(Comments from RailPAC VP North Arthur Lloyd and Executive Director Richard Silver. The RailPAC Board has enthusiastically endorsed a quick startup of this new train on the Coast Line.) By Liz Harrelson, MEDIA NEWS An uphill struggle by train advocates and coastal communities to reinstate a historic San Francisco to Los Angeles train connection is…
Reported by Bruce Jenkins, RailPAC Director — The meeting started with several local (Merced, Mariposa) speakers advocating service to/from Yosemite National Park. One speaker from Mariposa was endeavoring to gain a seat on the Committee, which is being considered. A visual presentation was made entitled “Blueprint for San Joaquin Valley,” which includes all the counties.…
By Noel T. Braymer, Editor, Western Rail Passenger Review — With Washington in control of intercity passenger trains now for over 30 years, we have seen a slow but steady decline of service. Yet again we are hearing veiled talk of cut-backs to eliminate “money losing” trains. California is a proud leader of local control…
Commentary by Paul Dyson, RailPAC President Funding For Rail Expansion In California – Grade Separation Projects. Grade Separation Funding – RailPAC’s view. RailPAC is concerned that a disproportionate amount of passenger rail funds is spent on grade separation projects. We believe that the State of California does not spend nearly enough on this important aspect…
CCJPA Press Release — The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) announced Sept. 5 that more direct service to and from Sacramento is now available with the addition of eight new trains, according to a press release. The 33% increase in direct intercity train service between Sacramento and the Bay Area/San Jose began August 28,…
By Noel T. Braymer, Editor, Western Rail Passenger Review — The late Dr. Adrian Herzog was a very smart guy. It helps to be smart when you’re a college professor at Cal State Northridge. This is even more so when you teach Astronomy and Physics. Adrian’s love for trains seems to have been his birth…
August 25, 2006, was the dedication date for the new ACE mid-day train that departs Stockton at 9:30 AM, with the return train departing from San Jose at 12:05 PM and arriving in Stockton at 2:30 PM. The train connects in Stockton with San Joaquin trains 711, 716 and 718. Ceremonies were held before departing…
By Paul Dyson, RailPAC President — Once again our public officials have failed to propose expanding a transportation system that is both affordable and practicable and could link LAX to over 60 stations in 6 counties. Our underdeveloped Metrolink service could be extended along an existing, publicly owned right of way from south of downtown…
The Rail Passenger Association of California took several positions regarding current rail passenger issues at its Board meeting July 8, 2006, in Oakland. RailPAC vigorously supports the startup of the Coast Daylight train, which will operate between downtown San Francisco’ s Caltrain Station and Los Angeles Union Station daily. This project has been in the…
By Frank Busalacchi –Travelers across America and throughout California are voting in record numbers for expanded passenger-rail service in the United States. These “votes” are coming in the form of record passenger-rail ridership. Amtrak ridership increased in fiscal year 2005 to 25,374,998, marking the third straight year of passenger gains for the national intercity passenger…