National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Cuyahoga Valley National Park Brecksville, OH Cuyahoga Valley National Park Comprehensive Rail Study PMIS No. 160989 July 2013 Contents Report notes .............................................................................................................................. i Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................... ii Definitions ................................................................................................................................iii Executive summary .................................................................................................................. v Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1 Goals, objectives, and performance measures ........................................................................ 2 Goals and objectives ................................................................................................................................... 2 Goals and objectives by priority ................................................................................................................... 4 Performance measures ................................................................................................................................ 5 Issues and needs ....................................................................................................................... 9 Issues ......................................................................................................................................................... 9 Needs ......................................................................................................................................................... 9 Ridership scenarios ..................................................................................................................11 Services targeted ....................................................................................................................................... 11 Trend analysis ........................................................................................................................................... 12 Growth scenarios ...................................................................................................................................... 13 Implications for two-train service .............................................................................................................. 14 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................ 17 Operations improvements ......................................................................................................18 1.Improve passenger information .............................................................................................................. 18 2.Institute a regular data collection and analysis program ......................................................................... 19 3.Review stations served ........................................................................................................................... 20 4.Improve schedule adherence .................................................................................................................. 21 5.Institute growth management techniques .............................................................................................. 23 6.Pilot express Scenic service during peak times ........................................................................................ 27 7.Institute new procedures to check and maintain audio tour equipment / upgrade equipment ................ 27 8.Pilot regular shuttle service between CVSR and CVNP attractions .......................................................... 27 9.Continue monitoring feasibility of Cleveland extension .......................................................................... 28 10.Create comprehensive transportation plan for CVNP ........................................................................... 28 Communications improvements .............................................................................................29 1.Improve CVSR radio communications ..................................................................................................... 29 2.Develop and deploy a passenger information display system (PIDS) ........................................................ 29 3.Develop a long-range communications plan........................................................................................... 30 Equipment improvements .......................................................................................................31 1.Implement a progressive maintenance plan ........................................................................................... 31 2.Procure “green” locomotives ................................................................................................................. 31 3.Convert equipment to allow for cab control........................................................................................... 32 4.Upgrade coaches for increased passenger comfort ................................................................................ 32 5.Standardize equipment .......................................................................................................................... 33 6.Obtain permanent ownership of entire fleet .......................................................................................... 33 7.Supplement existing ADA cars ............................................................................................................... 34 8.Overhaul concession cars ....................................................................................................................... 34 Infrastructure improvements ..................................................................................................35 1.Add repair-in-place (RIP) track ................................................................................................................ 35 2.Add sidings ............................................................................................................................................ 35 3.Improve accessibility ............................................................................................................................... 36 Volpe Center Cuyahoga Valley National Park Comprehensive Rail Study 4.Expand maintenance facility ................................................................................................................... 36 5.Enhance fuel storage ............................................................................................................................. 37 6.Construct car storage facility .................................................................................................................. 37 Funding possibilities ................................................................................................................39 Category III funding .................................................................................................................................. 39 Federal Lands Access Program funding ..................................................................................................... 39 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ) .......................................................................... 40 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) ........................................................... 41 Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing Program (RRIF) .............................................................. 42 U.S. Department of Energy – Clean Cities program ................................................................................... 42 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)– Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) ...................................... 43 Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) ............................................................................................. 44 Other ....................................................................................................................................................... 44 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................ 45 Conclusions/recommendations ...............................................................................................46 Operations/service ..................................................................................................................................... 46 Communications ....................................................................................................................................... 48 Equipment ................................................................................................................................................ 48 Facilities .................................................................................................................................................... 49 Appendix A: Existing conditions .............................................................................................50