Reported by Eugene K. Skoropowski Managing Director, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority June ridership numbers in California and across the nation continue to be disappointing. The California economy and high unemployment rate are manifesting themselves in uncertainty and reduction in travel, particularly discretionary travel. The Capitol Corridor still handled 131, 670 passengers in June 2009,…
Editorial by Noel T. Braymer RailPAC, while it is non-partisan is a political organization. It is because we are involved in politics that even though we are a non-profit organization, donations to RailPAC are not tax-deductible. Our goal is the creation of a safe, comfortable, economical and well connected rail passenger system for California and…
July 1 Meeting Report and comments by Paul Dyson, RailPAC President In an encouraging sign that LOSSAN and the County transportation executives are getting to grips with the conflicts between the multiple agencies operating railroads in Southern California (Amtrak, BNSF, UP, SCRRA and NCTD) the LOSSAN Board on Wednesday discussed the “Corridor Long Term Vision…
and PHOTOS from everywhere! . . . Commentary by Russ Jackson July, 2009. Summertime and the living is easy, right? It is for people who go on vacations, and for some that means riding Amtrak. California. . . .Half-price train tickets? YES, Seniors 62 and older can ride at 50% off this summer on the…
TRACKING RAIL NEWS . . . . . . and Commentary by Russ Jackson June, 2009. On Time and other performances. Yes, it’s the economy that can be charged with the recent on time performance improvements of Amtrak’s western long distance trains. Freight traffic has dropped over the past months which coincides with the increase…
Reported by Robert Manning, RailPAC Director, with comments by Paul Dyson, RailPAC President. Wednesday June 10, 2009 I have just arrived home after attending the Sunset Marketing and Revitalization Team meeting which was held June 6, 2009 in New Orleans, LA. I should remind everyone that this SMART (not to be confused with the Sonoma-Marin…
TAMC Rail Policy Committee meeting May 4, 2009. Reported by Chris Flescher TAMC is trying to find a consultant to write the environmental documents relating to the Monterey Branch Line (MBL) service. TAMC released a request for proposals, but Parsons-Brinkerhoff was the only group that responded. Parsons has already performed some work on both the…
Reported by Eugene K. Skoropowski Managing Director Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority May ridership numbers on the Capitol Corridor, San Joaquins and Pacific Surfliners all were disappointing. We were awaiting the May numbers to see if there would be an upswing in riders and revenue, but the opposite seems to be emerging. This is likely…
(“CRCC”) MEETING Report Santa Barbara, May 29, 2009 Reported by Paul Dyson The Meeting was Chaired by Dave Potter, Monterey County Supervisor RailPAC was represented by Paul Dyson, Dennis Story and Mike Barnbaum. Katherine Holland of Coast Rail Now and ASERT represented local pro transit interests. Good news, Jacki Bacharach was on the ‘phone representing…
Below is a new press release from RailPAC, along with earlier correspondence between Paul Dyson, the RailPAC President, and Joseph Boardman, Interim President and CEO of Amtrak. 1) RAIL PASSENGER ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA 1017 L Street PMB 217, Sacramento, CA 95814 www.railpac.org 3 June, 2009 AMTRAK TO REDUCE OR END SERVICE TO MORE THAN 20…