Take a look at the announcement for the Summer Train Fest: Union Station Summer Train Fest to be held Saturday, July 15 As I write we have not received an invitation, even though we were regularly invited to National Train Day activities. Apparently we have to be approved by Metro, Metrolink and LOSSAN, possibly Amtrak…
From Amtrak Press release: Amtrak to Improve National Network Locomotive Fleet New or rebuilt locomotives will provide more reliable service, a smoother ride and improved safety features WASHINGTON – With demand for Amtrak service at record levels, Amtrak is moving to either acquire new locomotives or rebuild its current diesel fleet of locomotives to supplement…
Amtrak’s actions regarding the Southwest Chief, threatening to stop running the train through western Kansas, Colorado and eastern New Mexico via the Raton Pass have run into opposition from the Senators for those states. https://www.chieftain.com/bipartisan-bicameral-lawmakers-raise-concerns-over-amtrak-withholding-funding-for/pdf_55d3c0bc-6523-11e8-9163-d371f5d9f499.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share RailPAC will be asking California and Nevada Senators to write in support of their colleagues. Please support our efforts by…
Here are a couple of sample letters to cut and paste in whole or in part. The first objective is to get our California Senators, Feinstein and Harris, to recognize the problem and to take action with their fellow Senators: Dear Senator ( ): Thank you for your support of passenger rail, including the Amtrak…
In a surprise development, Joe Boardman, former Amtrak CEO, has written a scathing article in Railway Age criticizing the policy of the current Amtrak Board and CEO. When I get permission I’ll reproduce it here. Boardman states that the national network, and especially the long distance trains, are threatened by a philosophy that seeks to…
RailPAC Board members Doug Kerr and Steve Roberts attended this event, and their report follows. Chad Edison and State staff have been working hard to bring together the many State rail and transit agencies to make travel easier for the passenger, a long standing RailPAC goal. On May 1 and 2 Steve Roberts and I…
The recording of Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson’s presentation, plus audience questions, is now available. The Anderson segment begins at approximately One Hour and 46 minutes. https://www.ustream.tv/recorded/114596550 It seems to be taking an awfully long time for the implications of these remarks to sink in. RailPAC is currently reviewing the options, and sounding out potential allies,…
Why Anderson thinks he can, and should, destroy the National Passenger Rail Network Paul Dyson, RailPAC President Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson has interpreted PRIIA and other Amtrak legislation, and together with Amtrak’s flawed management information systems, has concluded that the national Network is a hopeless money loser. It is therefore his job to get rid…
Report – Richard Anderson, Amtrak CEO – Remarks to California Rail Summit and Questions and Answers 19th April 2018 Richard Anderson, CEO of Amtrak, gave a keynote address to about 150 passenger rail officials and industry professionals, plus a handful of advocates. I have the feeling he had not counted on there being any advocates…
I was recently asked by a member about our policy towards investments, particularly regarding High Speed Rail versus conventional incremental improvements. Below is my attempt at a brief answer. I’d be interested to hear from you, and let me know if I have your permission to post your comments. Thank you for raising a…