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Tracking Rail News: May 2010
Commentary and PHOTOS by Russ Jackson . . . On Time Performance. April was again a good month for the Amtrak western long distance trains. There were more “on time” than late, but when it was late was it late! The big exceptions were #6, the California Zephyr, was almost 11 hours late into Denver…
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UP Extortion Letter to CA Shows That FRA/Congressional Legislative Guidance Are Needed
Commentary by Dennis Lytton, Director Earlier this week, the Union Pacific Railroad distributed to the media, particuarly the San Jose Mercury News, their letter to the Authority of April 23, 2010. In it they outline their most forceful position thus far of not cooperating with high speed rail. Significantly, their letter above asserts the following claims:…
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Transportation: Following the Money
Editorial by Noel T. Braymer Raising money for any transportation project, but particularly rail passenger service is always difficult. Adding to the difficulties are the high price tags for many rail projects. Already there is increasing concern about the price tag for the California High Speed Rail project. There are estimates of 6 billion dollars…
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Demonstrating Why We Need New Railcars Now: Amtrak #763
Commentary by Jarrod DellaChiesa, Director and Website Editor On Saturday, May 15 Amtrak passengers were not allowed to board Pacific Surfliner #763 in Chatsworth. Would-be passengers reported the Conductor designated the train as “overcrowded and unsafe”. Ridership was high on this run due to passengers traveling to the Strawberry Festival. We desperately need new railcars in…
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TAMC Rail Policy Committee Meeting Report
April 5, 2010 Meeting Reported by Chris Flescher, Associate Director Presentation from planners working on the HSR segment San Jose – Merced In 2035, if the fare is at the lower planned level, then the expected ridership is 100 million people per year. The run time from San Francisco to Los Angeles, phase 1, will…
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April California Intercity Passenger Rail Performance
Reported by David B. Kutrosky, Managing Director, CCJPA After the first increase in 13 months, ridership for the Capitol Corridor in April 2010 was just slightly below April 2009 by 0.5%. As mentioned in previous monthly reports, the greatest impediment to ridership gains is the on-going mandate of three (3) Friday furloughs per month for state government employees (which…
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Our Vision for Rail in California and Nevada
CONNECTIONS! It’s all about connections. Depending on your journey you may live close to a station that has a direct service to your destination. But there’s a good chance that you’ll need to transfer, from bus to train, light rail to high speed rail, Surfliner to long distance Amtrak. RailPAC’s campaign is all about connections…
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CSCN Outlines How to Improve Amtrak’s Coast Starlight
May 6, 2010 — The Coast Starlight is one of Amtrak’s 15 long-distance passenger rail routes, serving 27 cities between Los Angeles and Seattle. The route has been described as “one of the most fascinating journeys on the West Coast. It will take your breath away.” The route offers unparalleled experiences of the western states…
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San Joaquin Valley Rail Committee Meeting Report
April 29, 2010 Meeting in Fresno Reported by Michael Barnbaum, Associate Director After the Pledge of Allegiance and introductions the San Joaquin Valley Rail Committee went right into public comments on non-agenda items. One speaker stepped up to speak, and that was RailPAC Treasurer Bill Kerby. Bill spoke on three critical matters: Highlights of the…
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Provide Your Feedback on New California Car Design
Now’s your chance to voice your opinion on the next generation of California Cars – the national standardized railcar. We posted a story a few days ago with information on the new cars. We invite you to check that story out and then visit Amtrak California’s virtual open house (available until May 28, 2010). …