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LOSSAN rail corridor improvement projects in Orange County
A previous issue of Steel Wheels (Q3 2020) had a brief report on the Anaheim Canyon improvement project, and new Placentia Metrolink station in Orange County. This article will describe the major LOSSAN corridor projects in Orange County, which will have great benefit to passenger rail in the entire Southern California region. Orange County, with…
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Please contact your U.S. Representative in support of COVID Relief Bill and Amtrak long-distance trains
Within the next week it appears that the House will have the final vote on its COVID Relief Bill. As released, the bill has funding and a mandate for daily service of Amtrak’s long-distance trains. RailPAC encourages all those who value passenger rail to contact their representative and encourage them to vote for the bill. All House…
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Steel Wheels, 1st Quarter 2021 issue available online
Download the pdf of Steel Wheels, 1st Quarter 2021 by clicking here. In this issue: San Diego County rail improvements Public transportation in a post-pandemic world Prospects for future LA-Phoenix passenger rail Letter to California High Speed Rail Authority Arizona rail news Russ Jackson commentary on state of U.S. passenger rail in 2021 Andrew Seldon…
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RailPAC submits public comment letter on California Transportation Plan 2050
The California Transportation Plan (CTP) 2050 is the “state’s long-range transportation plan that establishes an aspirational vision that articulates strategic goals, policies, and recommendations to improve multimodal mobility and accessibility while reducing greenhouse gas emissions”: https://ctp2050.com/ Read RailPAC’s letter of public comment on the CTP 2050 public review draft by clicking here.
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Amtrak Walk, this Wednesday 9/30/2020, Los Angeles Union Station 9-11 AM
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STATEMENT Of UNITED RAIL PASSENGER ALLIANCE To the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Hearing on Amtrak Response to Covid-19 September 9, 2020
United Rail Passenger Alliance (URPA) respectfully submits this Statement to the Subcommittee. URPA is an independent national research and education organization on rail passenger transportation issues. Amtrak’s response to the Covid-19 epidemic has been schizophrenic. At the same time it undertook a campaign to clean its stations and trains to reduce the risk of virus…
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Steel Wheels, 3rd quarter 2020 available online
Download the pdf of Steel Wheels magazine, 3rd quarter 2020 by clicking here. In this issue: RailPAC and Steel Wheels Coalition to Amtrak: “Daily is Minimum Acceptable Standard for Long Distance Trains”, and Amtrak’s reply, with Russ Jackson’s reply to Amtrak, Paul Dyson response. High Speed Rail update Tri Weekly and the Heartland Flyer Orange…
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Amtrak long distance trains: does less than daily make any sense?
Amtrak has recently requested additional funds to cover operating costs and reduced revenue because of the Covid-19 pandemic. A corollary to this request is a plan to reduce long distance service from daily (in most cases) to three or four times a week. RailPAC President Steve Roberts replies: Amtrak’s request for funds – How should…
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Southwest Chief – Too Early to Claim Victory
Some of you may have received a post from Jim Mathews of RPA claiming a victory in the fight for the Southwest Chief. We urge caution and continued vigilance. Here’s a more realistic assessment from Evan Stair from Passenger Rail Kansas: THE TRUTH COMES OUT – BUS BRIDGE WAS NOT FOR SAFETY Apparently, and we…