Ohio Passenger Rail News
Ohio to Join Midwest Direct Three Rivers Runs Without Chicago-based hub to include Cleveland, Ohio Stops Cincinnati, Toledo On Nov. 10, Amtrak reintro duced its former Broadway Limited A number of Midwest states route across northern Ohio as an banded together last ~mmmerwith extension of the New York City Amtrak to promote improvements Pittsburgh Three Rivers service. to regional rail passenger services. Trains carrying mail cars, coaches, After months of waiting, Ohio has and a food service car will run daily finally stated its intention to join on an overnight schedule between this collective effort called the Mid Chicago and New York. west Rail Initiative, dubbed "Mid However, one thing is missing west Direct" by some. Ken Prendergast photo from the new service - Ohio. The effort in many ways imitates PORTENT OF THINGS TO COME? On the morning of Oct. 19, nearly 300 tourists None of three Ohio stations pro the Coalition of Northeast Gover arrive Cleveland's Lakefront Station on a special Amtrak train. Here, dozens transferred posed for the Three Rivers were from the Amtrak Superliner to a RTA Waterfront Line train to buy gifts and souvenirs at nors' (CONEG) endeavor to secure ready in time for the Nov. 10 start Tower City Center. For more details on this train, turn to page 9. federal funds for the Boston-New up of service. Stops in Fostoria, York City high speed rail project, done more talking than doing when .. pears ready to put its money where Akron, and Youngstown were now under construction. it came to its role of improving rail its mouth is. It hasn't been an easy sought by Amtrak, which served For years, Ohio leaders have passenger service. Ohio now ap- -See "MIDWEST", oage eight the Coalition of Northeast Gover arrive Cleveland's Lakefront Station on a special Amtrak train. Here, dozens transferred posed for the Three Rivers were J ' from the Amtrak Superliner to a RTA Waterfront Line train to buy gifts and souvenirs at ) ' nors' (CONEG) endeavor to secure ready in time for the Nov. 10 start j ' federal funds for the Boston-New Tower City Center. For more details on this train, tum to page 9. up of service. Stops in Fostoria, j ' York City high speed rail project, done more talking than doing when .. pears ready to put its money where ) Akron, and Youngstown were I now under construction. it came to its role of improving rail its mouth is. It hasn't been an easy sought by Amtrak, which served For years, Ohio leaders have passenger service. Ohio now ap- - See "MIDWEST", page eight those cities with its Broadway Lim ited until Sept. 1995 when budget This article is reprinted cuts forced the train's elimination. Everyone Deserves a Whistle-stop here with the permission At its Nov. 16 meeting in from the Toledo Herald. By Mike Ferner Westerville, Ohio, OARP's Board Columbus just like my grandfather PBS documentary, Taken for a of Directors agreed unanimously to "I'm on my way to Chicago. And ·\ I'm goin' on a train," President Bill could. Ride. Dayton-area independent send a letter which stresses the Clinton told cheering crowds on a I'd like to ask Clinton why he filmmakers Jim Klein and Martha association's displeasure with the campaign stop outside Columbus supports the notion that America Olson saw their work aired on Three Rivers' lack of service to recently. should be the only industrialized PBS' Point of View series in July. Ohioans. The letter was sent to of That train carried the president to nation that refuses to subsidize its They tell the dramatic story of ficials at Amtrak, the Ohio Rail De my hometown of Toledo. I'm glad passenger rail system. I'd like to how America's passenger trains velopment Commission, Young the president of the United States ask him how many more lives we and streetcars were systematically stown, Akron, and Fostoria- plus came to my city. I'd just like to ask will pay to protect •-•oor"Persian and deliberatelY. destroyed by what state and federal legislators. him: Why can't the rest of us take Gulf oil when Amtrak collapses. we now call the highway lobby. "This association is deeply dis a train to our state capital? I doubt I'll get a chance to ask What makes their film so impor appointed by the fact that the Three I'm not arguing for a taxpayer's him in person, but, luckily, two fel tant, however, is that it goes beyond Rivers runs 373 miles non-stop, be right to fly on Air Force One. I just low Ohioans have· helped answer vague conspiracy theories to name tween Nappanee, Ind. and Pitts- want to be able to take a train to those questions in a stunning new - See "RIDE", page four - See "BROADWAY", page six Ohio Association of Railroad Passengers 479 Humiston Drive FIRST CLASS U.S. POSTAGE What's Inside~.. A Bay Village OH 44140-3017 PAID ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED Cleveland OH > ~TrainofThoughf' Permit # 2470 > 'fe6tival ofStations . > Conrail-lltnerfet · . ' > Light railforColumbusr > Passenfertail on the Web > CardtnaJ -:&lizzard Trip' >·Allltl'at Hl'Vt't CQlwabusl · Two Ohio Passenger Rail News, December 1996 Ohio Passenger Rail News Copyright © 1996, Ohio Association of Railroad Passengers Train of Thought Kenneth Prendergast, Editor from OARP Executive Director
Mark Carlson, Production Marilyn Carlson, Distribution Kenneth Prendergast Board of Directors nlike past Train of Thought columns which dealt with just one issue, this U time there's a number of issues on which to comment. Officers * * * * * Mark Carlson President Bill Hutchison Vice-President If you want to see a shining example of how a decrepit train station can be Meg Grey Secretary Tom Allen Treasurer brought back to life, take a trip to Toledo. See the photo spread "Toledo Central Directors Union Plaza Rededicated" in this issue for a glimpse of the terrific job done by the Toledo/Lucas County Port Authority. J. Howard Harding Past-President Jim Dingus 216/330/440 Director The revival of Central Union Plaza includes a spacious, comfortable train sta ·Ron Bergen Director At-Large Larry George 419 Director tion and transit bus stop on the ground floor, and various offices on the upper Bill O'Brien Director At-Large Frank Gordnier 513/937 Director floors. The facility is an attractive, functional, and financially self-supporting model Bob Wickens Director At-Large Bill Schuler 614 Director for cities across the nation to emulate. Executive Director ***** As I'm sure many of you have heard by now, a bidding war has developed Kenneth Prendergast among CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads for Conrail. Regardless of who gets Conrail, the merged company will become one of the largest transportation com panies in the world. This will have a large impact on Ohio, and on current and future passenger rail services here. Between CSX, NS, and Conrail, they have many duplicate, parallel routes across Ohio. But unlike past mergers around these parts, this one doesn't mean that thou sands of miles of rail will be melted down and railroad ties sent to Ohio landscap ers. CSX and NS may both end up buying Conrail, then divvy up the lines each wants most. Also, nearly every CSX, NS, and Conrail mainline in Ohio is at ca pacity. According to statements by the railroad companies, the merged company will use many of these parallel lines for specialized traffic. Those routes getting the fast freights will likely be where the merged company will accept passenger trains. Neither CSX, NS, nor Conrail have historically shown affection for passenger trains. These three companies have stated that passenger trains should mix with the fast freights or, ultimately, run on passenger-only tracks. In any event, the variables of who gets what _routes and where passengers fit in 'are mind_-boggling in their numb~r.Tijey e:ye<(s countless as the railroad "industry watchers who are burning out crystal balls trying to predict what the rail map in the eastern U.S. will look like five years from now. * * * * * Last year, the Cleveland Indians made it to the World Series. If that wasn't strange enough, this past September Columbus Mayor Greg Lashutka actually had some nice things to say about light rail transit. Has anyone checked the align- w 111 u""' umuy u1 wt:st: paraue1 nnes ror spectallzed tratlic. Those routes getting the fast freights will likely be where the merged company will accept passenger trains. Neither CSX, NS, nor Conrail have historically shown affection for passenger trains. These three companies have stated that passenger trains should mix with the fast freights or, ultimately, run on passenger-only tracks. In any event, the variables of who gets what routes and where passengers fit in 'are min ~~c~~d~~c-e-~i:h_t~~~~S-:~d~~ _____ ~ cut here, ______-a~t~:~r~:~o~b~l~ ~~~-o"'f_F_a_m_e_.------YES! I WANT BETTER RAIL PASSENGER SERVICES! : WANTED! An introductory one-year membership in the Ohio Association of Railroad Passengers includes Photos and Articles · a subscription to the Ohio Passenger Rail News, plus action alerts, notice of rail-oriented events, Clippings from newspapers and magazines must and local meetings. Contributions to OARP may be tax deductible. include the publication's name and date. Your ar Enclosed is a check or money order for..• ticles and news briefs should be typed and double spaced, though very short items may be legibly D $ 15.oofor an Individual Membership. NAME written. Preferably, send hard copy with IBM-com 0 $ IO.oofor a Retired/Student Membership. TITLE ...... patible text files on 51A" or 3W' disks. Submis D $IOO.oofor a Corporate Membership. sions via e-mail to: Send me copies of the newslet- COMPANY ...... __ Intemet:[email protected]. ADDRESS {SftfgP;{~sb9!iationof Railroad Passen- We reserve the right to edit all non-published sub gers CITY missions. Original photos should be sharp, bright c/o Tom Allen, Treasurer STATE ...... ZIP CODE ...... prints-avoid slides and negatives. 752 Braumiller Road Always include your name and phone number! Delaware OH 43015 ....__ Ohio Passenger Rail News, December 1996 Three for Central Ohio and a senior vice-president of Columbus sees light rail at tunnel's end the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Smithers In a city with highway-only tunnel vision, the manner, which public transportation can serve also was quoted in the Di!>patch article. "COTA two forces that helped kill a 1995 proposal for more effectively than newer, sprawling suburbs. is shrinking at a time when the region is grow light rail service between Worthington and down The Dispatch reported that, after talking about ing." town Columbus may be seeing the light at the light rail for three years and spending $1.7 mil Smithers recently was named as Mayor end of that tunnel. And yes, it could be a train. lion on studies, the Central Ohio Transit Author Lashutka's executive assistant. Mayor Greg Lashutka said a lack of quality ity (COTA) in 1995 dumped a $522 million stra Unfortunately, state transportation officials mass transit to downtown Columbus is a major tegic plan. who spend over 98 percent of Ohioans' trans reason why there needs to be a sea of parking In that plan, COTA was to build a $276 mil portation dollars on more and more roads, are lots surrounding the downtown area. To develop lion, 11-mile light-rail line between downtown skeptical that anyone will use trains. those lots into usable, attractive offices, retail, and Worthington. The newspaper noted: "By con "Everybody likes mass transit, but they want housing and parks, there needs to be another way trast, a single new freeway interchange at I-270 other people to take it," said Pieter Wykoff, for commuters and others to reach the downtown and Morse and Stelzer roads, now under construc spokesman for the Ohio Department of Trans area than by car. tion, will cost $233 million." portation. "Yes there are a lot of parking lots out there," A lack of support among civic leaders, notably Perhaps Mr. Wykoff and his We-Pave-The Mr. Lashutka said in a Sept. 13 edition of the Mayor Lashutka and the owner and editors of World friends should visit Cleveland's Waterfront Columbus Dispatch. "It argues for better public the Columbus Dispatch, prompted COTA to drop Line, St. Louis' MetroLink, Chicago's Metra transportation-light rail. That system should the proposed light-railline from its plans and in system, and other well-planned rail lines that are link Columbus with the surrounding county stead seek to increase bus service for $249 mil exceeding their ridership expectations. seats." lion. That cost was to be funded out of a Novem "Highways do make it possible for urban The edition of the Dispatch that quoted Mr. ber 1995 operating levy. Voters rejected the levy sprawl and there are critics who say we should Lashutka, was actually a special issue that dealt and service shrank. spend money on mass transit," but the depart extensively on the problem of urban sprawl in "There's something wrong here," said Ralph ment builds what the public wants, Mr. Wykoff central Ohio. In general, urban sprawl occurs W. Smithers, executive director of. the Devel said to the Dispatch reporter . when developed areas grow outward from a city opment Committee Of course, Mr. Wykoff has already forgotten center at a rate faster than the urban region's that a majority of Ohioans testified against more population and job base is growing. highways in the 1992 state-wide The result is that previously developed parts Access Ohio hearings. Instead, of the metropolitan area, usually located closer 70 percent of Ohioans who testi to the urban core, are drained of all but the poor fled asked for more non-highway est residents and jobs. Those older areas were transportation such as intercity developed in a more dense, pedestrian-friendly passenger trains, light rail, urban bus, pedestrian access and bike paths. The Word Front Washington OARP to ODoT: Projects in three Ohio cities will be the benefi At public meetings, OKI has received over ciaries of federal transportation funds appropri whelming support for light rail as opposed to ''We Told You So'' ated by Congress this autumn. Affected cities are HOY and busways. Interestingly, a busway sys- 1..:. trt. f'rt.c-t ,...,....,l,r no'h.£"\\o.... t- ._....,._...... ,,..,._.,. Cincinnati. Canton. and Ravenn:L Whil~n~w mil fpm nrnlPr-tPrl 11l ord ro01 Washington OARP to ODoT: Projects in three Ohio cities will be the benefi At public meetings, OKI has received over ciaries of federal transportation funds appropri whelming support for light rail as opposed to ''We Told You So'' ated by Congress this autumn. Affected cities are HOY and busways. Interestingly, a busway sys Cincinnati, Canton, and Ravenna. While new rail tem is projected to cost only about 10 percent The Nov. 26 Columbus Dispatch carried an ar service would not be a direct result of the fund less than light rail. ticle, titled "Highway Building Funds Could Dry ing, the federal dollars are needed to carry out For Canton, Congress budgeted $3.5 million Up", which says that highway funds could shrink planning required prior to the start -up of service. to pay for final planning and a small portion of from the present $400 million per year to $150 For Cincinnati, $3 million was budgeted to capital costs of starting commuter rail service million within three years. continue the progress of the I-71 Corridor Study. between Canton, Akron, and Cleveland. Origi This is the result of the passage of Issue 2 in The study's ultimate goal is to find a transporta nally, $5.5 million was requested by U.S. Rep. 1995, which increased the Ohio Department of tion solution to auto congestion along a 33-mile Ralph Regula (R-Navarre). Transportation's (ODoT) borrowing authority by segment of I-71, from the airport to King's Is Meanwhile, Stark County voters in Novem $120 million annually. land. Communities along the corridor leveraged ber rejected a local tax levy to continue the op The authority to increase borrowing was tacked the federal contribution by providing $1 million erations their bus transit system beyond next of on to an extremely popular infrastructure mea of their own money. year. A similar tax levy will likely appear in the sure that had the support of many communities The $4 million total would allow the study to spring 1997 primary election to keep the buses throughout Ohio. The reason for this action was proceed to its next level-to complete engineer running. that there was little support in the legislature for ing studies on a "locally preferred alternative," For Ravenna, funding was appropriated for a a gas tax increase or other action at that time. which is to be selected by April. There are three Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) study of Over the next couple of years, debt servicing alternatives: light rail, busway and high-occu the feasibility of restoring a track connection will consume a greater and greater share of the pancy vehicle (HOY) lanes within existing, con linking Conrail and CSX mainlines which cross gested highways. Highway widenings were re here. The Ravenna Connection, as the proposed ODoT budget. The implication is clear: The high jected due to a lack of public support. link is called, would allow an extension of way interests will probably try to pass a new gas Fully one-fourth of all vehicle trips made in Amtrak's New York City-to-Pittsburgh Pennsyl tax hike and/or an increase in auto registration Greater Cincinnati are along the I -71 Corridor. vanian to serve Youngstown and Ravenna. The fees within two years. ODoT is already greasing With the $4 million in hand, planners at the Ohio route would pass through Cleveland on its way the skids for this by making the public aware of Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Govern to Toledo. this situation through articles such as the one that ments (OKI-the metropolitan area's planning The FRA's study would be conducted in con appeared in the Dispatch. organization) can bring designs up to the point junction with Amtrak, the State of Ohio, and Last year, officials in state government and of construction. Depending on what alternative freight railroads Conrail and CSX. Congress OARP were warning ODoT that it would quickly is selected, construction costs could total more made available $200,000 for the study, which run out of money to adequately maintain high than $1 billion. will address reinstating the connection and the ways if the higher debt limit was approved. closure of, or other safety enhancements to a highway-rail grade crossing located at the site. Four Ohio Passenger Rail News, December 1996 Riding virtual reality rails Passenger Rail Web By Bill Pietrucha your complete itinerary," Mr. Borella said. Newsb.vtes Staff Writer The itinerary includes train status, services Sites ... Amtrak: http://www.amtrak.com WASHINGTON DC- Rail travelers can now aboard the trains, layover times, total trip time, Be sure to check out Amtrak's web site for plan a complete train trip aboard Amtrak, or take additional scheduling options, and connecting detailed information on rail trips, itineraries, spe a virtual train ride through Amtrak's redesigned rail service. A separate promotions section of cial discounts, train photo gallery and employee "station" on the World Wide Web. fers information on special discounts, travel bar news. Greeting visitors with an audio "all aboard," gains, Amtrak Vacations packages, and Amtrak the web site, at http://www.amtrak.com, offers merchandise. Rail Europe: http://www.raileurope.com rail travelers the opportunity to plan a complete "Members of the press will also appreciate the Offers current fares and schedules on trains train trip aboard Amtrak, check out their on news section for the latest company information between major cities throughout Europe. Also board accommodations and even see sights they and press releases," Mr. Borella toldNewsbytes. provides information on rail passes, hotel, rental will enjoy on their planned rail journey. ''While train buffs will welcome the train photo cars, and Eurostar passenger service through the "One image lets users take virtual rail trips with gallery which will have images ready to down channel tunnel. Special discounts are offered to the help ofTrakrouter, Amtrak's new point-and load." web users. click interactive scheduler," Amtrak spokesper Train schedules currently are available online Railway Exchange: http:// son Rob Borella told Newsbytes. "Just choose and, by early next year, users will be able to check www.railwayex.com any two cities served by Amtrak trains and/or fares and availability, make reservations, and Provides extensive links to railway informa Amtrak Thruway buses to build a complete travel purchase tickets online. tion, services and commerce, including railroad itinerary." In addition to online reservations and ticket related products and services, museums, and at Another image leads users to an online travel ing, Mr. Borella said further improvements are tractions. There is also an on-line directory of planner with a clickable national system map de planned for next year, including train status in railway industry terms and definitions, training tailing Amtrak's routes and 650 destination op formation and online ticketing for travel agen opportunities and job rosters. tions The travel planner section highlights each cies. The redesigned web site was developed by Share your favorite passenger rail related web train's route, scenic highlights, on-board ameni Proximal Inc. site. Pass along the home page address with a ties, and accommodations. This copyrighted article, downloaded 'da brief description to: Ken Prendergast, Ohio Pas "Pick an origin and destination point, with up PRNewswire, appear~courtesy of Newsbytes. an senger Rail News, 12029 Clifton Blvd. #505, to t\vo connections, and you'll be able to plan Internet-available magazine. It was edited for brevity. Lakewood OH 44107-2161. Truck (which also built buses), Phillips Petro Helping keep the driving spirit alive, Dow Everyone Deserves a leum and Firestone joined GM's supp011 ofNCL. Chemical, producer of asphalt, entered the in Whistle-stop If you've inched through, traffic on a city bus dustry-sponsored PR campaign with a film fea or followed one for any distance, you know why turing a staged testimonial from a grade-school -"RIDE", from page one----- people abandoned NCL's buses for cars when teacher standing up to her anti-highway neigh names. ever they could. It doesn't take a rabid conspiracy bors. With quiet indignation she asked, "Can't Ride weaves General Motors promotional nut to see the benefit to GM, Firestone and Stan you see this highway means a whole new way - ""'~~~~~"'r""""''"'"al archives and interview with dard Oil. of life for the children?" when it documents Citizens might agree that highways meant a for UJ {\.\-'(_} CUllllt:LllUll;:"), , ..utu Y'-'U ...... '""'"....,._._~..., r·-·-~-- Ldl\..c;wvuu '--'• • -r-r .. '-f, ...... ,• ..._...... Truck (which also built buses), Phillips Petro Helping keep the driving spirit alive, Dow Everyone Deserves a leum and Firestone joined OM's suppott ofNCL. Chemical, producer of asphalt, entered the in Whistle-stop If you've inched through; traffic on a city bus dustry-sponsored PR campaign with a film fea or followed one for any distance, you know why turing a staged testimonial from a grade-school -"RIDE", from page one----- people abandoned NCL's buses for cars when teacher standing up to her anti-highway neigh names. ever they could. It doesn't take a rabid conspiracy bors. With quiet indignation she asked, "Can't Ride weaves General Motors promotional nut to see the benefit to GM, Firestone and Stan you see this highway means a whole new way films, congressional archives and interview with dard Oil. of life for the children?" citizen activists _into a compelling pattern that Ride is most compelling when it documents Citizens might agree that highways meant a makes it clear: We didn't get into the traffic we're how, in 1946, the U.S. Justice Department pros whole new way of life, but not necessarily for in today by accident. ecuted NCL, General Motors and others for com the better. The wrecking ball cleared whole For example, Ride explains, the oft-scorned bining to destroy America's transit systems. neighborhoods for the interstate highways, and highway lobby was not born of fuzzy environ Brad Snell, an auto-industry historian who has public protest grew accordingly. One Washing mentalist folklore. The "most powerful pressure spent 16 years researching GM, said key law ton D.C. activist recalled, "This was a brutal group in Washington" began in June 1932, when yers involved with the case told him there wasn't period in our history; a very brutal period." GM President Alfred P. Sloan created the Na a "scintilla of doubt that the defendants had set Taken for a Ride concludes with a peek into tional Highway Users Conference, inviting oil out to destroy the streetcars." the future, interviewing corporate sponsors of the and rubber companies to help GM bankroll a pro For eliminating a system "worth $300 billion Intelligent Vehicle Highway System (IVHS), a paganda and lobbying effort that continues to this today," Snell lamented, the corporations were computer-controlled vision of travel currently re day. eventually found guilty and fined $5,000. Key ceiving 90 percent of all transportation research Sloan, seeing a huge automobile market if he individuals, such as the treasurer of GM, were funding. could get people out of streetcars and trains, fined $1. Back to my present-day transportation dilem bought out Omnibus Corp., the nation's largest The postwar boom in housing, suburbs and mas and wondering if common citizens might bus-operating company, and Yellow Coach, the freeways is a familiar story. Not so familiar are ever be able to take a train between Toledo and largest bus manufacturer. With these, he began a the highway lobby's high-level efforts to deter Columbus, I called Scott Leonard of the National campaign to "modernize" New York City's (sur mine our transportation future. Association of Railroad Passengers in Washing face) railways with buses. In 1953, President Dwight Eisenhower ap ton D.C. He did not sound hopeful: With New York as an example, GM formed pointed then-OM President Charles Wilson as "The Clinton Administration does not support National City Lines (NCL) in 1936, and the as his secretary of defense. Wilson relentlessly giving Amtrak a half-cent of the gas tax to up sault on mass transit across America began with pushed for and won a system of interstate high grade its system, but it has joined the group that a vengeance. ways. Francis DuPont, whose family owned the wants Amtrak to be self-sufficient by 2002. With Within 10 years, NCL controlled transit sys largest share of GM stock, was appointed chief out the (half-cent) help, we will not have an tems in more than 80 cities. GM denied any con administrator of federal highways. Amtrak in five years." trol of NCL, but the bus line's director of opera Funding for this largest of all public works pro I imagine Clinton enjoyed his whistle-stop tour tions came from Yellow Coach, and board mem grams came from the Highway Trust Fund's tax of my state. I hear it's a pretty trip between here bers came from Greyhound, a company founded on gasoline, to be used only for highways. Its and Columbus. by GM. Later Standard Oil of California, Mack formula assured that more highways meant more Ferner, a former Toledo City Councilman, is a driving, more gas taxes, and ... more highways. columnist for the Toledo Herald. ~ Ohio Passenger Rail News, December 1996 Five Limited is postponed until these first class ser Congress acts against A01trak's ax vices can be offered. WASHINGTON- Due to recent Congressional But while the Pioneer and Desert Wind expe Proposed daily operation of the Empire action, Amtrak will temporarily continue oper rienced low ridership on long runs, the often sold Builder, California Zephyr, and City of New ating the four long-distance passenger train out Lake Shore's Boston section was to be sacri Orleans has been postponed. The plan to inau routes that had earlier been slated for discontinu ficed just to avoid switching costs at Albany. It gurate a third New York-Florida round-trip, the ance on Nov. 10. But, as a result Congress' ac also would have allowed use of standard train Silver Palm, will go ahead unchanged. tion, Amtrak must delay restoration of daily ser sets that could run on all routes interchangeably, This year's Congressional battle involved vice and amenities on other long-distance routes. thereby maximizing equipment utilization. much more than just Amtrak funding. It was a Prior to adjourning, the 104th Congress appro Implementing this plan would have deprived contest between wealthy suburbanites with easy priated an additional $22.5 million to temporarily the Lake Shore of much of its revenue, as nearly access to low cost air service versus small cities continue operating all trains through May 10, in half its passengers come from the Boston sec and towns which have lost affordable air service order to allow states to explore possible perma tion on some days. But since the standard con and much bus service as well. Deregulation has nent funding sources. sists would be limited to 9 cars instead of the forced airlines and even some bus operators to Amtrak Chairman, President and Chief Execu improve profits by fo tive Officer Thomas M. Downs said of the cusing on high vol change, "We are gratified by the outpouring of ume routes-to the public support across the country and in Con detriment of small gress for a national rail passenger system, but towns and cities far regret delaying the benefits that would result from major airports. from implementing our business plan. My great The political influ est concern is that we will overwhelm our cus ence this year came tomers with the confusion these changes gener from rural areas, as ate." towns served by the In August, Amtrak announced proposed sched Texas Eagle and the ule changes as part of its Fiscal Year 1997 (FY97) Pioneer were threat business plan to reduce costs and significantly ened with total loss of increase revenues. That plan would have elimi Station agents used a wheelchair lift to assist a passenger onto the Lake Shore Limited. their train service. nated segments of four routes and redirected the Suddenly, long-stand company's resources to its best market opportu Lake Shore's current 16-19 cars, the train would ing Amtrak opponents became supporters. Hav nities. The four routes that had been slated for not be able to handle these passengers anyway. ing been abandoned by the privately operated discontinuance were the Texas Eagle, the Pio Keeping the threatened routes in operation will carriers, rural places turned to the only carrier neer, the Desert Wind, and the Boston-Albany require equipment and operating resources that Amtrak-they could influence through the po section of the Chicago-New York City Lake would have been used to increase service fre litical process. In an election year, some of the Shore Limited. quency and amenities on other routes. most conservative Republicans responded. These services will now operate until May 10, Thus, plans to restore New York-Pittsburgh 1997. The Lake Shore's New York and Boston Chicago service had to be modified. The New OARP gratefully acknowledges the Empire State Pas sections operate as a single train west of Albany, York-Pittsburgh Three Rivers was extended to senger Association and Amtrak, both of which contrib stopping daily in the Ohio cities of Bryan, To Chicago, but will not offer sleeping-car and din- · uted to this article. ledo, Sandusky, Elyria, and Cleveland. ing-car service. Its renaming as the Broadway ,...... ore Lzmzte~. quency and amenities on other routes. -~----mosTcoiiservative Republicans responded. These services will now operate until May 10, Thus, plans to restore New York-Pittsburgh- 1997. The Lake Shore's New York and Boston Chicago service had to be modified. The New OARP gratefully acknowledges the Empire State Pas- sections operate as a single train west of Albany, York-Pittsburgh Three Rivers was extended to senger Association and Amtrak, both of which contrib- stopping daily in the Ohio cities of Bryan, To Chicago, but will not offer sleeping-car and din- uted to this article. ledo, Sandusky, Elyria, and Cleveland. ing-car service. Its renaming as the Broadway Illinois May Seek Bids to President Clinton Needs Your Letters Run Passenger Trains As President Clinton prepares his next budget chairs will be either Richard Shelby (R) of Ala United Press International reports that Illinois it is time to write him and let him know of our bama or Connie Mack (R) of Florida. Both sup may end state subsidies to Amtrak and open Am support for Amtrak. We should urge him to sup ported the House cuts l This makes our appeals trak routes in the state to competitive bidding. port a dedicated source of capital funding for to the President that much more important. The Chicago Sun-Times quoted a Metra Amtrak and to submit a budget to Congress that So please take a few moments to urge the Presi spokesman who indicated the commuter meets Amtrak's request for at least $245 million dent to: railro~d'spossible interest in running the pas in operating funds for fiscal year 1998. (1) Support the half-penny of existing federal senger rail service between Chicago and St. gas tax for Amtrak's capital funding. Louis, Carbondale and Macomb-Quincy. The You can write President Clinton at: (2) Support giving states the choice to spend The President some of their federal transportation funds on in three routes carry approximately 300,000 pas The White House tercity passenger rail service. States can use these sengers a year. Washington, DC 20500 funds for local transit, light rail service, high According to the UPI, Amtrak has responded You can e-mail the President at: ways and even bike paths. Why not allow them saying that it is working out a long term plan h~"-""'"'~"".d.thev ~illnot fund. ;;t!lY_~tatlQnwork N-···Vnrlc • pbiladelphja • Hardsbura • Altoona • l 30 I .,.'rratn Number"' I 29 j ---~----.,------··-··--··-- .. WeFrSu 1--o1122AfTIRhlneciJH-Kingston, NY emTTI R a 15P a:m., with its westbound run stopping at 1 a.m. I WeFrSu Da]IS of OpenotWn SuWeFr D 12 23A I Croton- Hannon, NY 9271 R 1 17P Rff46P 1000P Dp Washington, DC 0 Ar 955A I I + T r Fostoria isn't far behind. A former B&O de 1 24PI Ar I New York, NY (ET) 9591 Dp 630P B61P(Su) Ar -Canol/ton, liD 9 939A Connecting Services pot was rebuilt several years ago for the Broad 916P 1031P BWI Airport. liD 30 924A Amtr.Jk Thruway sUsConnection-Ann Arbor, MIIToledo, OH 930P 1063P Baltlmol'e, ~Penn Sta. 40 911A way Limited by the city and the Ohio Depart D1100A 1022P 114BP Wilmington, DE 109 822A R 8 16PI Ann Arbor, Ml (ET) 01Ar R 910P t IDearborn, Ml I 29 t D10 10A ment of Transportation's Rail Division. The 1046P 1211A Phi-ph/a, PA 135 759A R 9 36P Delroll, Ml 36 D 945A 11 OOP Ar Toledo, OH (ET) 94 Dp city's lease for the depot expired in 1993. CSX 11 1BP 1257A Trenton, NJ 167 721A 830A D 116BP 1 42A --. NJ.Penn Sta. 215 R 635J Amtnllt Tluuw~Y~.~~'IltOHiCieviland,OH has since retaken the building as a maintenance 1215A 200A Ar New Yotf<,. NY-Penn Sta. 225 Dp 615A' R s 15PIop rinclnmill, OH--GfeYhoundTerm. (Ei) I ,.Ar I D 2- R It 30P Columbus, Oil-Greyhound Term. D 12 20P base. A plexiglass "bus stop" -type shelter may Amtr.Jk Thruway Bus Connection-Richmond, VA/Charlottesvllle, VA - 11 16P Ar Cleveland, OH-lakefronl Amtrak Sta. Dp 8 30A Dp Charlottesville, VA-Unlon Sta. 1 I IEnj f20P:_ be erected if the depot cannot be used by pas R S 46P Ar Richmond, VA 691 DpArl 1150A sengers. CAPITOL LIMITED · The wild card is Akron, where city officials Chicago • (Detroit) • Toledo • Cleveland • THREE RIVERS/PENNSYLVANIAN Pittsburgh • Washington • New York have stated they will not fund any station work New York • Philadelphia • Harrisburg • Altoona • 30 ... Train Number .. 29 for Amtrak unless the railroad signs a guarantee Johnstown • Pittsburgh • Chicago Dally ... Days of Operation .. Dally ReadDown y that it won't end service to Akron for 12 years. 41 43 ... Train Number .. 44 40 I Mile ... Read Up 745P Dp Chicago, IL-Union Sta. (CT) 0 Ar 845A Amtrak said there's no way any transportation Dally Dally ... Days of Operation .. Daily I Daily 815P Hammond-Whiling, IN (CT) 16 743A Read Down Mile ... Read Up carrier can agree to such terms, much less one 10 18P South Bend, IN (ET) 84 738A • New York, NY that lives or dies at the whim of the U.S. Con 12 SOP 715A Op -Penn Sta. (ET) 0 Ar 10 15P 620P 1045P Elkhart, IN 101 711A R 117P R73JA Newark, NJ 10 0963P D56BP 1138P Waterloo, IN 158 620A gress. Amtrak is hoping that Akron officials will 745A Metro park, NJ 25 1254A Ar Toledo,OH 234 Dp 506A eventually agree to have the trains back. 753A New Brunswick, NJ 33 Amtr.Jk Thruway Bus Connection-East Lansing, MI/Toledo, OH-Schedu/e Below In the meantime, leaders in nearby Ravenna 806A Princeton Jc1., NJ 49 1 OOAI Dp_l Toledo, OH 2341 Ar I 441A R200P 816A Trenton, NJ 58 920P D503P 228AI IEiyrla,OH 3161 I 315A have contacted Amtrak about getting the Three 838A North Philadelphia, PA 86 Amttak Thruway Bus Connectlon-CinclnnatUCieveland-Schedule Below Rivers to stop in their town of 12,000 people. R2 35P 848A Ar Philadelphia, PA 91 Dp 850P 311A Cleveland, OH 341 245A 142 172 Connecting Ttaln at Philadelphia 191/167(&So} 173 427A Alliance, OH (Canton) :!{}7 116A Ravenna is located about 20 miles east of Ak 1215P 615A Dp Washington, DC (ET) 0 Ar 1215A 666P 615A Ar Pittsburgh, PA 480 Dp 1137P ron,· and is five miles from Kent State 1 OOP 700A Baltimore, MD 40 1127P 6'f1P .: ")}"40,• -; COnnecting Train at Pltt:;burgh 41 212P 810A Ar Phi-ph/a, PA 136 Dp 10 15P 4soP 820A. tlp P~rgh.PA 480 Ar 1046P University's 30,000 students. As suggested by R310P 915A Dp Philadelphia, PA 91 Ar 830P D366P D355P p.r Philadelphia, PA-30th St. Sta. 833 R:J10P OARP, the city has kept $15,000 in reserve for R339P 941A Paoii,PA 110 803P OS23P, S20P A<'New. Yotf<,. NY-Penn Sta. 924 Dp 1250P when Amtrak might extend its New York City 955A Downlngton, PA 123 746P 625A Dp Pittsburgh, PA 480 Ar 1117P R42rP 1029A Lancaster, PA 159 ·· , 713P D234P 751A ConnellsviHe, PA- 540 9 21P Pittsburgh Pennsylvanian west to Cleveland and Elizabethtown, PA 177 653P 1026A Cumbertand, MD 632 706P .. 706 •. R506P 11 08A Ar Harrisburg, PA 196 Dp 630P IJ$1>'1 Martinsburg, WV!fc~ _'_ ·. :c. .. 531P Toledo. Ravenna Mayor Paul Jones has indicated R510P 1121A Dp (Scranton/Reading) Ar 616P D146P 1213P Harpers Ferry, WV 724 609P 624P 1233P lewistown, PA 256 467P 12 22P that the city might put up additional funds to build 1255P Rockville, MD 763 427P 704P 110P Huntingdon, PA 293 418P 1142A 137P Ar Washington, DC 780 Dp 405P a station facility. 136P Tyrone, PA 313 350P 176 connecting Ttatn at Washington, DC 143 748P 157P AHoona,PA 327 335P 11 OOA New Castle, PA, 18 miles east of Youngstown, 216P Dp Washington, DC o Ar 266P 852P 255P Johnstown, PA 366 2 35P 958A also has been lobbying for a stop on the Three 300P Ar Baltimore, MD-Penn Sta. 40 212P 334P Latrobe, PA 403 163P 412P Philadelphia, PA-30th St. Sts. 135 1266P Rivers(and an extended Pennsylvanian). OARP 942P 348P Greensburg, PA 413 142P ·9Q8A 646P Ar N- Yotfr, NY-Penn sta. (ET) 225 Dp 1130A 1046P 454P Ar Pittsburgh, PA 444 Dp 1 OOP 825A and the Keystone Association of Railroad Pas 1110P Dp Ar 750A Connecting Services Amtnllt Thruway Bus Connection-East Lansing, IIVToledo, OH sengers several years ago rounded up support New Castle, PA ' R 835P East Lllnslng, Ml (ET) Youngstown, OH 518 0 Ar D 845A among community leaders in New Castle for the R 956P Ann Arbor, Ml 55 D 735A Akron area, OH R1050P Dearborn, Ml 84 D 645A R1110P Fostoria, OH 682 Oetroll, Ml 91 D 625A Pennsylvanian extension. It appears that, for 1230A !Ar Toledo,OH i (ET) 149 Op now, local funds will provide a temporary bus Garrett, IN m 612A Nappanee, IN 817 1215A Amtnllt Thnlway Bus CDnnectlon-Cinclnna/1, OH/Cieve/and, OH connection to the train station in Youngstown 636A Hammond-Whiting, IN 900 954P R 8 1:1 Op j:lnclnnali, Oil-Greyhound Term. (ET) D945A R 10 40P Columbus, Term. I Oil-Greyhound 0 745A while New Castle officials decide how and where 750A Ar Chlcago,ll (CT) 915 Op 926P 1 20A Ar Cleveland, OH--Lakefront Amtrak Sta. I::I 445A to build its own station. , __ Ohio Passenger Rail News, December 1996 Seven Amtrak and Greyhound Unite Travel Alerts On Nov. 10, after a 17-year ab pay a single Amtrak fare for their tween Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and i8f.IAJJI. WaJJII sence, Amtrak has finally come entire trip. The first part of their Chicago on the days that Amtrak's Ohio-Pennsylvania.... back to Columbus with the institu journey is by bus, with the remain thrice-weekly Cardinal does not tion of 3-C Corridor service-well, der by train (vice-versa for the re operate. This bus operates on a connection remains sort of. turn trip). schedule which closely resemble Despite the loss of through-coach While Amtrak passengers are When arriving Cleveland by bus, that of Amtrak's Cardinal. The service between Amtrak's Capitol now riding between Cincinnati, you pull into Amtrak's Lakefront schedule is shown in Timetable #2 Limited and Three Rivers, travel Columtms, and Cleveland, they station after a brief stop at the Grey below. ers from Toledo, Elyria, and Cleve aren't doing so on trains. Instead, hound terminal. Conversely, when At Indianapolis, both Amtrak and land will still be able to reach Penn Greyhound is providing feeder bus arriving Cleveland by train, the Greyhound serve Union Station. sylvania and New Jersey cities via service to connect with Amtrak connecting bus picks up passengers For now, buses from Chicago and Pittsburgh. trains at Cleveland. A new joint at the Amtrak station before head Cleveland do not operate into Coaches from Chicago were de venture between the two former ing over to the Greyhound termi Cincinnati's Amtrak station at livered to and from Pittsburgh on arch-rival transportation compa nal. The bus then hops on Interstate Union Terminal. Most of the ter the Capitol, then taken from Pitts nies use existing Greyhound sched 71 towards Columbus and Cincin minal is used as a museum. Offi burgh to New York City and return ules on six routes nationwide, op nati. See the 3-C Corridor Amtr3k! cials at the museum say they are on the Three Rivers. Connecting erate them via Amtrak stations, and Greyhound bus schedule, shown in concerned about security, buses in passengers didn't need to exit the Amtrak sells tickets on t,hos; buses Timetable #1 below. terfering with museum patrons, and train at Pittsburgh. as if they were part of the Amtrak The Greyhound station in Co traffic from buses pulling into the With the Nov. 10 extension of the system. lumbus is located downtown at 111 driveway circle in front of the main Three Rivers to Chicago via Ak Tickets are being sold at Amtrak East Town Street, at Third Street. entrance. However, these concerns ron, Youngstown, and Fostoria, the fares. Greyhound gets paid a ne In Cincinnati, the Greyhound sta appear to be based more on false through-coach service came to end. gotiated amount for each Amtrak tion is downtown at 1005 Gilbert perceptions. However, the schedules of the ticket it honors. What this means Avenue. The Greyhound bus station and Capitol and Three Rivers still per for Ohio travelers heading from, Also, Amtrak passengers will be Cincinnati Union Terminal are sev mit transfers at the Steel City be say, Columbus to Boston, is they carried on a Greyhound bus be- eral miles and a $4 cab ride apart. tween these trains. Connecting pas For Chicago--Cincinnati passen sengers must now exit their trains gers taking the train one way and at Pittsburgh's Penn Station. the bus the other, it is terribly in convenient to not have the two ser Cleveland RTA vice using the same station facili extends day pass ties in the Queen City. For tourists, business travelers, It is OARP's hope that an agree ·and other Cleveland rail transit rid ment can be worked out between ers, RTA has extended the sale of Amtrak and the museum. Further, its popular all-day passes indefi Amtrak® will now we trust that the Cincinnati-Chi nitely. The ail-day pass program cago bus is not ·an attempt to re- was due to expire Sept. 30. ~.-...... -.. r.-...1 ...... a...... ~ ....~ .._1_ ~ ,...... _ _l'! _ __ 1 T""a _.._~_ --- r'"\. A T"lT'II r:"-- d"A ------.&.L- -11 ...1--· ay, Columbus to Boston, is they cai·deoona- Greyhound bus be- eral mtles and a $4 can nae apart. ·~fween tfieSe trains. connecnng pas- For Chicago-Cincinnati passen- sengers must now exit their trains gers taking the train one way and at Pittsburgh's Penn Station. the bus the other, it is terribly in- convenient to not have the two ser- Cleveland RTA vice using the same station facili- extends day pass ties in the Queen City. For tourists, business travelers, It is OARP~shope that an agree- ·and other Cleveland rail transit rid- ment can be worked out between ers, RTA has extended the sale of Amtrak and the museum. Further, its popular ali-day passes indefi- Amtrak® will now we trust that the Cincinnati-Chi- nitely. The all-day pass program cago bus is not ·an attempt to re- was due to expire Sept. 30. serve Columbus and place the Cardinal. Rather, OARP For $4 per perS'on, the all-day hopes this is an honest move by pass permits unlimited travel on all Amtrak to strengthen it. One of the RTA trains and buses, as long as Cincinnati, OH Cardinal's weaknesses is that it the travel does not continue past 3 with a brand new motorcoach service runs only three times a week. By a.m. the next morning. providing daily service to Amtrak's For more information, call the connecting to the Capitol Ltd. and Chicago hub, the Cardinal should RTAnswerline at (216) 621-9500. Lake Shore Ltd. starting fit into more Ohioans' travel plans. November 10, 1996 TIMETABLE #1 Southbound Northbound read down read up Daily Daily < Days of Operation > Daily Daily 1387 1117 TIMETABLE #2 Enjoy state-of-the-art, upscale motorcoach service. Southbound Northbound read down read up For information and reservations MWFSu TuThSa < Days of Operation > SuTuWF MThSa call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL 579 Ohio to Join Midwest Direct hired to conduct the study: COMSIS of Silver commission's Dec. 12 meeting, this would get -"MIDWEST", from page one Spring, MD and TEMS of Frederick, MD. Ohio involved in time to play a meaningful role. task to get the state to commit a paltry sum of The process of developing faster, more fre- The Nov. 14 meeting was the second time that $50,000 to the Midwest initiative. The state still quent trains, as envisioned in this effort, appears the ORDC took a stand on their participation in hasn't contributed a nickle. That decision won't more realistic than others that have come and Midwest Direct. In September, an ORDC corn- be made until Dec. 12, when the Ohio Rail De- gone over the last two decades. Why? mittee shot down the idea before it even got to velopment Commission (ORDC) next again. At The Midwest plan for developing higher speed the full board for a vote. the ORDC's Nov. 14 meeting, the commission trains is predicated on existing rail passenger ser- Interestingly, motivation for the Nov. 14 vote merely decided to join the Midwest initiative. In vices. This is the "building-block" approach favoring the Midwest initiative did not come . December, the ORDC will fill in the blanks on which OARP advocates. In short, existing rail from within commission. Rather, it came from how much money it will commit. passenger services are improved and sped up, the Toledo/Lucas County Port Authority, which The Midwest initiative is the creation of the creating more travel demand, which in tum ere- offered to pay the $50,000 if the ORDC hadn't. Wisconsin Department of Transportation to de- The port authority said their in- velop a business plan for the implementation of tention was not to give an ulti- a Midwest regional rail system. States that have p t• I matum to the ORDC. contributed funding-about $50,000 from oten Ia "It wasn't our finger to their each-include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Midwest chest," said James Hartung, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. president of the Toledo/Lucas Amtrak has contributed $100,000. Additional System County Port Authority. "Toledo funding from the Federal Railroad Administra- is oft' a natural line, an east west tion is being sought. line (linking Cleveland with Midwest Direct's business plan, to be com- Chicago). Our position was that pletedayearfromnow, willhaveshort-andlong- we consider it important term objectives. In the short term, the plan will enough to invest the $50,000." focus on improving service efficiency, schedul- That kind of vocal grassroots ing connections, and marketing for existing ser- support, emphasized with dol- vices in the region. The long-term focus will de- lars, is greatly appreciated by fine what type of rail system is desired for the OARP. We also appreciate Midwest, and how to finance and manage it. 'yes' votes cast in the Nov. 14 Routes under consideration all focus on Chicago. decision by ORDC Board Two of these lines include Ohio--Chicago-To- members James Betts, Monsi- ledo-Cleveland and Chicago-Indianapolis-Cin- gnor Kenneth Grimes, Charles cinnati. Gerhardt of the Ohio Depart- By developing rail passenger service through ment of Development (he has a multi-state, collective approach, the participants. resigned due to a change of oc- hope to gain a number of advantages. These in- ates pressures to further expand services and in- cupation), Donald Yerks, and Carla Ceffaratti. elude: operating and cost efficiencies, services crease speeds. Mrs. Ceffaratti, deputy director of ODoT's mass tailored and responsive to regional needs, create While Ohio is a late-comer to the Midwest ini- transit division, will discuss the Midwest initia- competitive service between Midwest city pairs, tiative, ORDC Executive Director Tom O'Leary tive at the next Columbus local OARP meeting, and garner a fair share of federal funding via re- felt confident that if the ORDC formally ap- at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 14 at the Red Door Tavern, gional influence. Two consultin!! firms were proved the $50.000 exnenditure at the 1711'\ WP.<:t <:ith AvPnnP Midwest, and how to finance and manage it. 'yes' votes cast in the Nov. 14 • Routes under consideration all focus on Chicago. decision by ORDC Board Two of these lines include Ohio-Chicago- To- members James Betts, Monsi- ledo-Cleveland and Chicago-Indianapolis-Cin- gnor Kenneth Grimes, Charles cinnati. Gerhardt of the Ohio Depart- By developing rail passenger service through ment of Development (he has a multi-state, collective approach, the participants. resigned due to a change of oc- hope to gain a number of advantages. These in- ates pressures to further expand services and in- cupation), Donald Yerks, and Carla Ceffaratti. elude: operating and cost efficiencies, services crease speeds. Mrs. Ceffaratti, deputy director of ODoT' s mass tailored and responsive to regional needs, create While Ohio is a late-comer to the Midwest ini- transit division, will discuss the Midwest initia- competitive service between Midwest city pairs, tiative, ORDC Executive Director Tom O'Leary tive at the next Columbus local OARP meeting, and garner a fair share of federal funding via re- felt confident that if the ORDC formally ap- at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 14 at the Red Door Tavern, gional influence. Two consulting firms were proved the $50,000 expenditure at the 1736 West 5th Avenue. On the down side of the vote, two ORDC com missioners voted against the state participating in Midwest Direct. Also, three commissioners were absent (Larry Sowers, Tim Davis, and Roger Ach). If they had been present, the vote's outcome could have been very different. The two dissenting votes came from Larry Par sons and Charles Brown. Mr. Parsons of Denver CO is a Vice-President of the Southern Pacific Railway and has an ownership interest in the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad. Mr. Brown, the ORDC Board's consumer representative, lives in Alliance, OH. He is an attorney, chairman of the Stark County Republican Party, and a close friend of Governor George Voinovich. OARP is not aware of any attempts made by Mr. Brown to contact us, or any other grassroots consumer groups affected by his ORDC votes. Interestingly, we understand Mr. Brown seeks input from Governor Voinovich. However, OARP must ask-when did the governor be come a consumer group? Given the outcry for passenger trains during the Access Ohio public hearings, Mr. Brown's actions do not give a strong example of the ORDC consumer representitive's responsiveness to the wishes of Ohioans. Phone calls to Mr. Brown, requesting an inter view for this article, were not returned prior to press time. Ohio Passenger Rail News, December 1996 Nine About 70 of the 265 passengers waited at the Toledoans buy train, then Cleveland Amtrak station for the next Waterfront Line train, By Kenneth Prendergast as OARP made arrangements with the Greater OARP Executive Director ing, but had no idea how miserable a drive it Cleveland Regional Transit Authority so their Over 265 passengersboarded an Amtrak train would have been. Gusting winds in excess of 30 trains would make special stops at the Amtrak for a 9 a.m. departure from the station at Toledo's mph, horizontal rain, and temperatures in the 40s walkway to pick up the passengers. RTA pro beautifully restored Central Union Plaza. That made for white-knuckle driving. But the passen vided a rail division supervisor to answer ques may not seem strange, since Amtrak's Lake gers could watch the scenery and relax while the tions about using the rail system and assist pas Shore Limited departs Toledo for Chicago near train maintained its two-hour schedule between senger loadings. OARP greatly appreciates that time. Toledo and Cleveland, cruising along at 79 mph. RTA's cooperation! But it is strange. This train, a four-car Super OARP supplied a special newsletter to the pas Shortly before the 5 p.m. departure back to liner, was instead headed east to Cleveland car sengers, detailing the Pennsylvanian extension Toledo, the passengers all began showing up at rying tourists and shoppers. project, the new light-rail Waterfront Line and the Amtrak station-many of them arrived by The Northwest Ohio Passenger Rail Task Force things to see and do in Cleveland. Waterfront Line trains which continued to make on Saturday, Oct. 19 sponsored a one-day only Arriving Cleveland's Amtrak station in the special stops. Nearly all the passengers re special train from Toledo to Cleveland and re weather more suited for ducks, people scattered turned to Toledo toting shopping bags of souve turn. The purpose of the trip was two-fold-to in all directions to the things they wanted to see nirs and other goodies from Tower City, Galle serve as a fundraiser for the association and to and do. ria, the science center and elsewhere, indicating promote the addition of more trains to Toledo. they had spent money here. The train was sold out several weeks in ad This trip has stimulated interest from Cleve vance, despite that there was no advertising land officials in the tourism potential of daytime only word of mouth. Tickets went for $69-79 passenger trains. Of course, Toledo began real round trip, with five corporate sponsors giving izing this before its larger neighbor to the east $1 ,000 each for 10 tickets. While some on board had-hence the special train. OARP would like the train appeared to be true railfans, most were to thank State Rep. Sally Perz and the North families, retired persons, or young couples ea west Ohio Passenger Rail Task Force for their gerly wanting to see the new Great Lakes Sci dynamic endeavor. It appears to be having a ence Center, Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, Tower snowball effect. And, by the way, the Toledo City Center, and other Cleveland attractions. group is planning on doing an other trip-per-· After departing Toledo, those aboard the The blustry, wet , weather was no issue as the Amtrak haps this spring-to Columbus, Cincinnati, or packed train could see the weather deteriorat- special approached Cleveland on-time. Chicago. Trains as Vehicles of Tourism the state's investment in better rail service can by Kenneth Prendergast increase wealth. OARP Executive Director Rail can certainly do that, as OARP discov ered earlier this year when it conducted an eco When you look up and down the 3-C Corri out, and they bypass those frustrating orange nomic impact analysis of two daily round trips dor, most people see Cincinnati, Dayton, Colum construction barrels. Trains can help make Ohio's on the 3-C Corridor and the extension of bus, and Cleveland. Or, looking at the proposed tourism economy a year-round activity. Amtrak's Pennsylvanian west to Toledo (see ~ . - Trains as Vehicles of Tourism the state's investment in better rail service can by Kenneth Prendergast increase wealth. OARP Executive Director Rail can certainly do that, as OARP discov ered earlier this year when it conducted an eco When you look up and down the 3-C Corri out, and they bypass those frustrating orange nomic impact analysis of two daily round trips dor, most people see Cincinnati, Dayton, Colum construction barrels. Trains can help make Ohio's on the 3-C Corridor and the extension of bus, and Cleveland. Or, looking at the proposed tourism economy a year-round activity. Amtrak's Pennsvlvanian west to Toledo (see route forthePennsylvanianextension, they'll see How big is tourism in Ohio? According to the page 5 in the April 1996 edition of Ohio Pas Youngstown, Cleveland, and Toledo. Ohio Department of Travel and Tourism, its di senger f1ail News). While there's nothing wrong with that, a cam rect impact on Ohio's economy was $9.4 billion Analysis showed those services would annu paign to promote development of these rail pas in 1994, employing 337,000 Ohioans. Our state ally generate $11.5 million (1994 dollars) in new senger services needs to look at more sources of ranks sixth in the nation in the number of leisure 'business activity. Of that, 39 percent, or $4.5 passenger traffic. The reason for this is that any visitors, with more than 71 million visits to Ohio. million, would be tourism-related spending at potential source of ridership should be viewed And tourism continues to grow. hotels, restaurants, taxis, and travel agencies. as a potential advocate of passenger trains. Much the same economic engine exists with That's a lot of money from only six daily trains. When it comes to to~rism,there's the Tall conventions, and rail can tap it. Did you know The Greater Cleveland Growth Association - Stacks festival and the Cincinnati Observatory that, in every major city along the 3-C Corridor, the region's chamber of commerce- has been in the Queen City, the new downtown art center the tracks are within sight (if not within a few advocating non-stop Cleveland-London airline in Dayton, the Air Force Museum in Fairborn, feet) of their convention centers? There is a tre service, citing its economic benefits. But the ben COSI and the state fair in Columbus, and the mendous opportunity to move hundreds of con efits of the 3-C Corridor and Pennsylvanian ex Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Flats in ventioneers by train to the doorsteps of events, ceed those of the proposed London flights. The Cleveland. Those are just a few examples from while leaving the weather forecast and orange Growth Association only recently learned of the along the 3-C Corridor's tracks. barrel alerts out of their travel plans. trains' impacts. Then there is the Pennsylvanian extension's OARP in the past has touted several benefits In Toledo, once their beautiful Central Union route. The extension of this New York City-Pitts of expanded rail service, including more energy Plaza was rededicated, the Toledo Convention burgh service would serve the Museum of La efficiency, safety, cleaner air, and less highway and Visitors Bureau began promoting passenger bor and Industry in Youngstown, a mecca of an congestion. However real those benefits may be, rail travel to their city. They also began working tique stores in Ravenna, Cleveland's tourist des they have not stirred the blood of State House with OARP to advocate passenger train projects tinations, Cedar Point and ferries to the Lake Erie lawmakers who have as much say in Ohio get such as the Pennsylvanian extension. islands in Sandusky, and the excellent art mu ting more rail service as Amtrak does. So when we talk about developing modern rail seum and zoo in Toledo. What stirs the blood of our elected leaders? passenger rail service, elected officials and busi However, both of Ohio's seasons-winter and Money. Generally, if an investment by the state ness leaders need to hear what trains will do for road construction-are a factor in hindering the won't create an "acceptable" amount of jobs, increasing wealth and the local tax base. This full potential of our tourism economy. Because business activity and other kinds of wealth, don't won't be a full-scale toy train for Ohioans' trains are guided by rails, they permit reliable expect the state to make that investment. OARP's amusement, but an economic engine that should travel in the worst that Ohio's winters can dish message to lawmakers must demonstrate how be put on the state's fast track. Ten Ohio Passenger Rail News, December 1996 Conrail the Prize A Banner Day in Galion of Two Railroads Conrail, once known as a government-as sembled collection of failed freight railroads, has rebuilt itself. In fact, it has become such an at tractive property that two giants in the railroad industry have engaged in a fierce takeover brawl to win Conrail. CSX and Conrail first announced their inten tion to merge as part of a $8.5 billion takeover bid by CSX. Before the dust settled, Norfolk Southern (NS) upped the ante, offering $10 bil lion for Conrail. Far from unexpected, the battle is now being waged in the courts, with Conrail's stockholders caught in the middle-an enviable position. While the legal fight will probably drag on for many months-if not longer-it is interesting to consider the implications and possibilities of a ) merger. Even though NS is the hostile bidder, l Larry Grey photo and assuming it loses in its bid, it will probably OARP members Dave LeBold, left, and Pat Patterson, both of Columbus, carried the OARP Banner in the ! win concessions. Where CSX and Conrail are Galion Oktoberfest parade. OARP sparticipation in the parade came as part of the Festival of Stations which I now the only rail competitors, the merger part was held in Galion the same weekend as their Oktoberfest. ) I ners are willing to agree to grant competitive GALION-Officials from communities, devel Hocker and John Renock of Main Street Galion, ) access. This would be particularly welcome to ) opment agencies, and other interested groups met Inc., who put in months of working out meeting ) NS. For example, in the New York City area, ) in Galion as part of OARP's biennial Festival of details and sending out invitations with electronic Conrail has almost total control over rail access Stations event. Issues relating to the expansion train sounds. OARP Secretary Meg Grey and her ! to ports there. However, in cities like Dayton and and modernization of rail passenger services husband Larry spent the entire weekend in Galion ! Youngstown, the merged CSX/Conrail company were discussed by a panel of those officials at staffing OARP's information table at the Big would be the only major railroad serving those the Oct. 5 event. Four railway depot. And, of course, OARP' s Co cities. City leaders and residents in this small town lumbus Regional Coordinator Bob Boyce, who I The merged company expects to seek operat west of Mansfield are excited about the economic came up with the idea for the first Festival of ing efficiencies, facility consolidations, overhead development potential of 3-C Corridor trains Stations held in Columbus in 1994, developed rationalization, and other activities, and new traf which would pass through and serve the town. plans for this year's meeting. fic volumes earned by enhanced service. CSX Participating in the panel was James Betts and This and other OARP activities are bringing a and Conrail say there will be some job losses as Tom O'Leary from the Ohio Rail Development great deal of attention to improving passenger a result of consolidations and the elimination of Commission, Cleve Ricksecker of Columbus' rail servir.~HoUJPVPr thPv rln r-nmP nTith , -. ------~·J ~1-"-'... LU<:; o;:;nun:: weeKena In valion y a panel of those officials at staffing OARP's information table at the Big would be the only major railroad serving those the Oct. 5 event. Four railway depot. And, of course, OARP's Co cities. City leaders and residents in this small town lumbus Regional Coordinator Bob Boyce, who The merged company expects to seek operat west of Mansfield are excited about the economic came up with the idea for the first Festival of ing efficiencies, facility consolidations, overhead development potential of 3-C Corridor trains Stations held in Columbus in 1994, developed I~ rationalization, and other activities, and new traf which would pass through and serve the town. I plans for this year's meeting. I fic volumes earned by enhanced service. CSX Participating in the panel was James Betts and This and other OARP activities are bringing a and Conrail say there will be some job losses as Tom O'Leary from the Ohio Rail Development great deal of attention to improving passenger a result of consolidations and the elimination of Commission, Cleve Ricksecker of Columbus' rail service. However, they do come with a redundancies. This means that some parallel line Short North Business Association, Risa Verraso price-OARP's treasury is being stretched a little segments will be threatened, though probably not from the Ohio Department of Travel and Tour thin in recent months. Extra donations would be to the extent of previous rail mergers affecting ism, Rob Greenlese from the Toledo/Lucas greatly appreciated. And, if you write those tax Ohio. County Port Authority, and Bill Hutchison of deductible checks before Jan. 1, they might ease "With a greater diversity of routes serving key OARP. We appreciate the participation of all your tax burden in April! Kindly send your do markets, particularly in the high-traffic regions these individuals and the organizations they rep nations to: OARP Treasurer of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, differ resent. c/o Tom Allen ent categories of traffic-manifest and intermo Several others who worked behind the scenes 752 Braumiller Road dal--can be directed to different routes, reduc made the festival a success. They include Mike Delaware, Ohio, 43015 ing delays and creating substantial new capac Any amount of donation is welcomed! ity," CSX and Conrail said in a press release. fie in these areas will reduce delays and increase From a passenger rail perspective, this could service quality. Blizzard Warning! be welcome news, depending on which routes "And-for the first time since the creation of OARP's Cincinnati Coordinator Mike Weber are selected for intermodal and manifest freight Conrail 20 years ago-it will be possible to be is once again offering his annual "Blizzard Trip." traffic. If the faster intermodal traffic is focused gin to separate freight and passenger trains on This time it will run on Sunday, Jan. 19, 1997. on heavily-populated routes where passenger different lines in some of these congested urban Travel round-trip aboard Amtrak's Cardinal trains would perform best, then rail passengers centers," the release continued. "Similar options from Cincinnati to White Sulphur Springs, WV could benefit. may exist in other parts of the combined system, for just $79 (adult fare). Conrail and CSX did have something to say as hard-pressed urban centers tum to rail trans From your reclining coach seat or from the about their merger's impact on passenger trains. portation to relieve highway congestion, save Sightseer Lounge on a double-deck Superliner "More passenger trains use the combined Con scarce public resources and improve air quality." train, enjoy passing vistas such as West Virginia's rail and CSX rail system than any other in the Both CSX and Conrail have stated in the past beautiful New River Gorge. U.S.," the press release said. "These passengers their desire to get passenger trains off their tracks Checks should be mailed by Jan. 1 to: include not only Amtrak riders, but also com and onto dedicated, passenger-only lines. If the Mike Weber muters in the Boston, New York, Philadelphia, merger goes through-in whatever form-CSX, 9800 Misty Mom Lane Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas. Conrail, and NS will have more tracks to play Cincinnati, OH 45242 Freight and passenger trains share the same with, and more routing choices where different routes in these areas. Coordination of freight traf- forms of traffic can be segregated. or call (513) 891-9251 for more information. Ohio Passenger Rail News, December 1996 Eleven 11'ei4,geaMembers PLEASE' PATRONIZE THESE AUTHORIZED TRAVEL AGENTS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE OHIO ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS: Akron Parkside Travel US A (330) 724-1800 Joel Brown Alliance Alliance AAA Travel (330) 821-2323 (330) 456-6315 Canal Fulton Massillon AAA Travel · (330) 854-6616 Cleveland Ohio Motorist Association/AAA Travel (216) 361-6080 Cleveland Randall Park Mall Travel Agency (216) 475-8747 (800) 999-2434 Robert Peck Columbus Accessible Travel Agency (614) 792-3555 (800) 837-2822 Jude Cuddy Columbus Ohio Automobile Club/AAA Travel (614) 431-7823 Elyria Tours & Travel Service, Inc. (216) 323-5423 (800) 443-7789 Mike McCiister Mansfield Mansfield Travel Center (419) 756-8747 Jay Gilbert Massillon Massillon AAA Travel (330) 833-1034 Cheryl Anderson Piqua Miami County Auto Club/AAA Travel (513) 773-3753 Sandusky Sandusky Travel Service, Inc. (419) 626-4633 Roberta Slyker Solon Astro Travel Service (216) 248-7740 (800) 759-7 404 "Amtrak" AI Mladineo Troy Miami County Auto Club/AAA Travel (513) 339-0112 Authorized Amtrak travel agents who wish to join OARP, maintain current membership status, and be listed in the TRAM DIRECTORY should send a $50 check, made payable to OARP, to: Tom Allen, Treasurer; 752 Braumiller Road; Delaware OH 43015. The TRAM annual1isting fee entitles you to list your CITY, the NAME OF YOUR AGENCY, one LOCAL PHONE NUMBER, one LONG DISTANCE PHONE NUMBER, and the name of one CONTACT at the agency. Renewals will be billed by the Treasurer. Updated: November, 1996 Directory of tile Olllo Assoela tloa of Railroad Passeagers PRESIDENT Mark D. Carlson 479 Humiston Drive Bay Village 44140-3017 216 I 331-3161 r:/J ,:...... Q.) PAST-PRESIDENT J. Howard Harding 489 Overwood Road Akron 44313-5327 330 I 867-5507 c.:; VICE-PRESIDENT Bill Hutchison 3480 Kenlawn Ave Columbus 43224-3450 614 I 268-2709 Cls SECRETARY Meg Grey 405 W. Columbus Street Pickerington 43147-1059 614 I 837-7463 TREASURER Tom Allen 752 Braumiller Road Delaware 43015-3110 614 I 369-5804 AREA 216/330/440 Jim Dingus 20600 Chagrin Blvd. #701 Cleveland 44122-5996 216 I 561-9200 Lf> AREA 419 Larry George 3020 Lantern Drive Toledo 43616-1762 419 I 698-2167 ,:...... ~0 AREA 513/937 Frank Gordnier 1430 Weatherfield Court Dayton 45459-6205 513 I 435-6094 c.:; AREA 614 William Schuler 3785 Headleys Mill Road Pataskala 43062-8680 614 I 927-8808 ~ ...... AT-LARGE Ron Bergen 2866 Park Drive North Stow 44224-3744 330 I ~ AT-LARGE William O'Brien P.O. Box 20189 Columbus 43220- 614 I 451-7226 AT-LARGE Bob Wickens 8109 Southern Pines Drive Maineville 45039-9442 513 I 677-3330 ---·- ~ - -·- PRESIDENT Mark D. Carlson 479 Humiston Drive Bay Village 44140-3017 216/331-3161 r:/) j:...; PAST -PRESIDENT J. Howard Harding 489 Overwood Road Akron 44313-5327 330 I 867-5507 ~ c.::> VICE-PRESIDENT Bill Hutchison 3480 Kenlawn Ave Columbus 43224-3450 614 I 268-2709 C)E SECRETARY Meg Grey 405 W. Columbus Street Pickerington 43147-1059 614 I 837-7463 TREASURER Tom Allen 752 Braumiller Road Delaware 43015-3110 614 I 369-5804 AREA 216/330/440 Jim Dingus 20600 Chagrin Blvd. #701 Cleveland 44122-5996 216 I 561-9200 .~ r:/) AREA 419 Larry George 3020 Lantern Drive Toledo 4361"6-1762 419 I 698-2167 j:...; ~0 AREA 5131937 Frank Gordnier 1430 Weatherfield Court Dayton 45459-6205 513 I 435-6094 c.::> AREA 614 William Schuler 3785 Headleys Mill Road Pataskala 43062-8680 614 I 927-8808 .,...... ~ AT-LARGE Ron Bergen 2866 Park Drive North Stow 44224-3744 3301 Q AT-LARGE William O'Brien P.O. Box 20189 Columbus 43220- 614 I 451-7226 AT-LARGE Bob Wickens 81 09 Southern Pines Drive Maineville 45039-9442 513 I 677-3330 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ken Prendergast 12029 Clifton Blvd. Suite 505 Lakewood 44107-2161 216 I 529-7677 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIR. Bill Hutchison 3480 Kenlawn Ave Columbus 43224-3450voice- 614 I 268-2709 b fax- 614 I 268-4007 ~ctl (/) DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Manfred 0. Orlow 2801 Far Hills Ave. #205-E Dayton· 45419-1607 513 I 294-0718 NEWSLETTER EDITOR Ken Prendergast 12029 Clifton Blvd. Suite 505 Lakewood 44107-2161 216 I 529-7677 NEWSLETTER PRODUCTION Mark Carlson 479 Humiston Drive Bay Village 44140-3017 216 I 331-3161 AREA 2161 Cleveland James Stevenson 192 Franklin Drive Berea 44017-1445 216 I 234-5885 r:/) j:...; 3301440: Elyria Phil Copeland 110 Indiana Avenue Elyria 44035-7228 216 I 365-7970 ~0 Warren Douglas Hudson 3981 Greenmont Drive, SE Warren 44484-2611 330 I 865-2557 ctl Toledo W. 23624 W. Moline-Martin Road 43447- ~ f\REA 419: Scott Lawson Millbury 419 I 855-8510 .,...... Lima John H. Keller, Sr. 721 Woodward Avenue Lima 45805-2059 419 I 224-9936 ""E 0 Mansfield Richard A. Fry 616 Sherwood Drive Mansfield 44904-1740 419 I 526-3775 I 0 Sandusky Steve La Conte 27 Welton Avenue Norwalk 44857-2414 419 I 668-6225 c:::...,:) ,...... ; AREA 5131 Cincinnati W. Mike Weber 9800 Misty Morn Lane Cincinnati 45242- 513 I 891-9251 ctl ~ 937: Clermont Ronald D. Garner 1884 Kress Road Mount Orab 45154-9518 513 I 444-3098 0 .,...... Dayton Linda Leas 1118 Oakdale Avenue Dayton 45429-1516 937 I 253-9448 "Of) ~ Springfield Stephen Klipfel 825 South Tecumseh Road Springfield 45506-4235 937 I 882-6521 p:::; AREA 614: Columbus Robert Boyce 1080 Lincoln Road Columbus 43212-3234 614 I 486-7038 Delaware Tom Allen 752 Braumiller Road ·Delaware 43015-3110 614 I 369-5804 National Association of Railroad Passengers I NARP Passenger RaiiNews Hotline (24-hours). This is NOT a free call 900 I 988-RAIL Executive Director Ross Capon 900 Second Street, NE #308; Washington DC 20002-3557 voice- 202 I 406-8362 ~ Assistant Director Scott Leonard or e-mail [email protected], Web www.worldweb.net/-narp fax- 202 I 408-8287 p:::; OHIO NARP Region 6 Directors James Stevenson 192 Franklin Drive Berea 44017-1445 216 I 234-5885 ~ Mark Carlson 479 Humiston Drive Bay Village 44140-3017 216 I 331-3161 Keith Dover 1021 Skinner Avenue Painesville 44077-4256 219 I 357-8120 OHIO NARP At-Large Directors J. Howard Harding 489 Overwood Road Akron 44313-5327 330 I 867-5507 James Dingus, Jr. 20600 Chagrin Blvd. #701 Cleveland 44122-5996 216 I 561-9200 i Twelve Ohio Passenger Rail News, December 1996 OARP Calendar of Events/Meetings December 1996 Date Event Time Location Address Contact person & telephone number. 14 Columbus Local Meeting 9:30a.m. Red Door Tavern 1736 West 5th Avenue Bob Boyce 614 I 486-7038 19 ORDC c.~-·committeeMtg 9:00a.m. Riffe Center 77 South High Street 614 I 644-0306 ORDC -- Full Commission 10:00 a.m. Riffe Center 77 South High Street 614 I 644-0306 20 Toledo Local Meeting 7:00p.m. Oregon Municipal Bldg. 5330 Seaman Road Larry George 416 I 698-2167 January 1997 Date Event Time Location Address Contact person & telephone number 9 ORDC -- Committee Mtg 9:00a.m. Riffe Center 77 South High Street 614 I 644-0306 ORDC -- Full Commission 10:00 a.m. Riffe Center 77 South High Street 614 I 644-0306 11 Columbus Local Meeting 9:30a.m. Red Door Tavern 1736 West 5th Avenue Bob BoY~~ 614 I 486-7038 17 Toledo Local Meeting 7:00p.m. Oregon Municipal Bldg. 5330 Seaman Road Larry George 419 I 69822167 18 OARP Board Meeting 10:00 a.m. Westerville Public Library 126 South State Street Mark Carlson 216 I 331-3161 Toledo Central Union Plaza Rededication Toledo Central Union Plaza and Amtrak Station shows off its glimmer during its rededicat ion weekend Sept. 21-22. The facility was rebuilt by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Author ity using a mixture of funds totalling $8.3 million. I "·: •• '"·· ,..... ·IAr I o uOP R I 30P CoiiB'IIbus, OH-Greyhound Term. D 12 20P base. A plexiglass "bus stop" -type shelter may Amtrak TIIIIIWay Bus Connectlon-Rkllmond, VA/Charfottesville, VA ..!! 15P Ar Cleveland, OH-Lakefront Amtrak Sta. Op 8 30A 120P •IOp ~harlottesvllle,VA-Unlon sta. lET) I ~~ be erected if the depot cannot be used by pas- R Ar Rkllmond, VA I 69 OpAr I 11 SOA 8- CAPITOL LIMITED sengers. . . Chicago • (Detroit) • Toledo • Cleveland • ·_The wild card is Akron, where City.offictals THREE RIVERS/PENNSYLVANIAN Pittsburgh • Washington • New York