Editorial by Noel T. Braymer Amtrak was created by politics and remains a child of politics. The recent resignation of Amtrak President Kummant doesn’t come as a major surprise. It is doubtful that he would have the support of the new administration. There are stories of friction between Mr. Kummant and the Amtrak Board. Also…
By Noel T. Braymer Proposition R raises the sale tax another half cent in Los Angeles County. This money will be used to help build the “subway to the sea” which will extend subway service west down Wilshire Blvd. There will be money to extend Light Rail on the Gold Line east from Pasadena towards…
Commentary and Photos by Russ Jackson NOTE: This column first appeared in the November, 2008, issue of the Western Rail Passenger Review. Tracking the News will now also appear here monthly, with color pictures added. Your comments will be appreciated. November, 2008. Elections, elections, elections. That is the focus of attention as this edition goes…
From Gene Skoropowski Northern California Corridor ridership on the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins continues double-digit growth, despite economic slowdown and falling gas prices, while the Pacific Surfliner ridership levelled off after months of growth. Ridership and revenue results for the month of October 2008 (the first of the new Federal Fiscal Year) remain strong…
Published Sunday, November 9, 2008, by the Marin Independent Journal Commentary By Dick Spotswood, RailPAC Secretary, and Mill Valley resident After several false starts, Marin and Sonoma voters passed a one-quarter cent sales tax for construction and operation of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit commuter train. Measure Q needed two-thirds of the combined Sonoma and…
Report by Bruce Jenkins, RailPAC Director The San Joaquin Valley Rail Committee met at the California State Rail Museum Thursday October 30, 2008. Approval of Vice Chair Vern Moss Madera County to be effective Jan 1, 2009 was confirmed unanimously. The 99 Corridor: Committee members Ty Holscher (Tulare County) and Larry Miller (Fresno County) reported…
Location: Los Angeles Union Station in the North Patio behind Traxx Restaurant. When: From Noon until 2 P.M. Topics: The November 4th Election, Prop 1A ( HIgh Speed Rail) Prop R ( Los Angeles County Sales Tax for Rail Transit. )
A few years ago I was concerned about the timing of building a High Speed Rail system in California. Business worldwide was booming. Prices for steel, cement and other basic construction materials were skyrocketing, even supposing you could find a supplier. It seemed to me that cost estimates would soon be out of date as…
Editorial by Noel T. Braymer There are three good reasons for voting for Prop 1A. They are jobs, jobs and jobs. Expanded high speed, intercity and commuter rail passenger services will create jobs from construction, in the operation of rail service and from the economic development that improved transportation creates. At the heart of the…
The growth continues! California and the entire country continues “getting on board the train!”While it is a bit surprising that none of our national candidates for office seem to focus on passenger rail investments, and the mobility, jobs and economic stimulus such investments bring, as more and more Americans step on-board trains, maybe the message…