance passenger on investment; arguments that presently properly public,operating as a barely- rail service to reasonably-regulated compare four or five apples and one tolerated intruder on privately owned competition, both private and public. It’s lemon. infrastructure. obvious that Amtrak, if it deserves to exist at all as a national carrier (or actually cares In short, let’s run our national passenger Two: All our other passenger to), could use it. rail network like we do all our others: transportation modes (and some of our socialism below the wheels (or keels) and freight modes) feature both private and To further explain: capitalism above. Let the taxpayers fund the public moving parts operating more-or-less infrastructure, not the vehicles. Transportation reliably and serving just about everyplace, * Much of this trackage can be located infrastructure is a public good, like libraries, on publicly owned infrastructure. right alongside our existing freight tracks. police and fire departments. They don’t make money, they save it. Three: There exist private operators, * We’re not recommending the with proven “track” records, who could confiscation or seizure of any freight This article is an introduction, or make a go of passenger (and express) tracks. After all, the Class Ones and many “thinking out loud,” piece. We have begun Rail service on our under-served track short lines are doing a pretty good job of to work on the more realistic cost-benefit segments, or on segments yet to be hauling their stuff. But the major freight aspects of this, how it can fit in with other restored, if our passenger rail operating tracks are getting crowded and Big Freight initiatives, etc. We have a long way to go. model were right side up. Airlines, is no friendlier to passenger rail than it Stay tuned. truckers, bus companies and boat owners ever was. Much can be done with modern don’t have to own and maintain their train control, but we need more track J.W. Madison is president of Rails Inc., based in rights-of-way. capacity. Albuquerque, NM.

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