Vol. 4, No. 20 November 1, 1977

New Fall Schedule Changes _____~ _ ___, I Include Shortened Travel Times

Amtrak shortened travel times on trak locomotives able to operate faster westbound than when the train 26 trains beginning October 30 with faster between Minneapolis and Seat­ began on September 15,1974. the biggest time savings involving tle, brought about higher speeds for This latest tightening of the Blue trains linking Chicago with Seattle, these trains. Water Limited's schedule was made where up to nearly six hours were re­ Amtrak's San Francisco Zephyr­ possible by completion of a sophisti­ moved from schedules. America's longest-distance passenger cated traffic control signaling system Trains elsewhere benefitting from train-now runs 50 minutes faster in in Flint, Michigan, installed by the the speed-up program were those each direction on its Chicago-Denver­ Grand Trunk Western railroad. Pre­ linking Chicago with San Francisco, Ogden, Utah-San Francisco route. A viously, track work was funded by Minneapolis, Boston, New York new operating contract between Am­ Amtrak and the State of Michigan City, Detroit, and Lansing, Michi­ trak and the Southern Pacific and improvements are still underway gan, along with some trains in New brought about time savings on the on the Amtrak-owned Kalamazoo­ York State, Virginia and West Vir­ Ogden-Oakland/San Francisco por­ Michigan City portion of the route. ginia. tion of the Zephyr's route. Between Chicago and the .east "The schedule improvements resul­ The same contract also allowed 15 coast, 20 minutes have been cut from ted from a number of factors, inclu­ minutes to be removed from the Los the eastbound Lake Shore Limited's ding new Amtrak locomotives that Angeles-EI Paso-New Orleans train, schedule to Boston and New York can run at high.~cw~d~ . and .IT.acts im- . the Sunset Ljmiter;l. . _. _ . _ City; 15 minutes have bee.n taJcen out .. provements undertaken by Amtrak, A speed-up again went into effect of the Broadway Limited's timetable by participating states, or by rail­ for the Blue Water Limited between to Pittsburgh and New York, and 10 roads that operate our trains," says Chicago, Lans!ng and Port Huron, minutes saved on the Broadway's Paul H. Reistrup, Amtrak's presi­ Michigan, where 30 minutes was re­ Chicago-to-Washington section. dent. moved from the eastbound schedule Time was shaved from these sche­ "We also have a new contract with and 15 minutes westbound. Amtrak dules as a result of track a major railroad that helped reduce has reduced this train's schedule improvement projects carried out by times in the West and Southwest," several times and by October 30 it was Conrail. Reistrup said. The biggest time sav­ running 1 hour and 55 minutes faster The Hilltopper, linking Washing­ ings occured on the North Coast Hia­ eastbound and 1 hour and 15 minutes ton with Richmond, Roanoke, Blue- watha, where the schedule was cut 5 hours and 49 minutes westbound and 4 hours and 57 minutes east­ Carter Names Board Nominees bound. The other Chicago-Seattle train, President Jimmy Carter announced tion are labor law, collective bargain­ the Empire Builder operating through on October 18 that he will nominate ing and labor arbitration. He has Minot, North Dakota, was speeded five new candidates for Amtrak's served on numerous arbitration up 4 hours and 40 minutes westbound board of directors and reappoint one panels and is the author of books and and 3 hours and 32 minutes east­ present member. articles in legal journals. bound. The five new members are: Anthony Haswell, Chicago, Illi­ Between Chicago and Minneapolis, Harry T. Edwards, Ann Arbor, nois, for the term expiring July 18, the Twin Cities Hiawatha is now Michigan, for the term expiring July 1981. He would replace Donald running 1 hour and 40 minutes faster 18, 1980. He would replace Joseph Jacobs whose term has expired. westbound and 50 minutes quicker MacDonald whose term has expired. Haswell, 46, is an attorney who eastbound. Edwards, 36, is a professor of law at worked for the law department of the Track improvements in Wisconsin the University of Michigan and has Illinois Central Railroad from 1958 to and Minnesota made by the Mil­ also taught law at Harvard University 1960. He organized the National As- waukee Road, along with new Am- Law School. His areas of specializa- (Continued on page 7) schedule, 20 minutes later than pre­ viously but, because of a 20-minute improvement in running time, arrival in New York remains 12:30 p.m. Departure from New York at 6:15 p.m. and arrival in Chicago at 2:40 p.m. is unchanged for the Lake Shore Limited. Also, there are no changes in the schedules of the Boston-Albany sections of this train in either direc­ tion. The new schedule of the National Limited is affected by a temporary re­ route effective November 1 which was made necessary by a Conrail decision to downgrade or discontinue a section of track in Indiana. The reroute Amtrak's Empire Builder heads east through Montana. The Seattle-Chicago trains now operate on new, greatly reduced schedules. means that this train will miss Day­ ton, Ohio, & Richmond, Indiana. field, West Virginia and Catlettsburg, tives . Five other trains were slowed (See Dayton story on page 7.) Kentucky, will be 35 minutes faster from 5 to 15 minutes because of track On its new schedule the eastbound westbound and 15 minutes quicker conditions or added station time. National leaves Kansas City 10 min­ eastbound. Completion of Amtrak­ Schedules were revised on all trains utes later at 7:10 p.m. and arrives in funded track improvements in Peters­ where trip times have been changed. New York City 25 minutes later at burg, Virginia, brought about this Schedule patterns were also altered 2:25 p.m. time savings. on the Chicago-Milwaukee and Chi­ Westbound, the National Limited Trains speeded up 10 minutes or cago-St. Louis routes and modest ad­ leaves New York 1 hour and 15 min­ less include three trains linking Chica­ justments made to these services: Chi­ utes earlier at 4:55 p.m. and arrives in go with Battle Creek and Detroit; the cago-Detroit; Chicago-Dubuque; Kansas City one hour earlier at 10:05 northbound Inter-American, Laredo Minneapolis-Duluth; Seattle-Vancou­ p.m. Corresponding changes have to Chicago via Dallas; the north­ ver, B.C.; Cincinnati-Washington via been made in times for all interme­ bound Pioneer, operating Salt Lake Parkersburg, West Virginia, and diate stops and for Washington-Har­ City to Seattle via Boise, Idaho, and Seattle-Salt Lake City. risburg connections to the National Portland, Oregon, and three trains Important changes were made to Limited. operating on the New York-Albany­ the BrC!adway's schedule which reverts Amtrak service in New York State Buffalo line where New York State to a traditional "overnight" pattern underwent numerous schedule has funded track improvements along leaving Chicago each afternoon at changes as the new fall and winter with Conrail. 3:30 p.m., arriving in New York timetable went into effect. As a new Track work funded by New York at 12:02 p.m. the following day. De­ BuffalO-Albany train was added, State has allowed the speed of parture from New York will be at 6:30 several New York City-Albany trains Amtrak's Turboliners to be increased p.m. and arrival in Chicago at 12:30 were rescheduled or discontinued, from 70 to 79 mph over a distance of p.m. The new times replace a current and the patterns of arrivals and de­ 88.5 miles and increases from 5 to 24 7:30 p.m. departure from Chicago partures from many cities were re­ mph over a loo-mile distance on the and a 2:30 p.m. departure from New vised. Delaware & Hudson where trains will York. Trip time for the Broadway is An important new intermodal stop run at 60 instead of 50 mph or, in one improved by 15 minutes eastbound but was opened at Richmond, California instance, 79 instead of 55 mph. five minutes will be added westbound where passengers may transfer from A schedule slowdown went into ef­ to allow more servicing time in the Amtrak trains to San Francisco's Bay fect for the Chicago-Florida train, the Pittsburgh station. Area Rapid Transit System. The new Floridian, where 42 minutes was The Washington section of the station construction resulted from ef­ added to the St. Petersburg section Broadway will depart Washington forts by the California Department of and 1 hour and 27 minutes to the Union Station at 5:40 p.m. effective Transportation. Other stops added to Miami portion. This was necessitated October 30. The new arrival time in Amtrak routes are: Madiera, Cali­ by a change in the type of locomotive Washington from Chicago is 1:05 fornia in the San Joaquin route; assigned to the run as Amtrak has p.m. Albany, Oregon on the Coast Star­ ceased leasing Auto-Train units and is The Lake Shore Limited now de­ light route; and Lee Hall, Virginia on resuming use of SDP40F locomo- parts Chicago at 2:50 p.m. on the new the Colonial route.

2 Mrs. Carter Rides Metroliner, ______------. I Visits With Passengers Enroute

Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, the nation's special passenger was on board. Mrs. On-board service, performed by First Lady, rode Amtrak's 9 a.m. Carter returned to Washington on Service Attendants George Davis and Metroliner to Philadelphia on Oc­ another Metroliner later that after­ Richard Randolph, was excellent. tober 20 to hit the campaign trail for noon. Northeast Corridor Chief of Police Democrat Governor Brendan Byrne Ed Blair, assistant superintendent, Thomas Barrett and Investigator of New Jersey in his bid for re-elec­ Washington Union Station, and Tom Fred Klopzbach rode the train and tion. Kennedy, Philadelphia, coordinated worked closely with the Secret Service Mrs. Carter boarded the train at the trip. Engineer on both Metro­ agents. Washington District Sales the last minute and rode in the Metro­ liners was Howard Gunther, while the Manager Kathy Hartz handled most club car as a paying customer. Be­ conductors were Marty Leach, on the of the overall coordination. John sides normal security precautions, no northbound trip, and Lee Quillen, on Flynn of government affairs also rode special arrangements were requested. the return. the train. Other Metroclub passengers took their seats on the car as they would on Surplus Cars Offered For Sale any other day. However, on this particular morn­ During November Amtrak will sell New Haven and Minneapolis/ St. ing, they no sooner received their to the highest bidder nearly 170 vin­ Paul. morning coffee than the First Lady tage passenger cars of all types in­ These cars are no longer needed, strolled up and introduced herself cluding sleepers, coaches, diners and either because they have been re­ with a "Hello, my name's Rosalynn recreation cars. placed by new equipment or because Carter. How are you today?" The surplus cars, most of them in it would be too expensive to .repair or Mrs. Carter chatted with each of good condition but some damaged by refurbish them. the passengers on the car, then re­ accidents, are currently stored, and Potential buyers will first have a turned to her seat to work for the re­ will be sold, at rail yards in Oakland, chance to inspect the cars. Bids must mainder of the trip. A television crew Seattle, New Orleans, Chicago, Los then be submitted in writing and all and several Secret Service agents were Angeles, St. Petersburg, Topeka, sales will be completed during the only outward indication that a November. There are no restrictions as to who may bid, but the cars are sold to an "as is-where is" basis with the buyer having the responsibility for moving the car or cars within 30 days after sale. All cars up for sale were acquired by Amtrak from various private rail­ roads after it took over national inter­ city rail passenger service in 1971 . The collection includes diners with woodburning stoves, round-end ob­ servation cars and dome sightseeing cars. Most of the cars are over 25 years old and have seen millions of miles of service. Virtually all were built during the transition from steam to diesel loco­ motives and are' dependent on steam for heat and, in many cases, air conditioning. Persons interested in bidding on the cars should contact Amtrak's .,. procurement office at 955 L'Enfant Mrs. Rosalynn Carter makes her way down the Metroc/ub car aisle to greet fel/ow passengers Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C. during her Washington-Phi/adelphia trip. 20024; (202) 484-3524.

3 Amtrak Programs Stress ______------,

I Grade Crossing Safety Amtrak's nationwide grade cross­ states that has proven highly success­ allows Amtrak to describe over 62 ing safety program has been ful in promoting public awareness of data elements that apply to each of underway nearly two years now, and grade crossing safety and bringing the 33,000 grade crossings over which has made important progress about strong improvement in the ef­ Amtrak trains operate. The elements throughout the country in promoting forts of the industry to reduce grade fall into four basic data categories: improved grade crossing safety and crossing accidents, fatalities and location and classification, traffic, involving Amtrak in the forefront of costs. physical and jurisdictional. an expanding national effort to Gordon is seeking membership in As complicated as this inventory reduce the heavy accident rate over other organizations, such as the file sounds, its job is simple. It allows the nation's 400,000 grade crossings. American Railroad Engineering Amtrak to pick any group of grade As director of the program since its Association that deals with the crossings and present a detailed de­ inception, Bruce L. Gordon has been railroad highway grade crossing pro­ scription of the average train speed, active in seeking Amtrak involvement blem and has a profound effect on re­ the traffic picture at any particular in the many national and regional or­ commended national policy and time, the type of safety equipment in­ ganizations and federal committees guidelines. Amtrak was a member of stalled and how it compares with that develop and regulate both grade the planning committee of the other crossings in any particular cate­ crossing legislation and safety tech­ National Conference on Rail High­ gory. nology. way grade crossing safety, which was The file has enhanced Amtrak's use Gordon and one of his assistants, held in Salt Lake City this August. of a systems approach in reviewing Ms. Francine Richardson, have been This important conference gave Am­ improvement priorities for regional quite successful in getting Amtrak trak President Paul Reistrup the op­ grade crossing projects, saving both membership in several national com­ portunity to address the conference manpower and money in deciding mittees that focus on the recommend­ and reaffirm Amtrak's strong com­ which crossings and in what order ation of standards, regulations, mittment t9 the national grade they are to be upgraded in any parti­ guidelines and rules as they affect the crossing safety effort. cular region of the country. rail-highway grade crossing environ­ Gordon was responsible for having Amtrak's grade-crossing program ment. a major management tool developed is currently involved in six regional In the last two years, Gordon has to guide Amtrak's grade crossing pro­ pilot projects with different railroads gained membership in the Association gram toward the most effective ac­ around the country. They are using of American Railroads Rail/Highway tion. This is the Amtrak Grade Cross­ the Grade Crossing Inventory file to Program Policy Committee, the ing Inventory Computer file. It identify the order in which the most Transportation Research Board's Rail Highway Programs Committee and Committee on State Role in Rail Transport and the National Safety Council's Subcommittee on Nation­ wide Grade Crossing Safety Educa­ tion Programs, and Committee on Motor Vehicle Safety at Rail/High­ way Grade Crossings. The AAR Rail Highway committee sets the mood for industry on nation­ al policy, and Amtrak's membership on the committee has encouraged the consideration of passenger trains as well as freight when recommenda­ tions are developed. The Transportation Research Board performs research to improve the rail/highway environment. The National Safety Council's program is better known as "Operation Life­ When an automobile meets a speeding train, the auto always loses. A mtrak's progressive saver," a program underway in many program is designed to minimize grade crossing encounters.

4 hazardous grade crossings should be with state, county and local authori­ groups all make up council member­ improved. ties in an effort to correct safety con­ ship. The program attacks the prob­ Amtrak is also working with local ditions and remove the need for such lem from three directions: engineer­ communities on selective improve­ restrictions. ing, education of the public and en­ ments in ten states, where grade cros­ Gordon has been instrumental in de­ forcement. sing improvements and efforts to en­ veloping detailed guidelines for states Operation Lifesaver programs have courage the lifting of locally-imposed to create "Operation Lifesaver" pro­ reduced accident and fatality speed restrictions can improve both grams. Amtrak is presently partici­ statistics anywhere from 25 per cent to safety and operational efficiency. pating in eight statewide programs, 70 per cent. With the widespread suc- . Careful research has shown that in and the results, in both reduced acci­ cess of past programs, several states many instances speed restrictions can dents and fatalities, have been im­ have asked Gordon to help in design­ adversely affect grade crossing safety. pressive. The Operation Lifesaver ing similar programs tailored to their Amtrak is trying to convince local concept was conceived by the Union region. He and his staff have done so. communities that when speed restric­ Pacific railroad in 1973 and imple­ Amtrak's national grade crossing tions are imposed, citizens tend to be mented first in Nebraska. Its success safety program has been a catalyst in impatient and take more chances than led other states and railroads to fol­ a growing awareness of the problem when they are aware that trains travel low the program. and the effectiveness of state and at high speeds. Today's Operation Lifesaver pro­ federal agencies in improving pro­ Gordon is working closely with grams begin with the creation of a grams to improve safety. In the past Amtrak's executive planning depart­ state rail highway grade crossing two years, much progress had been ment on further development of the safety council and a proclamation by made and Gordon is the first one to three emerging corridors. He is help­ the governor. State rail agencies, point ou t how far Amtrak still has to ing to identify city-imposed speed operating railroads, Amtrak, unions, go to reduce dramatically the nation's restrictions, and holding discussions safety associations and citizen's grade crossing accident rate.

Hearings Set For Hiawatha Reroute Proposal

Amtrak has set the dates and loca­ Participants will be notified of pre­ branchline and may be abandoned tions of open meetings to seek public sentation times during the week be­ shortly, in which case maintenance of comment on a proposal to reroute the fore the meeting. way costs could increase substantial­ Chicago-Seattle North Coast Hiawa­ Persons who would like to partici­ ly. On the other hand, the BN's line tha through Helena, Montana, by­ pate but do not have a time assigned through Helena is in good condition. passing Butte. may arrange to do so at the end of Butte is served by an east-west in­ An open meeting will be held in scheduled presentations, if time per­ terstate highway and would not be left Butte on Thursday, November 17, at mits. without a transportation alternative. 7 p.m. at the Racetrack Firehall, The proposed reroute would Helena is not served by a major inter­ Grand and Farragut Streets. Another provide direct service to Logan, Hele­ state highway. Although the popula­ meeting will be held in Helena on na and Garrison, Montana, and tions of both cities is about the same, Friday, November 18, at 7 p.m. at the would eliminate direct service to Amtrak believes that a train through Civic Center Auditorium. Butte and Deer Lodge, Montana. the State capital of Helena would Anyone who would like to Amtrak management has proposed draw more riders. Additional revenue comment may reserve time on the the reroute for both operational and of $91,617 annually is anticipated if program by writing to the marketing reasons. The Burlington the train is rerouted and operates on a Butte/ Helena Project Officer, Northern's line through Butte is a tri-weekly basis. Amtrak, 955 L'Enfant Plaza North, S. W., Washington, D.C. 20024. Time may be reserved up until one Colonial Begins Serving Lee Hall week before each meeting, and time periods will be assigned on a first Amtrak's Colonial has begun serv­ An agent will not be on duty at the come, first served basis, except that ing Lee Hall, Virginia, beginning station but tickets can be purchased principal elected officials will be Sunday, October 30. on the train or from Amtrak-author­ given priority. Fifteen minutes will be Lee Hall, located 57 miles east of ized travel agents. allocated to each elected official, ten Richmond and nine miles east of The Colonial operates from New­ minutes to representatives of groups, Williamsburg, is the station stop for port News to Boston via Richmond and five minutes to each individual. Fort Eustis. and the Northeast Corridor.

5 The station will be a 2,600-square­ foot single-story structure of mason­ Keeping Track Of Amtrak ry, glass and steel. Its modern interior will include a passenger lounge, ticket to inform opinion leaders in the busi­ office, baggage room arid restrooms. Million Rider Gain ness and financial world and the news It will provide barrier-free access to Amtrak gained over one million media about present and potential handicapped passengers in wheel­ new riders during the last twelve values of rail freight service. chairs. The facility will also include' a months, boosting its total ridership The present campaign depicts the parking lot for 175 automobiles. for the fiscal year just completed to railroads as America's "Great Un­ Amtrak plans to erect a temporary 19,207,000 passengers. tapped Resource" and is designed to facility on the new site so that train The million passenger gain was a show the opinion leaders what service to Dearborn can begin soon. 5.8 per cent increase over the same modem railroading is all about. The permanent station is expected to period last year when 18,152,000 The program is the first national be completed in ~arly 1979. passengers rode Amtrak's trains railroad advertising by the Associa­ throughout !he nation. tion of American Railroads since Sleepers For Amfleet Amtrak registered its strongest 1972. Sleeping car service will be added growth on short distance trains out­ to three long-distance Amfleet­ side the Washington-New York-Bos­ Dearborn Station Approved equipped trains during the next five ton corridor. With the delivery of its Amtrak's board of directors has months and Amfleet-plus-sleeper..s new Turboliners and the remaining approved funds for the construction will also be introduced on another Amfleet equipment, nearly 80 per of a rail passenger, station at Dear­ long-distance route. cent of all passengers riding on day­ born, Michigan. Additional construc­ The first train scheduled for "Am­ time coach trains are riding in new tion funding will be provided by the fleet- plus" service is the Cardinal, equipment. Public reaction to the State of Michigan and the city. Con­ formerly the James Whitcomb Riley. new trains is favorable, and ridership rail will lease the land for the facility. Sleepers will operate on the Cardinal on these trains grew 15.4 per cent dur­ Dearborn will be served by on Fridays and Sundays only be­ ing the last fiscal year to 3.3 million Amtrak's Chicago-Detroit and Jack­ ginning October 21. Daily sleeper ser­ riders. son-Detroit trains. vice will begin westbound on Mon­ Ridership in fiscal 1977 grew 5.5 per The station will be located at the day, November 14, and in both direc­ cent on long-distance trains, and Am­ foot of Continental Parkway within tions on November 15. trak anticipates even more impressive the Dearborn Civic Center complex. Other trains scheduled for first­ gains once new bi-level "Superliner" The site is also adjacent to the Henry class sleepers are the Panama Limit­ equipment is placed in service on Ford Library and not far from Ford's ed, in December; the Montrealer, in long-distance trains in the West early world headquarters and Greenfield January-February; and the Pioneer, next year. Village. Southfield Highway, one in March. mile west of the station site, will The Montrealer is the only one of Rail Ad Campaign provide convenient access to the the four trains that does not already The railroad industry has launched station for communities bordering use Amfleet equipment. It will be up­ a new national advertising campaign Dearborn. graded with Amfleet coaches when the rebuilt sleepers are added next January and February. Twenty-five sleepers are currently being rebuilt for compatability with the all-electric Amfleet in Amtrak's Beech Grove car shops. Steam­ generated heating systems are being replaced by electric heating and air conditioning which will be powered from the locomotive. Cost of rebuild­ ing all 25 cars is estimated at $2.75 million. Sleepers chosen for conversion are from a series of stainless steel cars built by the Budd Company in 1950. They are considered to be among the Construction of Amtrak's- new Twin Cities station in the Midway area of St, Paul is pro- best in Amtrak's fleet of conven­ ceeding on schedule as of mid-October, tional cars.

6 The Riley (now Cardinal) and 30. Conrail agreed to do so. Conrail three districts-Piedmont, South Panama Limited have been without has been leasing the track from the Central and Twin Cities-without a sleeping car service since Amfleet Penn Central trustees, but planned to single reportable injury for the equipment was substituted for con­ discontinue service on the line on month. ventional equipment last winter. The October 31, as well as eliminating the Central region led the other three Pioneer began operating last June signaling system thus reducing speeds for the month with a safety ratio of with an all-coach Amfleet consist. on the remaining segments between 6.5, while 12th Street Coach Yard led Amtrak's Night Owl, the Washing­ Dayton and Indianapolis. the shop category with no reportable ton-Boston overnight train, has oper­ Amtrak announced on September injuries for the month and a resultant ated with Amfleet and prototypes of 30 that, because of Conrail's action, zero ratio. the rebuilt sleepers since last July. it would have to reroute the National For the year to date, cumulative Limited on a more northerly line standings are: Dayton Service Continues between Columbus, Ohio, and In­ District: Piedmont leads with a 2.1 dianapolis via Piqua, Ohio, and ratio, with both st. Louis and Twin Amtrak will continue service Muncie, Indiana. Cities tied for second with 2.2 ratios. through Dayton, Ohio, for another Dayton would have lost all rail pas­ Region: Central, with as. 7 ratio. 30 days, pending a decision by the senger service. Richmond would con­ Shop: Rensselaer Maintenance U.S. Congress on whether it will re­ tinue to be served by Amtrak's Wash­ facility leads with a 6.4 ratio, fol­ quire Amtrak to continue on the cur­ ington-Chicago trains, but would lowed closely by Brighton Park and rent line. have lost its east-west trains. Beech Grove, with 6.5 and 6.8 ratios The corporation asked Conrail to respectively. extend its lease on a 22.6-mile Reportable injuries are any that re­ segment of track between Cambridge Safety Standings quire more than mere first aid. Ratio City and Charlottesville, Indiana, for Standings for September in the figures show injuries per 200,000 man another 30 days through November President's Safety Contest showed hours.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS communities facing discontinuance on the board include the President of (Continued from page 1) of rail service. Amtrak, the Secretary of Transporta­ sociation of Railroad Passengers in Frank Neel, Thomasville, Georgia, tion and three members who repre­ 1967, and then served as its executive for the remainder of the term expiring sent the railroads that own Amtrak director and chairman. From 1975 to July 18, 1978. He would replace Ed­ stock. 1977 he was managing director for ward Ullman, deceased. Neel, 61, is The three railroad representatives passenger services for the Rock Island president of Neel Air Conditioning are Jervis Langdon, Jr., representing Lines. and Heating Company, a firm oper­ the trustees of the Penn Central; James R. Mills, San Diego, Cali­ ating in several Southeastern states William J. Quinn, chairman and fornia, for the remainder of the term and handling electrical, mechanical chief executive officer, Milwaukee expiring July 18, 1978. He would re­ and solar energy planning, research Road; and Norman M. Lorentzsen, place Gerald Morgan, deceased. and installation in construction work. president, Burlington Northern. Mills, 50, is a California State Sena­ Reappointed will be: tor and has also served as a California Charles Luna, Dallas, Texas, for AMTRAK NEWS State Assemblyman. He serves as the term expiring July 18, 1980. acting governor of California in the Luna, 70, served as president of the Published twice a month for absence of the governor and lieute­ Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen employees of the National Rail­ nant governor. Mills received the from 1963 to 1969 and as president of road Passenger Corporation and Gold Spike Award from Citizens for the United Transportation Union those of participating railroads Rail California for his efforts to im­ from 1969 to 1972. He has been on engaged in rail passenger service. prove intercity passenger rail service Amtrak's board since 1970. STAFF in California. Vice Chairman Mary Head, whose Editor Ronald G. Nathan, Washington, present appointment expired on July Ed Wojtas D.C., for the term expiring July 18, 18 of this year will continue to serve Writers 1981. He would replace Frank Besson until either reappointed or replaced. Barbara Halliday whose term has expired. Nathan, 32, Also continuing on the board is John Jacobsen is a Washington attorney. From 1974 Robert G. Dunlop whose term expires Circulation to 1977 he was a consulting attorney on July 18,1978. Gayle Fedrowitz for the Interstate Commerce Com­ Eight of the 13 directors on Am­ Material in Amtrak News is not copyrighted. mission's Office of Public Counsel trak's board are picked by the Presi­ Readers may use what they wish with proper providing legal representation to dent for their four-year terms. Others attribution to Amtrak News.

7 Book Review Supplemental Appropriation _ ____--, I Falls Short Of Amtrak's Needs

Railroads-The Great American Ad­ A Congressional Appropriations but Congress finally approved only venture: By Charlton Ogburn, Photo­ Conference Committee voted Amtrak $488.5 million. graphed by James A. Sugar, 204 $8 million in supplemental appropria­ Amtrak subsequently asked for a pages, 7 by 100 inches, hard cover, tions for the fiscal year 1978 operat­ $56.5 million supplemental appropri­ $5.75 postpaid, Published by Na­ ing budget, but issued a dictum that ation, which included the missing tional Geograprtc Society. Amtrak cut no services for the re­ $45.6 million plus an additional $11 mainder of the fiscal year and restore million for inflation. The author traces the history of cuts already made. On October 28, the Senate Appro­ railroads in America from the early Amtrak will follow the direction of priations Subcommittee approved an "teakettles on wheels" to present day Congress. It cancelled all service cuts omnibus supplemental funding bill freight hustlers and Amtrak. The scheduled to take effect on November that contained $18 million for Am­ book is exceptionally well illustrated 6. Service reductions that began on trak. The bill reached the Senate floor with color photographs, paintings, September 8, resulting in a $12 mil­ and was subsequently passed. historic black and white photos and lion deficit reduction, however, will A similar omnibus bill in the House special picture essays. remain in effect. did not contain any provisions for The photography, as is normal In order to live within its new Amtrak. with all National Geographic publica­ budget, Amtrak will have to speed up The Senate-House conference com­ tions, is superb. Layout and design its route and service criteria proce­ mittee then met to reconcile the dif- . are eye-catching and appealing. dures to eliminate or restructure ferences between the two bills-in­ Amtrak is well treated in the entire routes. There still remains a cluding the Amtrak funding-and on volume with several pictures depict­ shortfall of some $25 million plus an November 3 recommended the $8 ing its trains and people. One fine additional $11 million in projected million supplemental appropriation. color photo shows the Southwest inflation. At press time the bill was yet to Limited in the bright golden glow of Amtrak had originally requested reach the House and Senate floors dawn as it curveswit ~ way toward Los $534.1 mi.Jlion for the fiscal year; The . wher..e it is expected to be approved. It Angeles. Carter Administration recommended would then be sent on to the White For the price, this is one of the best an operating subsidy of $500 million, House for signature. bargains in railroad literature. Railroads is just one of a series of tributed commercially but are avail­ Dept. 100, Washington, D.C. 20036, books published by the National able to the public. Copies of Rail­ for $5.75 each. Payment by check or Geographic Society. Publications of roads may be purchased directly from money order must accompany the the non-profit society are not dis- the National Geographic Society, order.

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