ink A Monthly Publication for and by Amtrak Employees Volume 20 • Issue 1 • January/February 2015

Safety and Security

Amtrak Top Cop

Positive Train Control Train of Thought

e deliver intercity transportation and email updates, allows a better line of need to report an emergency or crime. You with superior safety. That is part contact between CNOC and our operations can also volunteer your time with initiatives Wof our mission, a core value and centers to coordinate information going such as the Amtrak Ambassador program a pillar in our Strategic Plan. As the plan to all internal partners who need to be or Operation Lifesaver. Above all, continue defines it: Our Safety and Security goal is to informed of major updates or emergencies to work safely and report injuries and safety set the industry standard for concerning train operations. incidents. safety and security to ensure The Amtrak Police We all have a stake in this, and we can that every customer and Department (APD) is build- all make a difference. n employee goes home injury- ing partnerships with other free every day. law enforcement and security This Safety and Security entities to extend our pro- Help with our goal is critical to our com- tection beyond stations and Safe-2-Safer Goal! pany’s long-term business trains to the full rail network strategy, and we continue to and surrounding area. 400,000 work on initiatives that sup- Our Safety and Security port and reinforce our Safety goal extends to our neighbors, and Security goal. Joseph H. Boardman including those who live, work, 400,000 We are strengthening our travel or play near our right- behavior-based safety process and instill- of-way or any Amtrak property. The APD ing a culture that, regardless of function and EMCS deliver training to hundreds or rank, encourages employees to base of employees, and local, state and federal their day-to-day decisions and actions on first responders throughout the nation and 350,000 Dec: 341,462 whether or not they reduce safety risks. participate in multiagency drills. The Safety The System Safety Department is in Department supports our involvement with Nov: 332,586 Oct: 322,759 the process of updating and rewriting all Operation Lifesaver, and in collaboration Sep: 313,140 of our safety rule books. By the end of the with APD, continuously works to create rail calendar year, each safety rule book will safety awareness. Aug: 303,470 300,000 emphasize a behavior-based approach to These are only a few items in a list of Jul:293,629 Jun: 283,509 safety as well as include safety rules that ongoing actions to achieve our Safety and May: 273,434 address the latest technology in the industry. Security goal and foster a safety culture. Apr: 262,763 Working together, Emergency But when you think about it, we all have the 250,000 Management and Corporate Security opportunity to contribute positive actions Mar: 251,871 (EMCS) and the Operations Department that support our goal. What can you do? It Feb:241,288 are building up our emergency commu- can be as simple as being more alert and nications system. Today, a revitalized calling 800-331-0008, texting APD11 or call- Jan: 230,896 communicator system, which includes text ing 911 if you see something suspicious, or 200,000

Amtrak Government Affairs and Corporate Communications Joe McHugh, Senior Vice I. Suzi Andiman Marlon Sharpe President/Chief Director, Employee Senior Manager Creative Services The peer-to-peer injury prevention Government Affairs & Communications Lisa V. Pulaski program, Safe-2-Safer, has a new goal Corporate Comunications Liliana Lopez Senior Graphic Designer of reaching 400,000 contacts by the Rod Gibbons Sr. Communications end of Fiscal Year 2015. Track Amtrak’s Chuck Gomez Vice President, Corporate Officer system-wide progress each month. Senior Multimedia Specialist Communications

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2 | January/February 2015 Amtrak Ink Table of Front Line Focus

Contents “I just had to write and tell you about an exceptional employee you have working as a sleeping car attendant on the California 4 Bulletin Board Zephyr (Emeryville to Chicago). We travel Amtrak whenever Meet the Customer Advisory Committee. Updates we can and have never experienced such wonderful organization to Employee Assistance Program Services. Amtrak and detail that Antonio Bass provides. We were aboard Amtrak Customer Experience (ACE) Program. on Tuesday, November 18–19, 2014. Antonio should be highly commended for all the extraordinary 8 Leadership Q&A service, which he provides daily, always with a smile and sunny Amtrak Police Department Chief Polly Hanson disposition.” Sincerely, Positive Train Control Norma and Ronald Gadzinski 14 Makanda, Illinois

16 Amtrak Ambassador Program “On December 2, 2014, I had the pleasure of riding the south- The Amtrak Ambassador Program kicked off to a great bound Coast Starlight from Martinez to Los Angeles. Debbie start. Find out how to become an Amtrak Ambassador Knowlton, Pacific Parlor Car attendant, deserves special commen- dation from Amtrak management. Debbie obviously loves her job and provided the best experience possible for all her passengers. 19 Employee Milestones For me, she went way beyond her job description. I inquired about purchasing a Coast Starlight engraved wine glass to replace one I acquired years ago that recently broke. Debbie explained the glasses are no longer available, but she had two A Note from the editor: This issue of Amtrak Ink left from a batch she purchased herself some time ago. She took covers the months of January/February. Our next my contact information and told me she would mail these to me edition will also be a two-month issue featuring at no charge. Two days later, as I was returning to Martinez on news from March/April. the San Joaquin, I received a call from Debbie letting me know she had mailed the wine glasses. I received these in perfect con- dition a short time later. I could not have asked for better service from an Amtrak employee. ink On the Cover Please pass this letter along to the appropriate Amtrak manag- A Monthly Publication for and by Amtrak Employees Amtrak Police Department Volume 20 • Issue 1 • January/February 2015 ers. Debbie Knowlton is an example of Amtrak at its very best. Chief Polly Hanson, Thank you for having her as an employee.” along with Officers Best regards, James Shieder, William Doug Kerr Stratton, and Ryan Tullar Healdsburg, California with K-9 Ivan, observe the boarding of Train 2168 departing from Safety and Security Washington Union Amtrak Top Cop

Positive Train Control Station.

Amtrak Headquarters 60 Massachusetts Ave., NE Washington, D.C. 20002 [email protected] Amtrak Ink is a monthly employee publication of Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, published 10 times a year. ® AMTRAK is a registered service mark of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

Amtrak Ink January/February 2015 | 3 Bulletin Board

Amtrak Customer Advisory Committee experience that is second to none. ACAC mem- Provides Feedback, Offers Ideas bers understand the potential of passenger rail to Given our goal of attracting and retaining connect our nation’s communities and people.” the most satisfied customers of any travel com- At its October meeting in Chicago, the ACAC pany in the world, Amtrak taps the expertise focused heavily on train maintenance and on-time of frequent travelers to keep its finger on the performance. During a tour of the Chicago yards, 9 pulse of the passenger experience. The Amtrak the advisory panel met with Mechanical staff The day in May 2015 when Customer Advisory Committee (ACAC) is members—car cleaners and repairmen, elec- Amtrak Train Days will kick off in Chicago Union a 24-member panel, independently adminis- tricians, machinists, and others—to learn about Station. tered, consisting of passengers who volunteer challenges and improvements in turning around their time to travel Amtrak system routes, and trains in an expeditious manner. contribute feedback and possible solutions to ACAC members employ this knowledge as $3,018.38 improve our customer service. they travel the country, serving as an extra set Food and beverage Now entering its 18th year, the ACAC has of eyes and ears on Amtrak trains. “We are a remittance that Lead emerged as an advisor and source of inspiration voice of the public,” said ACAC member Gwen Service Attendant (LSA) Clinton Boyea averaged and ideas. “ACAC members come from all regions Conner, a resident of San Bernardino, California. per trip in December 2014 of the country and come from all walks of life. “As frequent riders, we listen to the opinions of in the Café car of The Their love of train travel and belief in Amtrak is other passengers and then bring this information Vermonter. clear,” said Senior Director of Customer Service to Amtrak staff members.” Alan J. Frankey. “They want to see us fulfill Each year, as terms expire, the committee adds 40,357 our vision of providing a world-class passenger new members—as few as two or as many as six. Number of views of the Amtrak All the Way video on YouTube.

Amtrak Customer Advisory Committee (ACAC) members and Amtrak staff present an ACAC Customer Service Award to Steve Felder, Chicago Union Station red cap. From left to right: Jeff Weiler, ACAC member from Chicago; Alan J. Frankey, senior director of customer service; Steve Felder; Patrick Crowling, ACAC member and student at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Carol Haslett, ACAC chairwoman from Chagrin Falls, Ohio; and Sharon Slaton, senior communications specialist and Amtrak ACAC liaison.

4 | January/February 2015 Amtrak Ink Bulletin Board

These volunteers commit to traveling on Amtrak several times annually at their own expense, reporting on their trips, taking part in conference calls and attending regular meetings. Richard Lidbom, a new ACAC member from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and his wife have ridden Amtrak for the past 15 years. “In our travels, we have experienced all levels of customer service and desired to find a way to commend excellence and recommend improvements where minor changes could result in a more satisfying pas- senger rail experience,” Lidbom said. “Membership in the ACAC provides me a proactive opportunity to do that.” Recognizing that service excellence is key to the passenger experience, the Employee Assistance Program Manager Chian Gavin talks to a group of employees about the redesigned program. ACAC honors outstanding employees. Its Customer Service Awards, the only sessions with an experienced, awards given by passengers to Amtrak New Services Through licensed counselor to address staff, “are cherished by all who receive Employee Assistance Program issues from family problems to them,” said ACAC Chairwoman Carol The Employee Assistance Program achieving personal goals. Haslett of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Since (EAP) has been redesigned to offer • Legal consultations. 2003, the committee has honored new services that focus on enhanc- • Financial consultations. employees with 115 awards. ing the lives of employees and their • Elder and child care referrals. Whether identifying customer households. “Whether an employee • A new website featuring articles, needs, brainstorming potential solu- works the extra board, sits at a desk videos, calculators and quizzes to tions, or honoring outstanding Amtrak or spends their days caring for passen- help improve health and manage employees, the ACAC serves a vital gers, these new program elements can life events. role. “It provides Amtrak with objec- be enormously helpful in managing Since the redesigned program tive, independent and well-researched life’s often complicated demands,” became available, employees have suggestions for improving the quality said Employee Assistance Program been eager to take advantage of the of the customer experience and recom- Manager Chian Gavin. new services. “I first called the EAP mendations for improving the bottom New services include for counseling on some issues that I line,” Lidbom said. • Free and convenient counseling wanted to deal with. Then when my mom got sick, I called them back and asked for help with elder care Know a passenger who would be an asset to the Amtrak resources. This is a really good service, Customer Advisory Committee? and all Amtrak employees should • Suggest he or she apply for a three-year term, which begins October 1, 2015. think about how it could help them or • Applications should be submitted by April 1. their families,” an employee shared. • Several of the ACAC’s most productive members have been recommended These services are confidential by front-line employees and managers. and free, and available to all Amtrak • Visit Amtrak.com for details and procedures or email employees and their households. For [email protected]. questions or to start services, contact • Amtrak employees and National Association of Railroad Passengers board Amtrak EAP at 844-Amtrak1 (844- members or employees may not serve. 268-7251), or visit the website at www. achievesolutions.net/AmtrakEAP.

Amtrak Ink January/February 2015 | 5 Bulletin Board

Amtrak Customer Experience: model that creates a shared supports them when implementing Educating Employees on understanding of expected. ACE plans for their specific Amtrak Customer Focus behaviors and competencies. leadership responsibilities. The Amtrak Customer Experience • Develop, implement and support The idea for ACE came from (ACE) program was created by the a national customer experience Amtrak employees and customers. Customer Service team as part of the curriculum that will promote Through focus groups and surveys, effort to support Amtrak’s mission to cultural and behavioral change an Amtrak Customer Experience deliver intercity rail transportation within Amtrak. Research Program identified the with superior safety, customer service • Create an environment wants, needs, and expectations of and financial excellence. where individual and team customers. The ACE program is ACE is a multidimensional, cus- ownership of the customer’s grounded in the participation and tomer-focused development program experience cascades throughout feedback of Amtrak employees who that aims to redefine, elevate and the enterprise. attended third-party focus groups and transform Amtrak’s customer service • Create “quality circle” groups completed surveys in 2014, seeking culture into a unique Amtrak customer with representatives from all their perspectives on the quality of experience. ACE is designed to work departments to remove the bar- Amtrak’s customer service delivery with all levels in Amtrak, from top to riers that prevent the delivery of and education. bottom, transforming the way we think a superior customer experience. The ACE team is led by the about our customers. The program starts with two days Customer Service Department ACE has five objectives: of interactive learning. Participants and formed by members from • Embed Amtrak core values as learn the concepts of customer expe- other disciplines, including Human the guiding principles in the rience and how to apply ACE to their Capital; Northeast Corridor; Long- Amtrak customer experience individual Amtrak role as well as how Distance and State-Supported model. it applies to others. Managers attend business lines; Training and • Define a customer experience a third day of development that Development; Marketing; and Corporate Communications. “The ACE program is a collabora- tive effort that values the perspectives of Amtrak employees, passengers and partners,” said Vice President of Customer Service Tom Hall. “The program was developed with feedback provided by Amtrak employees and customers. We have built a unique pro- gram that recognizes our employees’ commitment to Amtrak and enables them to deliver a consistent, superior customer experience.” Using this feedback, the ACE model aims to create one standard to collectively deliver a uniquely Amtrak superior customer experience. More information on the program will be shared as it moves along with a pilot and more detailed rollout. In the meantime, employees can contact Senior Director of Customer Service Alan J. Frankey for additional infor- The Amtrak Customer Experience supports the Customer Focus goal. mation and status of the program. n

6 | January/February 2015 Amtrak Ink The Vermonter Reroute

The Amtrak Vermonter service reroute to the the Pan Am Southern tracks and shorten trip times Knowledge Corridor started on December 29, within the Commonwealth. Funding for the project 2014, with stops in Greenfield and Northampton, was provided through the Federal American Recovery Massachusetts. The Vermonter will also add a stop in and Reinvestment Act. Holyoke, Massachusetts, later in 2015 when station work is complete. Amtrak partnered with local authorities to raise rail safety awareness in the communities The restoration of train service to the Knowledge Corridor has been a goal of the Massachusetts In Fiscal Year 2014, ridership on The Vermonter route Department of Transportation and former Governor increased 6.6 percent, providing service to more than Patrick’s Administration. They led the effort to improve 89,000 passengers. Amtrak Ink January/February 2015 | 7

Main photo by Lisa Pulaski. Leadership Q&A

Amtrak Police Department Chief Polly Hanson

mtrak Senior Vice President (APD) supports our Safety and the areas of Safety and Security and and Chief of Police Polly Security goal. Customer Focus. AHanson joined Amtrak in 2012. Prior to Amtrak, she What is the mission of your Describe some key was director of the Office of Law department? How does it support accomplishments your team Enforcement and Security at the U.S. the Strategic Plan? achieved? Department of Interior where she The mission of the APD is to APD reduced employee injuries was a commissioned federal special protect America’s Railroad. It was by 35 percent in Fiscal Year 2014 and agent providing policy guidance and created by an act of Congress which increased train rides by 95 percent. oversight of law enforcement, security allowed Amtrak to have railroad We supported the New Jersey Transit and intelligence programs. police responsible for providing Police with the 2014 Super Bowl by Amtrak Ink recently asked the security to passengers, employees providing intelligence and staffing. chief about her role at Amtrak and and Amtrak property. APD supports The APD developed and delivered how the Amtrak Police Department the Strategic Plan, most notably in training to our Operation RAILSAFE

8 | January/February 2015 Amtrak Ink Leadership Q&A

partners, worked with Emergency Describe some of your career MPD, I would Management and Corporate Security, highlights and what has prepared occasion- and provided active shooter training you for this role? ally come to to Amtrak employees. Additionally, Every job I’ve had prior to coming Union Station a leadership cohort program was to the APD helped to prepare me for for lunch or to developed for our captains that has this position. I spent 27 years in mass pick something been well received. We also produced transit with Metro in Washington, D.C., up, and I always a YouTube video about the APD for where I rose through the ranks to the found the activity of recruiting that is great. It can be found position of chief of police. I was the people coming and going on our website: http://amtrakpolice. chief of patrol when Metro was evacuat- alluring. Railroad cops have a close com. ing people from the city on September relationship with our passengers and 11. I was the chief of police at Metro employees that is different from other What priorities and new initiatives when the attacks in Madrid and London kinds of police departments. We assist are front and center for your team? occurred. These were bellwether events passengers with train boarding, and The APD wants to continue to for transportation policing. My job at first aid, provide directions and help enhance crime prevention through the Department of the Interior involved them when they are in need, which partnerships, preparedness and responsibilities for programs that allows us to be a part of their journey. participation while using data, reached across the 50 states, territories Something new happens every day on crime analysis and conversations and insular islands, and my job with the the railroad. Amtrak is vitally import- about developing strategies to Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police ant to the Northeast Corridor and in prevent crime. This will be known (MPD) provided a hands-on opportu- other parts of the country where folks as Trackstat. We want to do our part nity to do research and crime analysis have no other way to visit grandma or to improve on-time performance. and to learn about and appreciate the get home. It’s exciting to be a part of We continue to expand technology. culture of another police agency. moving America where it wants to go We will be undergoing reaccredita- and delivering intercity transportation tion, and enhancing existing training What do you want people to with superior safety, customer service for members to increase safety and know about you and how you and financial excellence. improve our communication with approach your work? customers. I have been in public service my What do you enjoy doing whole adult life. I worked for the outside of Amtrak? What has impressed you about United States Park Police when I was I like to go to new baseball parks Amtrak? What are some in college and after I graduated. I in major league cities. I garden and challenges you see for Amtrak? became a cop in 1981 and have been being a mother is an important part of I enjoy working for Mr. in the profession ever since. I’m pas- who I am. Boardman. It is rare to have a boss sionate about and committed to the who is a visionary manager and a people I work with and for every day. What is your favorite historical leader. I am impressed with the fine I, along with the 500-plus members of figure, favorite book or favorite men and women of the APD who are the APD, work hard to keep Amtrak movie? Why? committed to customer service and employees, passengers and property I like the author Alice Hoffman their mission of protecting America’s safe and secure. and always look forward to a new Railroad. I look forward to coming book release from her. Her books to work every day and being a part What attracted you to work at take ordinary events and infuse them of such a unique organization. The Amtrak? What makes Amtrak a with magic. I admire marksman and challenges are the state of our infra- great place to work? showwoman Annie Oakley who structure, funding, growing ridership I enjoy transportation policing. really exemplifies the cowgirl spirit of and improving customer service. During my career with Metro and courage and self-resilience. n

Amtrak Ink January/February 2015 | 9 CAF Cars Milestone

The Amtrak program to modernize its long-distance train equipment advanced to a key milestone on Wednesday, December 17, 2015, when 18 new baggage cars departed the CAF USA Elmira, New York, facility and traveled to Amtrak’s Hialeah maintenance facility in Florida for final inspections before acceptance.

After arriving in Hialeah, the baggage cars went through a final round of inspections before being accepted. The baggage cars are expected to enter revenue service in 2015 and will be used on Amtrak’s long-distance routes. The baggage cars are part of a larger order for 130 single-level, long-distance passenger cars, including diner, sleeper and bag-dorm cars. All four car types will modernize the Amtrak fleet, improve reliability and maintenance, upgrade passenger amenities and travel at speeds up to 125 mph.

Amtrak employees inspect the new cars in Hialeah.

10 | January/February 2015 Amtrak Ink Above: Randy Schwartz, Mike Mas and Lou Mancuso inspect underneath the cars. Right: Lou Mancuso and Mike Roach participate in the inspection.

Hialeah facility employees check the undercarriage of newly released baggage cars.

Amtrak Ink January/February 2015 | 11 System Safety Department Update

he System Safety Department This will happen across Amtrak with from a different number of locations. has developed a top five list an eye toward standardization of pro- The team will have real analysis since Tof strategic safety projects cesses. This includes forms revisions, it is critical that they know what the for the 2015 fiscal year. According templates for investigation reports, numbers mean. The goal is to use FRA to Vice President and Chief Safety investigation skills training and an Class I a benchmark for our data. Officer Michael Logue, the System improved investigation manual for all Safety Department is moving forward supervisors. Operation Rule Violations to implement a safety strategy that (ORV) Reduction contributes to setting the standard Change Management The goal is to reduce ORV from for safety and security in the This project focuses on developing last year and Amtrak is on track transportation industry and ensuring a process to proactively identify and to do so with the contribution of that every passenger and employee manage the safety impacts associated everyone. Audits are being done goes home injury free every day. The with many of the exciting changes on quarterly. General Managers and strategy is built with these five top the Amtrak system. the Transportation Department are safety projects for Fiscal Year 2015: This process includes major contributing to the more holistic infrastructure projects and new approach to deal with ORVs. The Accident/Incident Notification, equipment acquisitions, as well as team has a cross-functional analysis Investigation and Reporting modifications to existing systems. and approach to resolution. “The The goal of this project is to iden- The System Safety Department has goal is also an increase in commu- tify opportunities for improvements to been working with project managers nication. The message is it is not us the process of accident/incident noti- across the system to identify and alone, we are all in this one together,” fication, investigation and reporting. eliminate potential safety issues Logue said. or reduce the impacts to safety stemming from system changes. Departmental Development “Partnering with project manag- The System Safety Department ers in the early phases of system is recruiting staff with subject matter changes not only improves safety,” expertise in many facets of system Logue said. “It is just good business. safety. Members of the department If we can identify a potential safety are working with leaders throughout concern during the design phases operations to improve the safety of a project, we can address it more resources available to the company. simply and avoid costly workarounds “Safety was decentralized at Amtrak. in the future.” The team is already Each department had its own safety involved in major construction administrator. That structure was programs, such as bridge and tun- inefficient,” said Logue. We now nel rehabilitation and replacement have the opportunity to improve projects, as well as new equipment our impact to integrate the separate procurement efforts, such as the safety organizations into one depart- NextGen high-speed rail equipment. ment dedicated to System Safety. The department’s goal is to complement Data Analysis the direction in which Amtrak is The Safety Department is updating moving to fill in the skill gaps that the Amtrak Safety Information System we have—we are looking to develop A watchman keeps fellow employees safe when working on the railroad. (ASIS). This includes sorting data and also create those skills.” n

12 | January/February 2015 Amtrak Ink A Day in the Life of Amtrak Track Inspectors

Neither snow nor rain nor heat stops track inspectors, such as Roger Hunt, from their job. Hunt works along the Northeast Corridor based out of Quad Avenue in Baltimore. His job is to check for safety conditions along an 8-mile section of the corridor. “I enjoy doing the work on foot,” Hunt said. “You really get to know your territory and make sure that you follow up on any issues that you find.” When doing his job, he looks for broken or partially cracked joint bars; misaligned or kinked track; profile conditions; and saturated ballast, such as mud spots; among others.

A daily morning bulletin lists temporary speed restrictions, many of which are set by the track inspectors after checking for issues on ties, rails and deviations in track structure. These restrictions are communicated to the train engineer by the dispatcher. “It is about safety,” Hunt said. “We determine if the tracks for our territory are safe to travel.”

Track Inspector Roger Hunt and Driver Ron White get the truck on the tracks to conduct a hy-rail inspection.

Track Inspector Ahmad Adewusi reviews the safety briefing documents before starting the inspection shift. Amtrak Ink January/February 2015 | 13 Positive Train Control: Moving Ahead Safely

his year Amtrak will achieve the following three main goals with Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement TSystem (ACSES), an important component of the Positive Train Control (PTC) System along with the Northeast Corridor (NEC): 1. Enforce civil track speeds. 2. Enforce temporary speed restrictions, such as work zones. 3. Enforce Positive Train Stop (PTS) at interlockings and sig- nal control points.

How does it work? PTC technology, such as ACSES, is designed to automat- ically stop a train before certain potential incidents caused by human error occur, including train-to-train collisions, derailments caused by excessive speed or train movements through misaligned switches, and work zone mishaps. For example, when an unsafe movement occurs, ACSES Left to right: C&S Production Maintainer Jerry Joyce, Signal Construction audibly alerts the locomotive engineer and displays a safe Supervisor David Marison and PTC Engineer David James braking distance based on the train’s speed, length, width and weight, and the grade and curve of the track. If the loco- motive engineer does not respond to the audible warning “This thing will stop the trains, and it offers another and screen display, the onboard computer will activate the layer of safety to what we already have in place,” said Mid- brakes and safely bring the train to a stop. Atlantic Division Supervisor of Signal Constructions David Marison. “We are always doing whatever we can to make the railroad safer and better.” Along the tracks, ACSES communicates with a loco- motive’s onboard equipment as it passes over a series of transponders that relay information such as accurate location, track designation and direction, permanent civil speed restrictions, and Positive Train Stop at home signals. Transponders are placed approximately two to three miles from each interlocking. As a locomotive passes over a transponder, it switches the train’s onboard radio to the proper channel and sends a message to the appropriate radio base station, which will request the status of the Wayside Interface Unit (WIU), and relays the position of switches and signals in the inter- locking to the train. This enables the train to receive the appropriate temporary speed restrictions,’ route, speed and stopping distance for the locomotive using our private fiber network connected to servers in Boston, New York City and Wilmington, Delaware. The ACSES network connects all the wayside locations, many of which are near completion. PTC staff continues to Radio Maintainer David Jones works on the access radio site. test them for operational service, bringing new areas online

14 | January/February 2015 Amtrak Ink and expanding the system as they go. “This project has included lots of hard work from the different groups involved, including C&S, Mechanical, Operations and Track departments,” said Mid-Atlantic Division PTC Engineer David James. “The project is very close to being complete and on time, even with significant hurdles. We want to make sure that all of the Amtrak devices used in the NEC are running with the necessary upgrades to begin revenue service. We are hopeful that the new ACSES system will be operational by the end of 2015.” The end-of-the-year significance relates to FRA regu- lations that mandate that Class 1 railroads’ main lines that handle hazardous material, or provide regularly scheduled intercity passenger or commuter rail services have PTC in place by December 31. Through this action, the FRA expects nearly 70,000 miles of track to be covered by PTC. Currently, ACSES is operational on 400 miles of track. These service lines include the New England Line from C&S Production Maintainer Scott Lieske Boston, to New Haven, Connecticut; the New York Line from New Brunswick to Trenton, New Jersey; and the Mid-Atlantic Rochelle, New York; the Harrisburg Line from Philadelphia Line from Perryville, Maryland to Wilmington. to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; the Springfield Line from Springfield, Massachusetts to New Haven, Connecticut; and the Empire Line from Penn Station to Spuyten Duyvil in New York City and Albany to Poughkeepsie, New York. “We are trying to be the leader in passenger rail safety,” James said. “Over the next couple years, we will implement PTC over the NEC. Then we will analyze, renew and start looking at the next evolution of PTC.” Amtrak has trained 50 employees, including radio maintainers and C&S employees, who will work with ACSES equipment. Training for ACSES requires work with transponders, WIUs, test trains and radios. As part of the in-depth instruction, maintainers learn about transponder programming and field verification processes, which require the use of a wideband mini transponder, laptop and label printer. Employees also run transponder testing on test trains to account for design changes and cutovers. For this, they again use a laptop with ACSES software and cable. The WIUs require new test software called wayside carbourne Mid-Atlantic Division PTC Engineer David James simulator, and the radios system also require programming and testing of multiple devices. What’s next? “This upgrade is going to help reduce train accidents,” On the horizon, Amtrak looks to implement ACSES on said Radio Maintainer David Jones. “Maintaining this system 1,200 more miles of track. Target lines include the remainder is a great opportunity to increase knowledge in new technol- of the Northeast Corridor from Washington, D.C., to New ogy and help with our safety goals.” n

Amtrak Ink January/February 2015 | 15 Amtrak Ambassador Program Kicks Off

felt that I was prepared to As of the end of November, handle all of the questions 165 ambassadors have been trained “I I was asked,” said Senior through the program and were qual- Manager of Revenue Systems ified to help during the holiday rush. for Information Technology Joe Amtrak Ambassadors volunteered Dannemann. He was part of the from Boston to Seattle during the busy Amtrak Ambassador program holiday week. launched in November by Amtrak’s “The Amtrak Ambassador Emergency Management and program leverages the wealth of Corporate Security (EMCS). experiences that our employees Dannemann volunteered and offered have. The program focuses on pro- support as an ambassador during viding support situations, such as Veteran’s Day at Washington Union communications, coordination, Station when the Concert for Valor and collaboration. One of our stra- attracted a crowd of hundreds of tegic goals is Safety and Security thousands to the National Mall. and having this team trained and “The Amtrak Ambassador pro- ready to go makes Amtrak safer gram is a voluntary program open and better prepared to respond to all employees. The program pro- to service disruptions, customer Community Relations Manager Fran Berk vides training and develops a team of surges, and disasters of all kinds,” volunteers during Veterans Day holiday weekend employees who are prepared to jump said Deputy Chief of Emergency in Washington Union Station. in and offer assistance to our custom- Management Jim Metzger. ers,” said Emergency Management Francine Berk from Amtrak’s said Amtrak Police Capt. Deborah and Corporate Security Vice President Government Affairs and Corporate Myers. According to Myers, partner- Susan Reinertson. The program trains Communications said she became ships across the organization keep employees to provide customer ser- an ambassador because she knows Amtrak safe and secure. vice at stations during planned and the value that employee volunteers Amtrak Ambassadors are trained to unplanned events that could cause bring to different initiatives such as • Assist customers. overcrowding conditions. the Amtrak Exhibit Train. “It is about • Report safety or suspicious collaboration, and this is a great activities in the station. opportunity to volunteer,” Berk said. • Assist Amtrak authorities where Lead Ticket Agent Lysa Ridley- needed if a large incident occurs. Jones based in Atlanta used her visit All ambassadors complete to family in Baltimore to volunteer required training that includes secu- at Baltimore Penn Station before rity awareness and fire extinguisher Thanksgiving. training. The security awareness “Serving as an Amtrak course is accessible under the EIP Ambassador is an exciting, gratifying portal by clicking on Training>Course experience. Ambassadors are deployed Catalog>Security Awareness>Amtrak to help others solve problems, see Security Awareness. Amtrak accred- immediate benefits and know that they ited ambassadors are then requested, had an impact to safely move ‘America or “called up,” to serve when needed. where it wants to go,’” Metzger said. To become an Amtrak “We appreciate the ambassadors. Ambassador, please visit the EMCS Regional Emergency Manager Steve Fruchtman They are answering a lot of questions intranet page and complete the conducts Ambassador training in Washington, D.C. and helping us to focus on our job,” request form. n

16 | January/February 2015 Amtrak Ink Employees Celebrate the Holidays

Employees across the nation celebrated the holidays by giving back to their communities and contributed to the holiday spirit of sharing and giving.

In some stations and on select train routes, employees worked with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation to collect toys and other gifts to distribute during the holidays to needy children and families in those communities.

“Giving back to the community is just the right thing to do. Many of the employees who contribute have been through tough fi nancial times themselves and it helps to remind us to be grateful for our employment Amtrak and Canadian Pacifi c come together in the spirit of the holiday season at Amtrak,” said Silver Service Route Director Karen again to operate the Toys for Tots holiday train in upstate New York. Veterans Shannon. “When we give back, it helps to foster a team were also recognized during the event. spirit. We are planting seeds in hopes that others will understand the importance of giving back when they are in a position to do so.”

Washington Union Station employees and gifts collected for the holidays.

Miami Amtrak employees display the gifts collected for needy families in the community. From left to right: Miami Crew Base Manager Georgia DaCosta, AmtrakOn Board Service Ink Manager January/February Carlos Barral, Miami 2015 District Manager | 17 Debi Benham, Miami Lead Agent Tony Calvacca, and Operations Supervisor Raymond Harris Awards & Recognition

finance and congestion. Participants are managers with experience in the rail industry who need to learn about the breadth and depth of the industry beyond their daily responsibilities. The latest class included representation from the American Association of Railroads, Amtrak, Belt Railway of Chicago, Conrail and Pacific Harbor Line. Classes were held this year in various locations, combining lectures with site visits that provided a broad perspective of rail industry activities and brought classroom content and concepts to life.

Amtrak Creative Services Team Wins International Design Award The 2014 Amtrak Strategic Plan brochure was recently awarded the Distinguished Award for Publication Design by Graphic Design: USA Magazine, a graphic design and arts industry magazine. The award honors Amtrak employees, Assistant Superintendent Operations Greg Godfrey (top/left), Corporate Security Vice President Susan Reinertson (top/right), District Station Manager Jay Green outstanding new work of all kinds (bottom/left) and Assistant Superintendent Operations Wayne Crooks (bottom/right) receive including print, packaging, point-of- their diplomas from Michigan State University Railway Management Certificate Program. purchase, Internet, interactive and motion graphics. Amtrak Employees Obtain Management, was established to help Railway Management ensure continuing broad managerial Certificates knowledge of the rail industry. Two rail Last November, Amtrak employ- and transportation industry leaders ees Wayne Crooks, Greg Godfrey, and academics direct the program, Jay Green and Susan Reinertson which spreads four weeks of intensive graduated from the Michigan State education over four months. University Railway Management Leading-edge, topical content is Certificate Program. governed by a cross-industry curric- Since starting in 2007 thanks to ulum committee, and is delivered by funding from several senior rail indus- MSU faculty and supported by sub- try leaders, the program has graduated ject matter experts from the railroad more than 120 future managers and community. Topics covered included The members of the Amtrak leaders for the industry from freight, marketing, risk management, safety, Creative Service team for the winning passenger, and transit operators, as supply chain management, labor rela- design are, from left to right, Senior well as the supply side. tions and finance. Manager of Creative Services Marlon This program, based within The participants worked on major Sharpe, Senior Graphic Designer the Eli Broad College of Business projects that addressed three major Lisa Pulaski and Senior Multimedia Department of Supply Chain issues facing the industry: talent, Specialist Chuck Gomez. n

18 | January/February 2015 Amtrak Ink Employee Milestones

Congratulations to All of You!

35-Year CARRILLO, MELANIE JACOBSON, ROLF SIMS, DONALD HOWARD, MICHAEL Fullerton, Calif. Station Fargo, N.D. Station Beech Grove W. Oakland Anniversary Maintenance Facility Maintenance Facility November 2014 COLEMAN, KEATING, THOMAS JACQUELINE Reno, Nev. Station TOBIN, WILLIAM KLATT, FRANK Washington Union Philadelphia 30th W. Oakland JUDEFIND, WILLIAM KLEIN, KATE Station Street Station Maintenance Facility Wilmington, Del. Shops Seattle Mechanical Yard COLLINS, PERSIVIA TUCK, STEPHEN LOFTUS, GREGORY LENTO, CHRISTOPHER LASSAHN, WAYNE Engineering Kansas City Philadelphia Coach Wilmington, Del. Shops Ivy City Maintenance Groton, Conn. Maintenance Facility Yard MAZEWSKI, SUSAN Facility N.Y. Penn Station DELUCA, RICHARD Washington, D.C. VERCHER, VERNON OGLESBY, JOSEPH Philadelphia 30th Chicago Offices Sanford, Fla. Station LISIECKI, JOHN MCGOWEN, FRED Street Station Beech Grove Reno Station WIEFERICH, NANCY SLAUGHTER, JOSEPH DIANGELO, ANTHONY Raleigh Offices Wilmington, Del. Shops Maintenance Facility MARSHALL, ERVIN Philadelphia 30th Meridian Station WIESE, BRIAN MCKIM, RONALD Street Station Pompano Beach 30-Year Beech Grove MEDINA, ROBERT DONNELLY, THOMAS Dispatch Center Anniversary Maintenance Facility Los Angeles Offices Philadelphia 30th WOLOS, EUGENE December 2014 O’CONNELL, RAYMOND Street Station MITCHELL, STEVEN Philadelphia 30th Philadelphia 30th Beech Grove DRISCOLL, THOMAS Street Station KENNEDY, MARTIN Street Station Maintenance Facility Boston South Station Philadelphia 30th VIETRI, ALBERT MORRELL, JON Street Station FALCON, JULIO 20-Year Wilmington, Del. Shops Wilmington, Del. Shops N.Y. Sunnyside Yard Anniversary MCARTHUR, JESSE MORRIS, JANICE Raleigh, N.C. Offices Retirees FOX, CHRISTOPHER December 2014 Sacramento Station November 2014 Boston South Station 35-Year OLDHAM, ERNEST CORNERS, JUANITA FRANKLIN, LAMAR N.Y. Penn Station Anniversary BACKERT, JAMES Wilmington, Del. Shops Los Angeles Offices December 2015 Perryville, Md. M/W PAPP, JEFFERY HARMAN, WILLIAM FUDGE, ROBERT Base Sacramento Station Wilmington, Del. Shops Chicago Crew Base ANNUCCI, BRIAN BAKER, LAURA PHAN, THUONG HARRELL, MARTY Wilmington, Del. Shops GAINES, JEROME Southampton St. Yard Ivy City Maintenance N.Y. Penn Station Transportation Bldg. BARNUM, JOHN Boston, Mass. Facility Washington, D.C. NAGY, JEFFREY Rensselaer, N.Y. BEDSTED, NEAL Washington, D.C. Amtrak Corporate Mechanical Facility GALLANT, ROBERT Spokane, Wash. Station PHILPOT, GLORIA Headquarters Chicago Crew Base COLLIER, FRANCIS BEIL, THOMAS Bear, Del. Car Shop TITUS, MANLEY Wilmington, Del. Shops GREENE, CAROLYN Metrolink San PICCINI, MARK N.Y. Penn Station Washington Union GARLAND, DAVID Bernardino, Calif. Rensselaer, N.Y. Station Crew Base Station WALTON, JAMES Houston Station PULGINI, JOSEPH Odenton, Md. M/W GUNNING, DENNIS HUDSON, BARRY BELANDER, CHARLES Wilmington, Del. Shops Base Brighton Park Facility Champaign-Urbana, Ill. Bear, Del. Car Shop Station QUINN, EDWARD 25-Year MOY, WAI BONSE, ALAN N.Y. Penn Station Champaign-Urbana, Ill. HAMMEL, DENNIS Anniversary N.Y. Sunnyside Yard Station Beech Grove RATLIFF, JAMES December 2014 OSBORNE, JEFFREY Maintenance Facility Beech Grove Beech Grove BROWN, DONALD Maintenance Facility Sanford, Fla. Station HARRIS, GLEN AHRENS, ROGER Maintenance Facility Providence MOW Base ROBINSON, BRAMWELL N.Y. Penn Station BRYAN, ANDREA N.Y. Sunnyside Yard 40-Year Philadelphia 30th HO, HUE BAGOSY, STEPHEN Street Station Brighton Park Facility SEREDA, LINDA Philadelphia 30th Anniversary Chicago Locomotive Street Station December 2015 HOWARD, GARY BURNS, JAMES Shop N.Y. Penn Station GREENE, JEFFERY Brighton Park Facility BRACEY, ANNETTE SHEPPARD, PEGGY Beech Grove HUCEK-TATAR, JANET Dearborn, Mich. Station CARR, RAYMOND Amtrak Corporate Maintenance Facility Chicago Crew Base Chicago Mechanical & Headquarters Terminal Offices IVY, JAMES New Orleans Station

Amtrak Ink January/February 2015 | 19 60 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002

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In Amtrak History • FEBRUARY 1, 1979

On this date, Amtrak begins operat- ing the Crescent. Previously owned by Southern Railway, operations for the Crescent were turned over to Amtrak because of revenue losses and equipment-replacement expenses on February 1, 1979. “We recognize that the Southern Crescent is a regional institution and we intend to see that it remains one of America’s finest long-distance trains,” said former Amtrak President and CEO Allan Boyd at the time of the transfer.

In Fiscal Year 2013, the Crescent carried approximately 307,000 passengers, nearly double the number it transported before the 1979 Amtrak takeover.

Learn more about Amtrak’s history by visiting The Crescent, led by an F40 locomotive pulling Heritage cars, graces the official 1986 Amtrak calendar. History.Amtrak.com