Canada Report Winter 2018 NEWSLETTER p. 5 Spring 2018 Vol. 15, Issue 2 Join Us at the Moving Forward

Individual By Rail Regional Summit Highlights Next steps for expanding rail in the Upper Midwest

By Richard Rudolph, Ph.D. rail advocates who are working at of Transportation Rail Office, Chair, Rail Users’ Network the state and local level to expand and Arun Rao, Passenger Rail Uncertainty Continues passenger rail and rail transit. Implementation Manager, on NJ Transit Rails p. 2 Our 16th annual conference is WisDOT. They will talk about taking place Friday, June 1, 2018 The day will begin with opening the proposed second daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at remarks given by Richard Rudolph, frequency over the 418-mile Secrecy in Indiana Rail the Minneapolis Central Library, Chair of the Rail Users’ Network, route between St. Paul and to Trail Plan p. 3 300 Nicollet Mall in downtown and Brian Nelson, the President Chicago. Frank Loetterle, the Minneapolis. The conference, which of All Aboard Minnesota. Northern Lights Express Project Report from En Route to is sponsored by the Rail Users’ Alice Hausman, the DFL’s (the Manager who has also been New Mexico p. 5 Network and All Aboard Minnesota, Minnesota Democratic–Farmer– invited, will provide an update will examine what’s happening Labor Party) State Representative on the current efforts to expand in the Twin Cities and the Upper who serves on the House passenger rail to Duluth, MN. Brightline Launches Midwest regarding passenger rail Transportation Finance Committee, Intercity Service p. 6 and rail transit issues. The focus will will also be on hand to greet and talk The morning session will be on recent success stories, which with attendees. also include presentations Transport Focus in projects are moving forward and by the Ramsey County Rail the UK p. 8 which are standing still and could The morning featured speakers Authority spokesperson, Keven use more help. Time will be also be include Dan Krom, Chief of Roggenbuck, who has been set aside to hear from the grass roots: the Minnesota Department (Continued on page 10) Canada Report February 2018 p. 9 MTA Prepares Service Options

Places to Stay and Eat For Canarsie Tube Shutdown in the Twin Cities p. 11 By Andrew Albert the F trains, and the Canarsie Train Control (CBTC). The Tube. The big difference with the frequency is often every two Survey of Passenger Hurricane Sandy devastated Canarsie Tube is that unlike the minutes—even at 11 p.m., Rail in the West p. 12 quite a few under-river subway others, it is not interchangeable when hordes of people are tunnels, and many have had post- with other lines. Running riding either to Williamsburg Remembering Jim Hamre storm work done to keep them from the Canarsie section of clubs and restaurants, or back safe and reliable. Work has been Brooklyn through Brownsville, to Manhattan after enjoying and Zack Willhoite p. 16 done on the Montague Tube, East New York, Bushwick, those clubs and restaurants. which carries the R trains; the Ridgewood, Williamsburg, and Empire Service’s Cranberry Tube, which carries across 14th Street in Manhattan, Built in 1924, the Canarsie 50th Anniversary p. 17 the A,C trains; the Joralemon it carries over 400,000 daily Tube was made of cast iron, Tube, which carries the 4,5 riders. It is largely responsible with a concrete liner. There A Missouri Town Gets an trains; the 53rd Street Tube, for the explosive growth of the are two tubes, each carrying which carries the E, M trains; Williamsburg and Bushwick one track. In 2012, Hurricane Amtrak Stop p. 18 and the Steinway Tube, which areas, and was the first line in Sandy exploded into the New carries the 7 trains. This leaves the New York subway system York City area, devastating the Rutgers Tube, which carries to get Communications-based (Continued on page 7) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 2 of 20 Uncertainty Continues for New Jersey Transit’s Riders

By David Peter Alan had not promised fast-track funding Christie took office, or they were secretaries for Gateway, as politicians on both who have no line authority. Not all of the In our last issue, we highlighted the sides of the Hudson had expected, and them have been fired yet; some have been uncertainty that Garden State rail President Trump warned on Feb. 12 of retained on a day-by-day basis. Their riders face on New Jersey Transit (NJT). a reduced federal role in infrastructure futures could not be more uncertain. At that time, the system was plagued funding. These developments make by delays, there was a shortage of it less likely that the Feds will chip Murphy has appointed a new engineers that renders train service in a major portion of the estimated Commissioner of Transportation, who is unreliable to the point that some $30-billion cost of Gateway. also Chair of the NJT Board, and a new trains are canceled, and it was unclear Executive Director for NJT. Neither has where riders would stand under recent The Lackawanna Coalition and other experience in managing transit operations changes in New Jersey politics. We can advocates have called for a scaled-down or the customer-oriented side of transit, now report that the uncertainly has project that would include two new tracks and advocates hope they will learn quickly. not abated, and New Jersey’s turbulent into the existing Penn Station, one new Donna Guiterrez-Scachetti, the new politics may not bring much-needed bridge with sufficient capacity for future Commissioner, worked in the highway transit improvements. train traffic, and improvements at Penn sector for her entire career. She will now Station itself. They say this “Affordable be required to preside over the governance For the riders, little has changed since Gateway” could be built for about one of the third-largest transit agency in the last fall. Each morning, WNYC and third of the cost of the currently-proposed nation. The new Executive Director is other New York radio stations report the Gateway Project, because it would not Kevin Corbett, whose last job was at morning’s transit delays that emiserate the include the separate Penn South station the large consulting firm AECOM. His commuters’ trips into the City. On most for NJT trains, or extra infrastructure in transit-related experience was promoting mornings, at least one line in the NJT the Secaucus area. The New York Daily and managing large-scale projects, and system is hampered by delays, but riders do News has also called for a scaled-down advocates expect that much of his job will not know in advance which one, or ones, version of Gateway. At this writing, be to push for Gateway and other big- will be hit that day. It also appears that Gateway’s proponents, Amtrak and most ticket capital projects, although it remains the shortage of engineers, which forced politicians in the region are still endorsing unclear how much money New Jersey numerous train cancellations last year, will the $30-billion project, despite the FTA’s has for its share of the cost, or how much continue for the foreseeable future. It takes and Trump’s advisories. the Trump Administration is willing to almost 18 months to train new engineers, chip in for the federal share. If the FTA’s while local media report that some of Many Trenton-watchers and NJT riders advisory letter from Dec. 29 and Trump’s those who have worked for NJT for years have hoped for major improvements infrastructure speech in February are any are defecting to Metro-North in New York in their transit with the exit of former indication, they will not contribute much. State, for better pay. Gov. Chris Christie and the arrival of his successor, Murphy. Murphy is a Democrat, The Lackawanna Coalition and other At this writing, it is too early to tell how while Christie was a Republican. The advocates have expressed their concern much funding the New Jersey legislature Democrats controlled both houses of the that Corbett has no experience in and Gov. Phillip Murphy will be willing legislature during Christie’s eight years operations or the customer-oriented side to provide for the state’s transit, so it is as Governor, and they still do. Murphy of transit. Robert Lavell, the current too early to tell how much service may be had complained about NJT during his head of NJT Rail, will have retired by cut and how much fares will increase this campaign, and he blamed much of the the time you read this. At this writing, year. Nobody seems to dispute that a fare agency’s bad performance on Christie nobody knows who will take his place, so increase is certain, though. and some of the managers he appointed. the uncertainty about rail service in the Before Murphy took office, the head of Garden State continues. It is also uncertain what will happen to his transition staff ordered NJT Executive the proposed Gateway Project, and even Director Steven Santoro to demand the There is a bill before the New Jersey the part of it that would build new tunnel resignations of a number of management legislature (Assembly Bill A-1241) that capacity into Penn Station, New York. employees, which effectively terminated purports to introduce reform at NJT but, in On Dec. 29, the Deputy Director of the their employment. Some of the most actuality, it will not do so. The Lackawanna Federal Transit Administration informed notorious Christie appointees were spared, Coalition and other advocates have Gateway officials in New York and New while most of the employees targeted were complained that the NJT Board is a Jersey that the Obama Administration either managers who joined NJT before (Continued on page 6) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 3 of 20 IN Rail to Trail Plan Bypasses Public Input

By Phil Streby By the 1930s, with passenger service on the Noblesville and Fishers, along with Hamilton decline, the last Nickel Plate passenger train County (AKA “the Owners”) forming a Port The Rail Users Network’s mission is to southbound carried a funeral wreath on the Authority to oversee the operation, acquired advocate for improvement in passenger rear of the last car, and the line became freight the property, and continued to allow for the rail service, whether on Amtrak or on local only. Following a series of railroad mergers, running of the excursion trains by ITM, which and regional passenger railroads, as well the general decline of freight service, and the brings us to today’s issue. as transit systems. In this context, RUN is construction of the Interstate Highway System, concerned about the recent petition that the south end of the line was cut (2007) and The owners want to abandon and remove the Surface Transportation Board has a bridge removed at 10th Street (and the line nine miles of track between their cities, and received from Hamilton County along further removed to about 22nd St). On the turn the right-of-way into a walking/biking with the cities of Fisher and Noblesville, north end, the track was cut and the diamond trail. It appears that this proposal by the IN regarding their request to convert nine was removed across the Norfolk-Southern (NS) mayors, without the knowledge of the city or miles of the rail line between these two main at Tipton (1997). Effectively land-locked, county councils, has additional “flaws.” My cities to a walking/bike trail. the Indiana Transportation Museum (ITM), sources tell me: though, continued to run the Indiana State Fair 1) The City of Fishers already has a First, a bit of background on this rail line. Train using former Lake Erie and Western (NKP grant to build a bikeway from downtown This route was incorporated as the Peru and #587), displayed in Broad Ripple Park, removed north to the Connor Prairie attraction with Indianapolis Railroad in 1846 to connect encroaching on railroad right-of-way. in 1983, and restored to service at Amtrak’s with the Wabash and Erie Canal at Peru. 2) The “Owners” mistakenly believe the Beech Grove shops, (1988) 2-8-2 and F7s with Construction began in Indianapolis in 1849, right-of-way is theirs after abandonment coaches once belonging to the Santa Fe RR with service beginning in 1851 over 21.42 miles is completed and the track removed. Most and New Jersey Transit. A new station was built north to Noblesville, then to Tipton (1852), of the railroads in Indiana were built using (1995-96) in Fishers (between Indianapolis and Kokomo (1853), and Peru (1854) a distance easements. When the railroad is gone, the Noblesville) to both accommodate the Fair Train of 73 miles. Takeovers and consolidations of land reverts to adjacent property owners. railroads north of Peru allowed the Peru and and other excursions but also for the possible 3) Abandonment procedures were not Indianapolis to reach Michigan City, IN (161 commuter service which was being planned. undertaken by the cities. They are relying miles) in 1871. With other railroads, most on an NS petition which we, the opposition, notably the New York Central and Pennsylvania During this time, freight service regrettably assert does not apply, since the railroad also utilizing this line for passenger and freight ceased, and the route was petitioned for continued to operate after the sale to the service, traffic became so heavy that a block abandonment by NS with the Indiana government entities involved. signal system was installed in 1911. Railroad providing the last service. The cities of (Continued on page 4)

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

Please send comments, letters to editor or articles for possible publications to the Rail Users’ Network at: RUN; P.O. Box 8015, Portland, ME 04104 or email to [email protected] Layout/design editor: Paul Bubny RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 4 of 20 IN Rail to Trail Plan Bypasses Public Input

(Continued from page 3) We have requested that the STB reject the convert the corridor to a multi-use trail. proposal put forth by the cities of Fishers As an organization that is dedicated 4) The “Owners” did not consult with and Noblesville and Hamilton County to advocacy for modern, 21st Century the City of Indianapolis. This is important to remove any track and direct them to passenger rail systems in Indiana, we because of the once-proposed commuter utilize this railroad as intended when they oppose the proposed trail conversion of service on this line to alleviate some of the accepted taxpayer dollars to purchase this the railroad right-of way. severe traffic congestion on nearby I-69/ railroad line. IN-37. It is the firm belief of our organization 5) The “Owners,” being a government We assert the line can be made a viable that severing the line in any way will entity, acquired the property with public freight route once again, with several severely diminish the future value of the money, formed a Port Authority for industries along the route also petitioning corridor to many Central and Northern operational control, yet restricted ITM the STB with their objections. Those Indiana communities and businesses. from running for the past two years several have suggested car loadings Therefore, we have urged the STB on the grounds the railroad was not approaching 6,000+ per year while to closely consider all comments and properly maintained, refuted by an FRA diverting truck traffic to rail. evidence thus far submitted prior to inspection. ruling on the Owners’ petition. This 6) While the Port Authority Another operator, US Rail Corp (Toledo, line has the potential to be revitalized petitioned for operators, the best choice OH) has also objected on behalf of for a variety of rail service options in out of six, it is alleged, was rejected ITM’s petition to cease abandonment the near future. Indiana would not because the company wanted to run proceedings. Even trail advocates have be well served by the removal of any freight in addition to excursion trains spoken in opposition suggesting, instead, portion of the line. and possibly commuter service. This that a trail be installed next to the track. appears to go against the premise of As a national nonprofit organization, having the Port Authority oversee Many local, and even not-so-local, citizens RUN represents rail and transit users, railroad operations on a government are speaking out on the grounds that these owned railroad, and also appears to proceedings have been done “behind as well as advocates who want better have fulfilled a desired outcome made closed doors,” and public meetings are rail service in the United States and months earlier. held without proper notice, repress public Canada. Our members represent many comment (allegedly even going so far as to states, including Indiana, which is the Rejecting this bid by the Port Authority pack the front of the room with pro-trail home state of one member of our looks suspiciously like they never intended people), or conducted without responsible Board of Directors. Given what we have to operate the line as proposed in the public officials on hand to answer learned regarding the lack of public bidding process. It is my belief they questions. input regarding the rail to trail plan, thought this would give them additional and the potential for restoring train grounds to remove the line. This country The Indiana Passenger Rail Alliance service on the line which was arbitrarily and state cannot afford to lose any more is a grassroots, volunteer citizen suspended in 2015, as well as concerns railroad already in place. It is imperative organization, incorporated in 1994 as about the process used to select a new for future generations that connections an Indiana not-for-profit corporation, railroad operator who will only run between towns and regions be maintained, dedicated to making available to both excursion trains on the northern portion not broken. the general public and state and local of the railroad, we have urged the STB governments, information about the to reject this proposal to abandon the A group formed in February 2017 issues and benefits of the development rail line. after the cities proposal became public, of modern, 21st Century passenger “Save the Nickel Plate” headed by rail systems in the state of Indiana. The STB, in a recent move, has allowed Logan Day, has spearheaded the This includes, but is not limited to, the petitioner comments submitted thus far movement to generate opposition to connection of Indiana communities to be included for consideration even this proposal. Dozens of volunteers with the national transportation system after the cut-off date had passed. The have signed on to inform the public, by passenger rail. “Owners” have objected. emplace yard signs, write letters to the Surface Transportation Board (STB), We have been following the events and Phil Streby is a RUN Board member and a and attend public meetings when they recent Petition with the STB, by the board member of the Indiana Passenger Rail are known. Owners of the Nickel Plate railroad, to Alliance. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 5 of 20 Report from En Route to New Mexico By J.W. Madison Group Two: ## Wash the train windows, for Chrissake. People are always complaining about This little catch-all piece is derived from Phoenix, AZ — Flagstaff, AZ — Salt this, especially photographers. It’s hard to my trips on the Lake Shore Limited (Train 49) Lake City, UT — Spokane, WA imagine even a Flat Earth train-saboteur on Jan. 15-16, and on the SW Chief (train 3) Houston, TX — Texarkana, TX Congressmember raising too much hell on Jan. 19-20. Barstow, CA — Bakersfield, CA about this one. Scratch that last sentence. It’s easy as hell to imagine. Missing Links: Relatively cheap and quick I’m looking for feedback in these pages from steps toward a true national rail system those of you more knowledgeable about ## How about Joe Biden for president of this than I am. Like David Peter Alan, who Amtrak? Kay Bailey Hutchinson appears to be otherwise engaged. Let’s forget for the moment what’s possible keeps most of America in his head. next year or at the next legislative session; just I’d also like to see a comparison chart or what’s desirable as hell and not too expensive. Albuquerque “Transit” graphic comparing the cost and difficulty Full disclosure: There are many Amtrak of closing the above missing links with Here’s a very brief summary of the most routes I’ve never travelled, by train anyhow. those of a true High Speed Rail Line like recent problems (mild word) with Our Bus Consider this when you read the following. the ones being built in California and Rapid Transit (“ART”) service: Texas, just so people know what they’re Look at an Amtrak map. Look at the gaps missing right now and for the near future. —— The buses have electrical problems. noted below, many of which still carry tracks Of the 9 out of 20 units that actually or abandoned right of way. The Group One HSR’s going to be a long time coming. arrived when they should have, none could pairs are, in my opinion, priority projects, a How quickly could we fill in these smaller be charged without resorting to what main course. The Group Twos are tasty side gaps? It seems to me that we could have amounts to jump-starting. dishes. The California HSR project shows both this regular-speed “Rail Interstate” —— The buses do not line up properly a Los Angeles - Bakersfield link. Maybe that and the HSR lines already under way. with at least one station platform. scratches one off the list, maybe not. —— ADA compliance is inadequate. Suggestions for greatly improving Amtrak —— The FTA has not approved the Group One: service, also cheap and quick project, and funding has not been released. ## Deeper cup holders on the They’re working feverishly to fix these El Paso, TX — Albuquerque, NM Superliners, like on the Viewliners. minor glitches (heavy sarcasm here). If you La Junta, CO — Denver, CO want to dig deeper into all this, drop me a LA, CA — Bakersfield, CA ## This one requires a little delicacy. line and I’ll send you some links. And as Oklahoma City, OK — Newton, KS Here we go: When depositing solid material these conditions are remediated (or not), Denver, CO — Cheyenne, WY — into an Amtrak toilet, it’s important to drop I’ll get word to RUN and to Short Runs. Shelby, MT in a few sheets of paper first. Attendants Jackson, MS — Meridian, MS should add this to their passenger briefings. J.W. Madison is a RUN Board Member and Jacksonville, FL — New Orleans, LA Don’t laugh; try it and see. president of Rails Inc, based in Albuquerque, NM. Your help is needed as we continue to grow organizationally!

The Rail Users’ Network has established two new committees to expand our membership and to respond to issues that arise before the STB, FRA, and Congress which have an impact on passenger rail and transit rail issues. These new committees will be chaired by RUN board members and will be open to anyone who belongs to the organization. Most of the work can be accomplished via conference calling. Please let us know if you are interested in serving on either of these two committees. We are also creating a new RUN brochure which will be placed in racks at trains stations where we have permission to do so. We need help distributing these new brochures. Thanks in advance. Please call 207-776-4961 or send an email to [email protected]. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 6 of 20 Brightline Begins Introductory Service

By Bill Engel and Fort Lauderdale. Although Saturday service two individuals were struck and and Sunday service is reduced operation killed at grade crossings by Brightline History will tell us if the day Jan. 13, 2018 is seven days a week, timetables show a trains. There were calls for the service will go down beside May 1, 1971 in rail 40-minute nonstop trip between those to be stopped until a thorough safety history. On the May date, Amtrak began points which is faster than either Amtrak investigation could be completed. In its federally subsidized operation of US rail or Tri-Rail commuter trains. Both Tri- defense, Brightline issued a news release passenger service. On the January date, Rail and Amtrak make intermediate stops emphasizing how it worked with the Palm Brightline began introductory service as well. Beach Transportation Planning Agency, the between West Palm Beach, FL and Fort Broward Metropolitan Planning Agency, Lauderdale, FL. Unlike Amtrak, which relies Brightline is offering free parking at the local law enforcement, governments on federal and state subsidies, Brightline bills West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale along its corridor, and Florida Operation itself as the only privately funded, operated, stations during the introductory period. Lifesaver to raise awareness of rail safety. and maintained rail service in the United The Fort Lauderdale station is located Safety literature was prepared in three States. Will such services be successful and at 101 NW 2nd Street (off Broward languages, English, Spanish, and Creole. return nationwide? Boulevard) while the West Palm Beach Since Brightline trains use tracks of the Station is 501 Everania St. Florida East Coast freight line, it is hard to Brightline uses diesel powered train understand why the public would not be sets, constructed by the Siemens Co. at Two levels of service are offered. Smart aware of the railroad. their Sacramento, CA plant, where the Service features two side by side 19” seats new electric locomotives for the Amtrak which can also be four seats facing a table. Later in 2018, when construction of the Northeast corridor were built. Pictures of Select Service offers 21” seats in a single Miami station is completed, service will the equipment show sleek lines, evoking or paired configuration, which can also be expanded. Construction will also go thoughts of European designed trains. be four at a table. Select Service includes forward so Brightline trains can reach These train sets feature bridge plates which complimentary snack and beverage service Orlando. extend from the sides of the cars to reach and access to the Select Lounge. high-level platforms. The feature allows For more information about Brightline, visit freight equipment to clear the platforms. The fare for Smart Service is $10 one-way. their website at gobrightline.com. Select Service is $15 one-way. The introductory service will offer 12 trips Bill Engel is a RUN Board Mrmber based in on weekdays between West Palm Beach Sadly, during the first days of introductory Canal Fulton, OH. Uncertainty Continues for NJ Transit’s Riders

(Continued from page 2) agency would still be located within the making at NJT. Even the North and South Executive Branch of state government, Jersey Advisory Committees at NJT would “rubber stamp” with no members who so the hoped-for independence from continue to operate in secret, even though ride transit regularly, and who essentially the Governor’s Office is not a part of their counterparts at other transit agencies never vote “no” on any issue. For more the bill. The Board would be expanded, have meetings open to the public. than 12 years, every vote was unanimous, but there is no provision for any Board and the Board has voted against a members to be transit-dependent, and the The bill also does not address the need management proposal only twice; in few transit riders to be appointed must for secure, stable and sufficient funding 1995 and again in 1996. The advocates only have ridden for three of the past for NJT, without which the agency cannot have also complained that the Governor seven years. There would not be a non- provide reliable service. NJT continues interferes too much with the day-to-day political “merit” path to being appointed to live from year-to-year on discretionary management of the agency, and that to the NJT Board; legislative leaders and funding, which is never reliable. Without there is too much secrecy and too little other “transportation establishment” better funding, the riders’ uncertainty will transparency at NJT. organizations would have nominating continue to get worse. power for some members, along with the The bill does not address any of governor, but independent advocates who David Peter Alan has been an advocate since these concerns. The Commissioner do not have the approval of these persons 1985, Chair of the Lackawanna Coalition of Transportation, whose primary or organizations would remain out in the since 2000 and a member of the RUN Board responsibility is the state’s highways, would cold. Neither does the bill eliminate any since 2005. He lives and practices law in South remain Chair of the NJT Board. The of the secrecy connected with decision- Orange, NJ. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 7 of 20 MTA Prepares Service Options For Canarsie Tube Shutdown (Continued from page 1) but is in the MTA’s Capital Program to All of these changes are, of course, build an enclosed transfer complex. These subject to change once the project low-lying areas, tracks, yards, and of transfers will help, as most residents of begins, if it is shown they are not course, subway tunnels. Initially, there was Williamsburg and Bushwick live near effective. It is important to keep in mind talk about this rebuilding project taking either the J,M, or G lines. There will that the entire L line is not being shut 18 months. Many folks in Williamsburg also be a new ferry across the East River down—just the section between Bedford talked about moving out of the area, from Williamsburg to East 20th Street Avenue station in Williamsburg, and all rather than putting up with no direct in Manhattan, which will connect with the Manhattan stations. subway service to Manhattan. Elected a new M14 Select Bus Service route, officials worried about their Brooklyn which will cross 14th Street, as the L Riders on the other parts of the line neighborhoods, and many have spoken train normally does. The new bus service have access to many other lines to reach out at neighborhood meetings the MTA will extend as far west as 10th Avenue, their destinations, including the 3, held in virtually every area served by the while the subway only went as far as 8th A,C,J,M,Z, & G lines. How many will L line. Avenue. divert to those respective lines will be closely observed, and additional service In the last month or so, there have There are major improvements to several will be placed in the appropriate places. been four “open houses” held: two in subway stations during the tunnel closure, Williamsburg, and two in Manhattan principally two new A.D.A.-accessible Obviously, shutting down a subway to detail the service plan for the April, entrances are being built - one at the line in a city such as New York is a 2019 shutdown of the Canarsie Tube— Driggs Avenue end of the Bedford Avenue very complicated and stress-inducing which will last 15 months, not the 18 station in Brooklyn, the other being a new process. One of the things the MTA months that was expected. There is a very Avenue A end of the 1st Ave/14th Street is especially good at is creating involved plan to substitute service to get station. In addition, new stairs are being brochures during major closures such people to their jobs and recreation, the constructed at the Broadway Junction as this, detailing alternate travel plans, highlights of which are: station, where many L train riders coming from Canarsie will likely change trains depending on your destination, and all 1. Additional service on the J,M lines, during the shutdown. your travel options. The 15 months of which border some of the neighborhoods the Canarsie Tube shutdown are going served by the L line. New stairs will also be built at Court to be painful, but New Yorkers are great Square in Long Island City, where many at getting through difficult situations, 2. Additional service on the G line, as well G train riders are likely to change trains to and most will find alternate routes for as lengthened trains, to accommodate get to Manhattan, if their destinations are the period. more people. in Midtown. And long-closed stairways at several J & M line stations are being re- There really is no alternative, as the 3. Lengthened trains on the C line. opened to allow for additional riders and tunnel received major damage, which access to the platforms. was demonstrated to the public on 4. On nights & weekends, M service will a video run-through. The tunnel is run to 96th St/2nd Ave. Special HOV lanes are being established safe to use now, obviously, as service on the Williamsburg Bridge to continues there. But to let this go 5. New transfers between lines are being accommodate buses, of which there several more years without addressing offered, at least one of which will be made will be several routes serving areas that the crumbling structure would be to permanent: a. New transfer between the will be losing L train service during the place riders in harm’s way—something L & 3 trains at Livonia Ave/Junius St closure. 14th Street in Manhattan will the MTA will obviously not do. The b. New transfer between J,M,Z trains at be getting special treatment, with special benefits, aside from a safer tunnel, Hewes St & the G line at Broadway bus-only lanes, as well as still allowing for will be obvious when the project c. New transfer between G trains at 21st commercial deliveries. A two-way bike concludes. St/Van Alst and 7 trains at Hunters Point lane will be established on 13th Street, Avenue. and a special treatment for Grand Street Andrew Albert is Vice-Chairman of RUN, the in Williamsburg will also be established, Chair of the NYC Transit Riders Council, and In the case of the Livonia/Junius transfer, which will serve as a bus/bike approach to Riders’ Representative on the MTA Board. this is a walking transfer, as are the others, the Williamsburg Bridge. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 8 of 20

Transport Focus: The Voice of Passengers in Great Britain By Sara Nelson at London Waterloo—a major station. to Manchester to one hour and eight Passenger satisfaction dropped to 75%, minutes (down from two hours and eight What makes a good journey for transport and even further, to 64%, for passengers minutes). It will open up connectivity users? How good are their current travelling in the peak. to the north of the country and create experiences? And why is it important to thousands of jobs. get their views? Transport Focus recently called South Western Railway and Network Transport Focus teamed up with HS2 As the independent watchdog for Rail, which manages all British rail in 2014 and has been exploring how transport users across Great Britain, infrastructure, to a special Board meeting the railway of the future should look, Transport Focus ensures the voice to explain the poor performance, their by setting up a customer community to of road users, train, bus, tram, and approach to managing disruption, and ensure that their opinions are heard from coach passengers are put at the heart investment plans. the start of the design process. of operator and government decision- making and investment. Transport Focus will continue to campaign The community is a panel that runs both to improve performance for today’s online and at regular “real life” workshop Everything we do is evidence-based: our passenger but also look to the future to sessions to consider aspects of future knowledge of passengers’ experiences ensure the passenger voice is heard at the journeys. Most recently we published its helps the transport industry and highest level when the major decisions are thoughts on three key areas: payment and government understand why and what being made about investment, franchises, ticketing, luggage and catering. changes are needed. and other issues. Rail services are mostly run by franchised operators, selected by the “Technology is great—we still want Unreliable trains, broken promises, and Department for Transport (or the respective friendly staff, though” was the message. poor communication have left British rail home governments in Scotland and Wales). While the group was excited at how passengers feeling frustrated with the cost technology could improve their journey of their journey. Transport Focus influences this process experience, they were clear that it using our NRPS and, where possible, shouldn’t be at the expense of having The National Rail Passenger Survey specific research to explore passengers’ friendly staff available to help. (NRPS), out last month, is the largest views of their current experience and published rail satisfaction survey in the aspirations for each franchise. In 2014, As in many other of our reports exploring world. It reflects the views of over 50,000 we carried out research to identify rail passengers’ thoughts on emerging or passengers on all parts of the service, passengers’ priorities for improvements future technology such as smart ticketing including value for money, punctuality, across the country and also use this and contactless payments, passengers told and frequency of service. information in our franchising discussions. us they are willing to embrace technology, but unwilling to rely on it fully. This time, an overall satisfaction level of We work closely with the decision-makers 81% was overshadowed by poor value at all stages of the process, and then Transport Focus will continue to work for money scores, with just a third of afterwards we liaise with the franchisee alongside HS2 for another year, aiming commuters satisfied with the cost of travel. to hold them to account for continued to provide valuable insights into the improvements. experiences of the everyday traveller. While there are signs that investment is paying off, as shown by an increase of 13% Looking even further to the future, High Someone to appeal to? for overall satisfaction of new trains on the Speed 2 (HS2) is a planned high-speed Transport Focus is the statutory appeal Thameslink route—a 140-mile route north railway network in the UK, linking body for rail complaints, helping to south through London which carries a London to Birmingham, Leeds and passengers when deadlock has been huge proportion of daily commuters—the Manchester, with additional cities to reached with the operator. NRPS shows clear areas for train operating be linked to the network by HS2 trains companies in which to improve. running over existing tracks. Passengers never like paying the prices they do but are willing to tolerate it if the In one area in particular, performance The HS2 project aims to drastically basic promises are kept. As performance was poor. South Western Railway reduce journey times from London to remains unreliable, complaints are has struggled to recover since major Birmingham to 49 minutes (down from climbing and backlogs are building up. disruption which involved the upgrade one hour and 21 minutes) and London (Continued on page 9) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 9 of 20 Canada Report, February 2018

By Ken Westcar sprawl and having only vestigial VIA Rail and Maintenance staff at VIA have performed well Greyhound bus services as regional connections. during a very difficult winter season although Southwestern Ontario High the “Canadian” has incurred operational Speed Rail In 2016 VIA Rail Canada carried problems due to periodic intense cold. The Ontario provincial government continues approximately 1,800-2,000 London to move ahead on several fronts including passengers daily to and from Toronto. VIA’s proposal for a new “freight-free” preliminary route surveys and selected local Raising this to between 8,000 – 10,000 route from Toronto to Ottawa and community consultations. The detailed daily by 2030 to make the C$5-billion- Montreal along the long-abandoned Environmental Assessment will be released in plus HSR investment between London Canadian Pacific Havelock subdivision late spring and, currently, excludes any options and Kitchener worthwhile remains purely appears stalled. Close scrutiny shows including improvement to existing VIA Rail speculative. Adding insult to injury is that immense technical and commercial services. This suggests the project is politically the HSR plan calls for retention of parallel challenges. It doesn’t help that VIA directed, rather than evidence-based. VIA Rail services in southwestern Ontario management claims the line will be which smacks of extreme political naivety. “profitable.” Meanwhile, they continue Serving Toronto, Pearson Airport (with to squeeze what capacity they can out of mobility hub aspirations), Guelph and Hudson’s Bay Railway the current Toronto – Montreal route at a Kitchener make sense because a good Contrary to the last Canadian Report, time when host, Canadian National, are portion of the up to 27,000 daily seats no agreement has been reached between posting significant freight traffic gains with planned for the route will find willing the Canadian federal government and track capacity deficits on some routes. bottoms. Ridership projections indicate about Omnitrax on repairs to washouts on the 20,000 on weekdays. It’s not unreasonable line. Countersuits mean that a resolution Canadian Infrastructure Bank given the focus of both Guelph and is not imminent, so the Port of Churchill (CIB) Kitchener on being robust participants in the will continue to receive supplies by air— This new federally sponsored organization is 4th Industrial Revolution. Major highways at huge cost to Canadian taxpayers. ramping up with several high-profile board in this corridor are heavily congested and Omnitrax argues that the dissolution and members. Its mandate is to use federal funds some rare lucidity on the part of provincial privatization of the Canadian Wheat Board to stimulate interest in the private sector to government argues that more or expanded (a centralized, federally-operated marketing provide alternative financing for major rail and roads will not solve the mobility problem. organization), under a previous federal other infrastructure projects, nationwide. While government, no longer guaranteed the flow the concept is appealing there are concerns Meanwhile, the 65-mile, largely greenfield of grain shipments through Churchill so that investment decisions could be politically section between Kitchener and London is the government has defaulted on the terms motivated or present a significant risk to receiving much scrutiny for two reasons. Firstly, of original operating contract. There are Canadian taxpayers unless public/private it could involve the loss of approximately 800 rumours of a taxpayer-funded highway if contractual terms are watertight. Governments acres of some of the best farmland in North there’s no resolution on track repairs. wishing to keep debt off their books welcome America, raise crop input/output costs and the CIB but need to be mindful of intense negatively affect land values and accessibility. VIA Rail public scrutiny if there’s a hint of undue Secondly, London continues to struggle with its Although publicizing strong ridership growth taxpayer risk or voodoo accounting. mobility future with bus rapid transit that will throughout 2017, the Canadian federal not actually pass the train station. It’s very much government continues its “Rip Van Winkle” Ken Westcar is a Board Member of Transport a car-dependent city, given to developer-led approach to VIA’s equipment rust-out. Action Ontario. Transport Focus: The Voice of Passengers in Great Britain

(Continued from page 8) train operators from resting on their laurels. which will impact on them in the future by influencing decision-makers in the industry on Our previous research has showed that almost Every year we help around 3,500 people in a number of issues, including performance and two thirds of eligible passengers weren’t aware this way. You can read case studies about disruption, fares and tickets and investment. they could claim compensation. It is good to see how we have helped passengers on our more people getting money back but there is website, transportfocus.org.uk. All our work, alongside further still work to be done. The process for claiming information, is available on our website: compensation could be made even easier— Changing lifestyles, passengers being more www.transportfocus.org.uk with greater automation—to help yet more vocal about their experiences when traveling, people claim. The ideal situation would be for rising costs—Transport Focus is working hard Sara Nelson is head of communications with performance to improve so there is no need to support passengers using the railway today, Transport Focus. to claim, but passengers claiming will prevent and ensuring their needs are built into decisions RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 10 of 20 Moving Forward By Rail Regional Summit

(Continued from page 1) Participants attending the conference will wish to stay in the Twin Cities before or also have an opportunity to sample public after the conference, we suggest that you invited to talk about Minnesota’s High transportation in the Twin Cities area, look at the official tourism websites for the Speed Rail Coalition. Derrick James, with an optional tour on Saturday, June 2. Twin Cities. Amtrak’s Midwest Communications and In the morning, we will ride the popular Public Relations Manager, will provide an and expanding light rail lines in the Twin The Minneapolis Central Library can be update on long distance rail service. David Cities. We will also visit the restored St. reached from different locations in the Christianson, the Executive Director Paul Union Depot and other points of Twin Cities area by taking the Blue or of the Organizing Council for the West interest in the city. In the afternoon, we Green line to the Nicollet Mall Station. Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition, will also will ride on the Northstar Commuter Rail The library is located at 300 Nicollet Mall. be on hand to provide a status report on Line to Big Lake and back. the proposed Eau Claire, WI to St. Paul Please join us at what promises to be an Passenger rail effort. The morning session We have set the registration fee low ($40 exciting, worthwhile event. Participants will close with Brian Lamb, General which includes morning refreshments can register and make payment on Manager of Metro Transit, who has been and lunch) to encourage as many people RUN’s website: railusers.net or via invited to talk about the Twin Cities Blue as possible to attend. We hope to attract regular mail. Checks should be sent and Green Light Rail Lines and plans for not only rail advocates, but also civic to RUN, Box 8015, Portland, Maine expansion. leaders, business people, environmentalists, 04104. Further details concerning planners, real estate developers and the conference will be announced as During lunch, participants will have an members of the general public who want arrangements are made on our website opportunity to share information and to know more about the issues that will be and will also appear in the summer issue experiences regarding their efforts and discussed. of the RUN Newsletter. those of their organizations to promote passenger rail and rail transit in their local The early registration fee until May 1 is For more information, you can also call areas. $40; after that $45 until May 28 and $50 Richard Rudolph, Chair, Rail Users’ last-minute registrations and at the door. It Network. He can best be reached at 207- The afternoon session will start with a includes morning refreshments, lunch, and 776-4961 or call Brian Nelson, President, keynote address which will highlight the an afternoon refreshment break, and all All Aboard Minnesota. He can be reached economic impact that expanded passenger conference materials/handouts. If you at 612 -781-2894. rail/trail transit has on cities and towns across America. Chris Coes, Vice President of Real Estate Development, Smart Growth America, has been invited to give the address.

The remainder of the afternoon will be devoted to an advocacy panel which will feature representatives from the various rail and rail transit advocacy groups: the Northern Lights Express, All Aboard Minnesota, Wisconsin Association of Rail Passengers, All Aboard Wisconsin, the West Central Rail Coalition, and Transit for Livable Communities. Each panelist will have 15 minutes to present their thoughts and vision for expanded rail and rail transit in the upper Midwest. This will be followed by a short break and a q&a Audience Forum, which will enable conference participants to ask questions and share their ideas about how rail transit and passenger rail services can be expanded and improved. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 11 of 20 RUN to the Twin Cities: Places to Eat, Stay and See By Robert Moen Minneapolis has a larger night scene. professional theater seats per capita There you could stay at a variety of than any city outside New York, so take First off, you will be here in June so the hotels. One that comes to mind is the your pick. The Jungle Theater and weather will be sunny and pleasant. You Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel in the Theatre Latte’ Da are always first rate. can use Light Rail to get to downtown historic Milwaukee Road Depot with the Minneapolis from either St. Paul Marriott Residence Inn attached. The You can also take in a Minnesota Union Depot (Green Line) or from the Raddison Blu and the Marriott City Orchestra concert or stop by the airport (Blue Line). As the 14th largest Center are well-located and traditional Minneapolis Institute of Art for metropolitan area at 3.9 million in favorites. W Minneapolis is located in traditional or the Walker Art Center for population, there is plenty to see and do. the cool 1929 skyscraper: Foshay Tower, modern art. If you want to get outside with its fun cocktail lounge on the top you can stroll down the Nicollet Mall and You could stay in either downtown and floor. walk out on the Stone Arch Bridge built access the meeting. In St. Paul the Hyatt by James J. Hill for his Great Northern Place recently opened in the renovated The Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave Railway. It offers stunning views of the Post Office building next door to Union are where the action is in downtown Mississippi upper water falls, as does the Station. The classy Hotel 340 is four day or night. There are many good balcony at the Guthrie Theater. blocks west. And the traditional standard restaurants. Murray’s Steakhouse is a bearer: The St. Paul Hotel is near the traditional favorite, with the new Hell’s You could also take a taxi down to Lake Ordway Center for Performing arts Kitchen across the street serving less Calhoun and walk around the lake on (Broadway shows and St. Paul Chamber expensive tasty fare. Jax (need Uber), a Sunday afternoon or to Lake Harriet Orchestra) and many fine restaurants Lion’s Pub, and Sawatdee (Thai) are and ride an original streetcar. The chain (Meritage, Pazzaluna, Kincaid’s, and St. always excellent. You could also eat at of lakes and parks right in the city is one Paul Grill. Mickey’s Diner is nearby for the Mary Tyler Moore table at Basils of Minneapolis’ greatest attractions. Just dinner or a late night snack.), You can go Restaurant in the IDS Center Crystal north of the state capitol in St. Paul is the up to see the Cathedral and James J. Hills Court. Or pose for a photo by her Minnesota Transportation Museum, which mansion at the start of Summit Avenue bronze statue across the street on the is a complete railroad museum. And of west on the hill above St. Paul. If you Nicollet Mall where she tossed her hat course you can always take the Blue Line have transportation, you can head west in the air. down to the Mall of America if you want from there to the restaurants on Grand to see a really big shopping mall! But as Avenue between Dale and Lexington You can take in a play at the famous you can see there is a lot more to the Twin Avenues. Popular ones would include The Guthrie Theater or a show at the Cities than the Mall of America. Enjoy! Lexington (traditional), Dixie’s (Southern), Orpheum and State Theaters. There Wild Onion and my favorite for casual: are many other professional theaters Robert Moen is Treasurer, All Abaord Café Latte. in town. Minneapolis has more Minnesota.

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A Survey of Long-Distance and State-supported Passenger Train Service in the Western US Part One: Existing

By Dana Gabbard some stations for reaching destinations 810,000 riders (all ridership figures are outside the corridor (e.g. Portland, OR to for FY 2017, taken from the Monthly To keep this survey at a manageable Pendleton, OR continuing to Boise, ID Performance Report for Sept. 2017 length, it is being divided into two parts. and points in-between). State-supported (Preliminary and Unaudited) dated Dec. This part deals with existing long distance services are especially aggressive in this 27, 2017 posted on the Amtrak website). and state-supported passenger train regard, and also often supplement rail service in the Western United States. service in their corridors with Thruway The service is a partnership of the State-supported passenger train services bus routes. Oregon Department of Transportation (also known as 403(b) services after (ODOT) and Washington State the section of the 1970 Rail Passenger State-supported Amtrak Department of Transportation Service Act that allowed partnerships passenger rail service (WSDOT), which fund operations and with states for services beyond the coordination also own most of the equipment used national network if they reimbursed on it. The have an operating agreement Amtrak a “reasonable portion of any The State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger with Amtrak for the service (as do all losses associated with such services”) are Rail Committee is a congressionally state-supported services). The Cascades defined in the Passenger Rail Investment mandated entity, meant to report on Rail Corridor Management Workplan and Improvement Act (PRIIA), passed state-supported passenger rail routes. (adopted in 2013) provides the framework in 2008, as routes of 750 miles or less. In all, 18 states and 21 agencies are for how the agencies jointly manage the Amtrak routes that enter any of the West involved, along with Amtrak. Its website service. WSDOT is the lead agency for Coast states (Washington, Oregon and is at www.highspeed-rail.org/Pages/ operations management. Long term the California) are included in this survey. saiprc.aspx agencies have plans for more frequent It is organized geographically by West service and shorter running times. Coast starting point, beginning in the Cascades Unique among Amtrak routes, it uses Pacific Northwest and working south Passenger service in the Cascades corridor Talgo equipment with the ability to tilt along the coast. The state-supported existed since the era of private passenger through curves without slowing down services coordinating committee is given rail service pre-Amtrak. Initially Amtrak which shaves about 25 minutes from its own section. Other topics treated had two daily round-trips between the running time between Seattle and separately include multi-state cooperative Seattle and Portland, along with the Portland. locomotive and coach procurements, Coast Starlight providing service between common issues for the three California those points before continuing south WSDOT in 2010 was awarded $800 state-supported intercity services and to Southern California. Over the years million from the federal American improvements of and plans for Los service expanded north to Vancouver, BC Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Angeles Union Station. and south to Eugene, OR. Service bore for corridor improvements, in recognition various names until Cascades (after the of its status as one of eleven designated Because our readership is diverse, mountain range) was introduced in 1999. high speed rail corridors. This funded consisting of savvy activists, experienced 20 projects between Vancouver, WA and DOT and Congressional staffers but There are 18 stations on the route, and Blaine, WA including: also laypersons, this survey may explain the corridor is 467 miles long. Major * new equipment – WSDOT used $58.3 things already familiar to some readers. stops besides Seattle, Portland, Eugene million of the ARRA grants to purchase This is reflecting the aforementioned and Vancouver, BC include Salem, OR 8 new locomotives (more detail on diverse audience that will be reading it. and Olympia, WA. Currently there these in the state-supported equipment The intent of the historical background are four daily round-trips between purchase section). is to provide context, not fixate on every Seattle and Portland; two between * a new station in Tacoma at detail. For those who wish for that there Seattle and Vancouver, BC; and two Freighthouse Square (aka Tacoma Dome are plenty of resources where one can between Portland and Eugene. No single station) providing intermodal access to find it. train operates the full length of the Tacoma light rail, Sounder commuter corridor (Eugene to Vancouver, BC). rail, Greyhound and local transit which All Amtrak routes have dedicated As of Fiscal Year 2017 it is the eighth the existing station mostly lacked Thruway motorcoach bus service at highest ridership Amtrak route with (Continued on page 13) RAILRAIL USERS’ USERS’ NETWORK NETWORK NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER PagePage 13 10 of of 20 12

A Survey of Long-Distance and State-supported Passenger Train Service in the Western US

(Continued from page 12) Due to injuries sustained by the station are both on hold for the foreseeable engineer and conductor in the future. WSDOT on its website states it “… * the Point Defiance Bypass along an locomotive when the derailment has received assurances from Amtrak that alignment known as the Lakewood occurred, they could not be they will meet the federal deadline of Dec. Subdivision (replacing the coastal interviewed by NTSB until the week of 31, 2018 for operating in the Amtrak Cascades alignment between Tacoma and Jan. 15, 2018. A NTSB press release corridor under PTC and will make every Steilacoom which, while scenic, includes a includes these key points regarding the effort to advance the deployment date.” number of curves and single-track tunnels interview with the engineer: plus significant freight traffic). • The engineer told investigators A mudslide covering the tracks forced a that he was aware that the curve with temporary substitution of motorcoach Besides reducing running time between the 30 mph speed restriction was buses for Cascades service between Seattle and Portland by 10 minutes the goal at milepost 19.8, and that he had Vancouver BC and Seattle WA and the was to improve reliability (88% on time planned to initiate braking about one Empire Builder between Everett WA and performance), relieve congestion and augment mile prior to the curve. Seattle WA beginning Jan. 29, 2018. This service by adding two round trips between • The engineer said that he saw mileposts continued until the tracks were cleared Seattle and Portland for a total of six. 16 and 17 but didn’t recall seeing milepost on Feb. 8, 2018. For more about the 18 or the 30 mph advance speed sign, Cascades service, see its website, www. On Dec. 18, 2017 the first Cascades train, which was posted two miles ahead of the amtrakcascades.com/ (which also has a #501, operated along the bypass. At speed-restricted curve. link to a q&a about the derailment). For approximately 7:34 a.m. PST, the train • The engineer said that he did see the the latest about the NTSB investigation derailed in DuPont, WA at milepost wayside signal at milepost 19.8 (at the of the derailment ,Google the accident # 19.86 while negotiating a curve in close accident curve) but mistook it for another RD18MR001. approach to a bridge over the southbound signal, which was north of the curve. lanes of Interstate 5. The train consisted • He said that as soon as he saw the 30 State-supported equipment of 12 cars and two locomotives. mph sign at the start of the curve, he procurement applied brakes. Seconds later, the train To get a better price per unit, a One locomotive and several cars landed derailed as it entered the curve. number of states have pooled jointly onto the freeway below. There were three their orders for locomotives and fatalities, including two prominent rail Both the engineer and the conductor reported coaches to serve state-supported advocates/activists: Jim Hamre and Zack they were rested and did not feel distracted Amtrak corridor routes. Wilhoite, who were riding it to celebrate while in the cab. Service between Seattle and the opening of the bypass. 62 passengers Portland was suspended for a portion of the Illinois, California, Michigan, Missouri and crewmembers were injured. Eight 18th. When service resumed it was detoured and Washington in March 2014 selected people in automobiles on I-5 that collided via the former coastal route and it was the Siemens SC-44 Charger diesel- with the train equipment were also announced the bypass would not be operated electric passenger locomotives for a joint injured. (Editor’s note: All Aboard Washngton’s upon (by the Cascades or the Coast Starlight) procurement. After several options were Lloyd H. Flem remembers Hamre and Wilhoite in until Positive Train Control (PTC) is activated exercised by various partie,s the total order an article on page 16) along it. During the holiday season, service was currently stands at 63. Of these, 22 are for adjusted due to operational consequences of California (6 for the San Joaquin/Capitol The 8-degree, 22-minute curve leading the DuPont incident. Beginning Jan. 2, 2018 a Corridor joint equipment pool, 16 for the into the bridge was posted for 30 mph, with modified schedule was put in place with service Pacific Surfliner), 8 for Washington and 33 advance speed reduction signs located two in Oregon maintaining the new schedule that for Illinois/Michigan/Missouri. miles before the curve on the engineer’s began Dec. 18, 2017, while in Washington the side, and another 30 mph sign posted just service went back to the schedule offered pre- These are manufactured by Siemens before the curve at the point where 30 Dec. 18th with a slight change in the morning at its plant in Sacramento, CA. In a mph was effective. National Transportation southbound train out of Seattle. press release Siemens described the Safety Board (NTSB) investigators report attributes of these locomotives. “The based on the lead locomotive’s event data All Amtrak trains will serve the Tacoma Charger locomotive is powered by a high- and video recorders that at the time of the Amtrak Station located at 1001 Puyallup performance, environmentally friendly, derailment the train was operating at 78 Ave. until further notice. The additional two 4,400-horsepower-rated Cummins mph. round trips and the new Tacoma Dome (Continued on page 14) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 14 of 20

A Survey of Long-Distance and State-supported Passenger Train Service in the Western US

(Continued from page 13) Jim Mathews stated, “We support level equipment, the procurement is the decision to substitute Siemens’ only for 49 cars which may not meet the QSK95 diesel engine. Designed to equipment, since it has become clear needs of this corridor. The approximate operate at speeds up to 125 miles per that Nippon Sharyo is not going to time of receiving those cars would be in hour, the locomotives are the first high- be able to deliver the equipment to 24 to 36 months and the cars would still speed passenger locomotive to receive meet Federal Railroad Administration need to go into a testing process before Tier 4 emissions certification from the requirements. [Given] the advanced age being put into service.” Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). of Amtrak’s existing fleet, and surging 90% emissions reduction compared to demand for passenger train service, the Empire Builder Tier 0 locomotives.” top priority is acquiring new rolling The Great Northern Railroad began stock as soon as possible.” the Empire Builder in 1929, naming it in Delivery of the first batch (including all honor of its founder James Hill whose 8 for Washington and the 6 for Northern The Train Riders Association of nickname was The Empire Builder. California) occurred in Summer 2017. California, in the Nov. 2017-Feb. 2018 It operated daily between Chicago After testing and training they were put issue of its California Rail News, has an and Spokane WA where it was split into service by the end of the year. The article by editor Michael D Setty titled for service to continue west to either additional 16 for the Pacific Surfliner are due “Caltrans’ Choice of Unsuitable Car Seattle, WA or Portland, OR. for delivery starting this year. Design Will Hamper Rail” decrying the five steps that will need to be climbed to Amtrak, when it began operations in The Charger procurement has been enter the cars, which will mean longer 1971, retained the route but eliminated relatively straight forward with no station dwelling times due to the necessity the Portland-Spokane leg. Over the years surprises or design flaws found during the of lifts for wheelchairs and those of limited the frequency varied. The Portland- test phase. Would that the same could be mobility versus simple concrete ramps Spokane service was restored in 1981 said for the Illinois/California joint order and bridge plates for access to current low and it has been daily since 1999. for rail coaches. floor equipment. Setty urges the cars be Currently it serves 46 stations, with one I sent to the Northeast Corridor which has of the Montana stops shifting seasonally In 2012, a contract was awarded high platforms more suitable for this kind between East Glacier Park (May- to Sumitimo for bi-level cars. They of equipment and a new procurement October) and Browning (Oct.-May). subcontracted construction to Nippon be undertaken that, “should at least have Major stops include the aforementioned Sharyo of Japan. After the prototypes failed modern features like low-level boarding, Portland, Spokane, Seattle and Chicago mandatory safety testing the contract was superior acceleration, and modular design, plus Glacier National Park, Fargo, ND, in limbo. Since federal stimulus funds (the like modern diesel multiple unit (DMU) Wisconsin Dells, St. Paul/Minneapolis, aforementioned ARRA) were being used sets. With DMUs, operating costs could MN and Milwaukee, WI. The distance to pay for it, a deadline at the end of 2017 be greatly reduced and train capacities is 2,206 miles (Chicago - Seattle) or loomed to have the order go forward or the more precisely matched to demonstrated 2,257 miles (Chicago - Portland). It is the funding lapse. demand.” highest ridership Amtrak long- distance train with 454,000. In August 2017, it was announced the Some of the operators also have subcontractor was being changed to concerns. At the Dec. 6, 2017 Special In the Rail Passengers Association Siemens and instead of bi-level they would Board of Directors meeting of the Los Northwest Region 2017 Annual be single level cars. Also, delivery was Angeles - San Diego - San Luis Obispo Newsletter, Montana RPA state accelerated to be 24-34 months instead of (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency representative Barry Green notes, ”In five years. Of the 137 cars ordered, 49 are (who manage the Pacific Surfliner) the Montana, the town of Culbertson is for California and 88 for Illinois. minutes report, ”[Jennifer Bergener, working on establishing an Amtrak Managing Director] added that this station stop for their community for There are concerns about the order week, she and a number of Amtrak and current and future growth in and changes, not only regarding diminished LOSSAN staff met with a company around the surrounding area due to seating capacity but also accessibility. called Great Lakes Central Railroad, current and future oil field exploration The rail advocacy community is divided who has equipment available for lease and to allow for another choice for about the revised procurement. or sale. She reported that while the travelers from NE and SE Montana and Rail Passengers Association (RPA, State has proceeded with issuing a Canada to take the train.” formerly NARP) President and CEO contract that includes Siemens single- (Continued on page 15) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 15 of 20 A Survey of Long-Distance and State-supported Passenger Train Service in the Western US

(Continued from page 14) Coast Starlight RPA President Jim Mathews in a statement During the era of private passenger rail noted, “While we understand and strongly Two strong advocates for it are U.S. Senator service, no single train ran the length of support Amtrak’s overarching goal to Steve Daines and Roosevelt County the West Coast. When Amtrak began upgrade and modernize its rail cars, we Commissioner (and former Culbertson operations in 1971, it had an unnamed also think that providing only two weeks’ Mayor) Gordon Oelkers. During a Senate train running three days a week between notice is a missed opportunity for the Committee on Commerce, Science and Seattle and San Diego. Over the next three company to provide a special, and likely Transportation hearing on passenger years, it went to daily service, dropped the revenue-positive, send-off to a beloved rail held Feb. 23, 2016, Daines secured a Los Angeles to San Diego segment and piece of passenger rail [history] in the U.S. commitment from then-Amtrak President settled on the name Coast Starlight, inspired Too many of our members will not even and Chief Executive Officer Joseph by two Southern Pacific trains it emulates: have a chance to book a final ride on their Boardman to have Amtrak staff work with the Coast Daylight and Starlight. [favorite] equipment.” local stakeholders. He also drafted language in the FY 2016 Transportation, Housing It has 30 stations. Besides Seattle When contacted about the move, Amtrak and Urban Development Appropriations and Los Angeles, major stops include CEO Richard Anderson told Mathews bill that Amtrak prepare a report on Tacoma, WA, Portland, OR, Klamath that with much of the Amtrak running developing passenger rail service in the Falls, OR, Sacramento, CA, Oakland, stock in need of overhauling, the cost of Bakken Region. The report estimated the CA, San Jose, CA and Santa Barbara, maintaining the Parlour Cars was, “money stop would generate about 7,000 riders CA. It travels a distance of 1,377 we cannot afford to put in 60-year-old annually. miles and is the second highest assets….We need to prioritize investment ridership long-distance train with in a new fleet for Amtrak instead of Oelkers is quoted by the Great Falls 439,000. investing millions in maintaining old cars Tribune in the Feb. 16, 2016 article that need massive interior overhauls.” “Culbertson on Board For Amtrak Unique among Amtrak routes. the Stop” as noting the stops nearest Coast Starlight had a lounge for its Brian Rosenwald, Amtrak’s former to Culbertson are 50 miles in each sleeper passengers. Known as the General Manager for the Coast Starlight, direction: Williston, ND to the east, Pacific Parlour Car, these were was interviewed by M.E. Singer in Wolf Point, MT to the west. Oelkers Budd Hi-Level Sky Lounge cars, January for a blog post titled “As also noted that Amtrak used to stop built in 1956 for the Santa Fe’s El Amtrak Hits the Bumper Post, It’s the in the town until the mid-1970s. Capitan, modernized by Amtrak and Customer Experience, Stupid!” As the Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari in maintained by Amtrak’s Beech Grove chief architect of the Parlour Cars, the piece explains that the key issue Rosenwald outlined their origins and role IN maintenance facility. is the stop has to be of a sufficient in enhancing the customer experience, length to accommodate the Empire something he emphasized during his time I use the past tense referring to Builder. “It’s a long train,” he said. at Amtrak earning high praise from rail them, because in mid-January it advocates (he is now retired and owns a was announced the Pacific Parlour In the Sidney Herald Mar. 16, 2016 wine shop in the Chicago area). In his Car equipment was being removed article “Amtrak Eyes Culbertson Stop,” view the withdrawal is shortsighted, with from service permanently as of early Magliari provided more details about no understanding of the equipment’s role February, the notice stating this was the potential for a station. “We know in building high-end ridership. The piece “… part of Amtrak’s ongoing work to that it makes business sense to stop at is posted at https://ntbraymer.wordpress. modernize its fleet of equipment. … Culbertson. There’s a long distance com/tag/coast-starlight-parlour-car/ between Wolf Point and Williston. Amtrak is reviewing what amenities Where we are now is talking with offered in the Parlour Car will be A petition has been started by the Rail Culbertson about where the stop would available in the future.” When the Passenger Association of California be. It has to be at a place that doesn’t word about this change started being and Nevada (RailPAC) asking, ”… add delay to the Empire or the trains that shared by rail fans before the notice that the Pacific Parlour Cars remain in pass through there.” was made public, there was some service during the 2018 summer season confusion because initially Amtrak had while Amtrak explores alternatives to Estimated cost for a platform and stated the equipment was just being maintaining premium service and the unstaffed depot is $3.5 million. The removed during the slow period for ticket revenues associated with it.” city is exploring options for funding. their annual maintenance. (Continued on page 19) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 16 of 20 Remembering Jim and Zack An appreciation of rail advocates Jim Hamre and Zack Willhoite, who lost their lives in the Dec. 18, 2017 Cascades derailment

By Lloyd H. Flem at their suburban Puyallup home. And Usually within a minute, he patiently and even in moving the Picnic to Thurston successfully directed me out of the hole I It was 35 years ago when I, who had County locations in recent years, Jim found myself in with my computer. I can since the early 1970s been a member served as the skilled chef for the main grow good carrots, which I happily had at of NARP, attended my first meeting of course. Yet another way Jim will be hard our Annual Picnic for Zack, but he helped the Washington Association of Railroad to replace. keep me afloat in the scary sea of new Passengers (now AAWA) at the Seattle technology. home of a founder of WashARP, the Jim was an accomplished and respected late Hans Mueller. Most in attendance civil engineer, his career being at the It was so nice when Zack brought his wife were middle-aged or seniors, but I Washington State Department of Taylor to some of our events. In recent noticed two young men, Steve Spear Transportation. Now good prose writing months I have gotten to know Taylor and and Jim Hamre. Steve is still active in is not always the top accomplishment was pleased to know Zack was sharing his AAWA and Jim’s commitment and spirit of engineers. Yet the WashARP/AAWA life with this fine lady, although for too of passenger rail advocacy lives on in Newsletter, edited and substantially short a time. many of us. written by Jim for decades, has been an example of concise, accurate writing. This past Dec. 8 at Tacoma’s Freighthouse Jim’s knowledge of passenger rail, whether Jim never changed the content of my Square, adjacent to the new Tacoma it be technical understanding, “railfan” Newsletter columns, but did properly Amtrak station, Zack attended and details, or significant policy issues was break up some of my compound, contributed importantly to a meeting complete and near-always accurate. Jim complex sentences! of AAWA’s intermodal connectivity always kept on me to push issues that were task force. Following our early-evening both reasoned and reasonable, whether Jim and I had one profound difference: He meeting, Zack walked with me the city- at a local, state, or national level. That was a proud WSU Cougar, I a UW Husky. block distance for me to meet the Intercity push proved important in my getting our Later in February we will plant a WSU Transit bus back to the Capital City. The message across. Crimson azalea at the home of Tom and bus was somewhat delayed. A good thing, Kristi Hamre, in honor of their brother’s as Zack and I enjoyed among the best Jim was a Mariners fan and took me loyalty to his alma mater. conversations about varied transportation to several Mariners games. We always issues we’d ever had. traveled by train, Amtrak or Sounder. About 15 years ago or so, Jim brought a And in keeping with a baseball analogy, young man into the WashARP fold. We Zack put in lots of volunteer time Jim’s and my styles of rail advocacy predominantly older WashARP members for AAWA as both our chief IT man differed. Jim liked pitching a hard welcomed Zack Willhoite, who was no and in charge of membership. We fastball to elected decision makers and more than in his early 20s. Zack brought at AAWA will need to struggle hard the passenger rail industry, I preferred a very high level of skills in the rapidly to begin to fill the holes left in the the slow curve. I think our pitching styles growing and changing fields of modern operation of our organization by Jim were complementary. electronic communication technology. Jim and Zack’s suddenly leaving us. We and others were good, but Zack was a true cannot replicate their friendships, but Jim and I were close enough friends that I professional, being a respected IT man for they would insist we at All Aboard asked him to be a groomsman at Darleen’s Pierce Transit (Tacoma). Washington continue to push the and my wedding, held, yes, at Olympia- mission of improved passenger rail and Lacey’s Centennial Rail Station, a few Zack’s knowledge and skills proved transit they believed in and to which weeks before the then-new-station opened, invaluable to me. My understanding of they dedicated so much of their time almost exactly 25 years ago. the Brave New World of the internet is and energies. Let us so endeavor. so elementary that on many occasions For many years Jim and his mother I had to phone or email Zack at his Lloyd H Flem is Executive Director, All Aboard Carolyn Hamre hosted our Annual Picnic work or his home for his expert advice. Washington. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 17 of 20 Marking The 50th Anniversary Of Empire Service By Michael R. Weinman had to pledge his first-born to the In a mark of gratitude, the family of Commission, but in a surprisingly short Robert D. Timpany (who had died in In 1967, the New York Central, like span of time following the hearings, the 1998, after service as Trustee of the most North American railroads, saw Central was given permission to start Central Railroad of New Jersey and a a continuing decline in its intercity the service, on Dec. 3, 1967. Timpany well-deserved retirement) were invited. passenger service. The remnants of its rounded up all concerned to get the ball Daughter Mary (Esq.) and son Robert long-distance day and overnight trains rolling, and told his squadron of trainees and one each of their children came from had been decimated by parallel limited that, while they had no authority, the central Pennsylvania and Idaho. They access highways and jet aircraft. The responsibility of getting the service off on both spoke at the ceremony, and as the famous Twentieth Century Limited had been the right foot was theirs. introduction stated, it was good to see that combined with the Commodore Vanderbilt Timpany’s first-born (Mary) did NOT in 1958, and with the New England States It worked, and worked well, at least have to be sacrificed at the altar of the in 1967, but still carried relatively few for the months until the doomed Penn NYSPSC, because the New York Central passengers. Central merger (consummated in made good on its commitment—and the February 1968) took hold. For the first longevity of the service (and Mary herself) Several trains in New York State were year, the New York State trains made an were living proof. NYSPSC Examiner on the chopping block, but the New “above-the-rail” profit, but after that, Zullig, now retired, stated that while that York State Public Service Commission the deepening dilemma of the merged offer of Timpany’s first-born was not (NYSPSC) was dubious, alleging that the company saw the service degrade, really made, he found Timpany’s sincerity railroad had not operated them properly. along with almost all others run by the and credibility to be of equal gravity. Assistant Vice President - Operating company. Note that Empire Service, Administration Robert D. Timpany, though, was the first memory-pattern Amtrak officers indicated that there who normally did not get involved service operated in the modern era—a were many future plans for Empire with passenger service (but to whom pattern soon to be emulated by the Service, in its 51st year and beyond, and the Operating Management Training Metroliners. hosted a lovely luncheon with a beautiful program reported), was convinced that celebration cake. Many former NYC the railroad could do a better job of both Operating Management Trainees were Of course, Amtrak acquired Empire operating the remaining service, and invited, and many representatives of the Service on May 1, 1971, and continues avoiding expensive blame and hearings Empire State Passenger Association and to operate it, with more trains, to several when trying to discontinue trains. other advocacy groups likewise attended, destinations. The memory pattern is and displayed much information and gone, as is the fast overall time between Timpany was the lead witness in weeks of memorabilia. New York and Buffalo (7’30” in 1967), hearings, and developed a plan, backed by although running times to Albany (now market research, for a service of short, fast It was an honor to have been associated served through Rensselaer), and maximum coach trains operated at memory intervals, with the creation and successful speeds, are better today. between New York, Albany, Buffalo, and inauguration of Empire Service, and intermediate points (with extensions and an honor to have attended and helped connections to points beyond). In late 2017, PTSI Transportation to stage this celebration. It was an suggested to Amtrak that the 50th honor, likewise, to have worked for Timpany, operating with the blessing anniversary of Empire Service be R. D. Timpany, and to have gotten to of New York Central President Alfred celebrated in December 2017. Amtrak know Mary and Bob and their families. Perlman, guaranteed the Commission that Vice President Joe McHugh agreed, as Timpany was not a man given to emotion, the Central, if given permission to replace did Empire Service General Manager but in his bound volumes of Empire its existing and expensive trains with the Kevin Chittenden, and they arranged a Service papers, he remarked to the new pattern, would run them right: clean, ceremony for Dec. 4, to be held in the Central’s attorney that he had created on time, and with the best equipment new station in Rensselaer, owned by the the service in the hopes that someday, his available to it. Capital District Transportation Authority children might be proud of what he had (CDTA). Local officials such as the done. They were and are. Under the questioning of examiner Mayor of Rensselaer, New York State Walter Zullig (later Metro-North General Department of Transportation officers, Michael R. Weinman is Managing Director of Counsel) and others, Timpany practically and the head of CDTA were invited. PTSI Transportation. RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 18 of 20 A Missouri Town Gets an Amtrak Stop And Accommodates Tourists Who Ride By David Peter Alan County Chamber of Commerce. The Iron writer were treated to his “Best of Arcadia County Historical Society had established Valley” Tour last year, which included a In 1858, the St. Louis and Iron Mountain a museum in the station in 2008, which sampling of geology, Civil War history and Railroad ran southwesterly from St. inspired Kelsheimer and other civic local food. Sappington says that having Louis to the iron mining region of the advocates in Arcadia, Ironton and Pilot the train stop is “a complement to our Ozark mountains and the Arcadia Valley. Knob (the northernmost town of the three other hospitality offerings” and has made Northbound trains stopped at Arcadia, in the valley) to campaign for grants, local it easy to get to the area. He sends a van to MO, while southbound trains stopped contributions and the support of local meet guests arriving on the train. at Ironton, the next town to the north. elected officials to persuade Amtrak to add A new station, built of locally-quarried the stop. The campaign began in 2010 There are a number of sights to see in the red granite, opened for service in 1941. and lasted for more than six years. area, but not within walking distance from It accommodated the Missouri Pacific’s the station. Elephant Rocks State Park Texas Eagle and other trains going in both Arcadia Valley is now the only stop is named for giant granite boulders that directions until 1968. Today the Union between St. Louis and Poplar Bluff near look like the bodies of elephants. Nearby Pacific owns the railroad and Amtrak the Arkansas border; 169 miles away. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park features water brought the Eagle back in 1975, but its OTT still owns the station, and the Iron cascading quickly through narrow “shut- riders never saw the Ozark countryside, County Visitors’ Center is also located ins” in the rocks. Taum Sauk Mountain, unless the train was very late. It ran there. As a bonus, passengers waiting for the highest point in Missouri, is also nearby. through the area in the middle of the the train can also see the museum. There is also lots of Civil War history in the night, without stopping, in both directions. area. Ulysses S. Grant was commissioned Kelsheimer praised other members of the as a General in Ironton, in the yard around It still runs on that schedule today but, community for their involvement. “We’ve the 1858-vintage Iron County Court House, thanks to a concerted effort by citizens had a lot of support from the community. which is still in use. Union forces kept the and civic leaders in the area, the Eagle I have a wonderful group of volunteers; Rebels from getting a foothold in Missouri has been stopping there again, starting it’s very rewarding” she said, and added at the Battle of Pilot Knob in 1864. The on Nov. 20, 2016. A local business owner that she is also one of the volunteers: “I’m battlefield is preserved, and a museum at also stands prepared to take riders around there at 3:30 in the morning at least once the site commemorates and describes the the town. He owns a local motel and tour a week and 10:00 at night at least once a battle. There are also a number of historic company, and can provide an experience week.” She and her group also have more homes and churches in the three towns, with of visiting some scenic and historic plans for the station. One is to expand wineries and historic mines also nearby. country towns by train. long-term parking. “We have a lot of riders from 60 or 70 miles away because There is also a local food scene. In In a press release announcing the new of our station. They would rather come addition to the usual variety of foods, station stop, Amtrak spokesperson Marc here than meet their car in St. Louis,” Baylee Jo’s, located next to the Sheppard Magliari called the area “a geologically she said. She and her colleagues are also Mountain Inn, is a unique barbecue rich and historic region.” Magliari said: looking into having the train carry bicycles restaurant. The meat is smoked over “The city was added to the Amtrak for visiting cyclists. The town is on a cherrywood, and the sauce is sweetened national network largely through an nationally-recognized bike trail. with cherry syrup. The Old Arcadia advocacy and planning effort coordinated Academy is now an inn with a restaurant, by Our Town Tomorrow (OTT), a The area is not served by local transit, but bakery and ice cream shop. The building local non-profit organization focused on it is still possible for tourists to arrive on the and its complex started as a Methodist community revitalization.” OTT secured train and see the region.That is where local school in 1846, and was later a Catholic a number of grants from the Missouri businessman Tim Sappington comes in. girls’ academy until it closed in 1971. Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Sappington owns the Shepherd Mountain the Iron County Economic Partnership Inn, a motel in Ironton. He also owns The Arcadia Valley is not a busy place, and other sources to build a new platform Arcadia Valley Tours and plans to conduct but it provides an interesting getaway that and make other improvements, so the tours that comprise Arcadia, Ironton, and is different from anything else offered station could be ready for service again. Pilot Knob, and sometimes places further along the Amtrak network. In a sense, away. His planned offerings will include it hearkens back to the time when a The strongest community advocate winery tours, tours of unique nature rock local hotel owner met the train, brought for re-establishing the stop was Carol formations, and Civil War tours, and he is tourists to his establishment and offered Kelsheimer, President of OTT and gearing up for the coming summer season. sightseeing tours to them, so they could currently also Treasurer of the Iron This writer and another visiting travel (Continued on page 19) RAIL USERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER Page 19 of 20 A Survey of Long-Distance and State-supported Passenger Train Service in the Western US (Continued from page 15) Amtrak re-routed the line along its historic Village Cabriolet Shuttle Stop” and gives this alignment on the Rio Grande’s Moffat description of the service: The petition also is for supporting Subdivision between Denver and Salt Lake City RailPAC’s campaign that new locomotives (which is what it had wanted to do since 1971) WINTER PARK EXPRESS SHUTTLE and rolling stock be acquired for Amtrak’s and at that time adopted the name California The Lift shuttle buses provide convenient connections long-distance trains in the Western U.S., Zephyr. Between June 11, 1995 and May to/from the California Zephyr train between the the ones covered in this survey. There are 10, 1997, it operated four days a week, then Fraser, CO Amtrak station and the base area of over 4,000 signatures for it thus far. The resumed being daily which it is to the present Winter Park Resort. Buses run every half hour during petition is posted at https://www.change. day. Emeryville station became the terminus in winter season and hourly during the summer season. org/p/amtrak-save-the-coast-starlight- 1994, with the closure of Oakland 16th Street pacific-parlour-cars station damaged by the 1989 Loma Prieta When sharing the news, Koch enthused, “I’m earthquake. The following year, it was extended particularly excited about this Thruway service The Starlight has a support group, the to serve the new Oakland Jack London station, with Amtrak and hope it attracts more people to Coast Starlight Communities Network. It but in 1997 went back to having Emeryville as the Fraser Valley!“ The span of service year round describes itself as “a coalition of various the terminus to avoid a long backup move to is 7 a.m.-2 a.m. Connectivity and addressing first/ interests with the goal of protecting the maintenance yard between trips. last mile for rail services are growing concerns and improving rail service between in urban settings. How refreshing to have them Washington, Oregon, and California.” Its There are 35 stations on the route and it come to the fore in a picturesque setting, marking website is www.coaststarlight.net/ is 2,438 miles (the second longest after the Winter Park as at the forefront of the burgeoning Texas Eagle). It has the third highest ridership new urbanism movement. California Zephyr among long distance trains with 415,000. From 1939 through 1970, rail service between Besides the end points of Emeryville (in the This of course is in addition to the re- Chicago and Oakland operated first as the Bay Area near Oakland and San Francisco) established express ski train (Winter Park Exposition Flyer and then the California Zephyr. and Chicago major stops it serves include Express) between Denver Union Station and During the last year of the private passenger rail Omaha, NE, Denver, CO, Salt Lake City, Winter Park Resort, operating this year on UT, Reno, NV and Sacramento, CA. era and for a time after the May 1, 1971 start- weekends from January through March and up of Amtrak, there were ways to travel from on the first Friday of those months. While speaking to the aforementioned Chicago to Oakland that involved two trains, Marc Magliari, I learned the Fraser station under various names and some segments only For schedule and other details about on the Zephyr, which serves the Winter ran three times a week. In June 1972, Amtrak Winter Park’s Link transit service, the Park ski resort, has had an exciting recent launched the daily San Francisco Zephyr (named direct web address is www.theliftwp.com enhancement. To learn more I spoke with after the California Zephyr and San Francisco Chief) as Michael Koch, Transit Manager for the a one seat ride between Chicago and Oakland. (To be continued in the Summer 2018 issue of the Town of Winter Park Lift system. In 1983, Rio Grande, which had been one of RUN Newsletter.) the few private passenger railroads that refused As of Nov. 2017, the Amtrak reservation to join Amtrak in 1971 and instead continued system, when Winter Park Ski Resort Shuttle Dana Gabbard is a RUN Board member and operating passenger rail service, finally assented Stop (WPS) is given as the destination, lists executive secretary of Southern California Transit and gave Amtrak access to its trackage. as part of the itinerary “6206 Thruway Bus Advocates. A Missouri Town Gets an Amtrak Stop (Continued from page 18) beaten path” places that are accessible for the Texas Eagle is 10:02 p.m. for southbound on Amtrak. Thanks to civic advocates Train #21 and 4:19 a.m. for northbound Train sample the local color. That is what like Carol Kelsheimer and local business #22 at the Arcadia station. Sappington’s tour company plans to offer. people like Tim Sappington, there is a set of three towns in southern Missouri that For more detailed information about the station There are a few Amtrak stops that were are now accessible to everyone, with or and the surrounding area, see the website of the added to the roster because local civic without an automobile. Great American Stations Foundation, www. advocates fought to get them placed onto greatamericanstations.com. a train’s schedule. Arcadia Valley is one Our Town Tomorrow can be reached at (573) 546- of those stops. While RUN is usually 3546 and is developing a web site for the train station David Peter Alan is a member of the RUN concerned with cities, the transit they offer and the organization. The site for Arcadia Valley Board of Directors and has ridden the entire and how they connect to the rest of the Tours is www.arcadiavalleytours.com, and the phone Amtrak system, having visited about 400 of the Amtrak network, there are some “off the number is (573) 546-TOUR. The current schedule destinations served by Amtrak. From the run board of directors

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