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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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RailPAC addresses SJVRC on BFD-LAX Gap
Statement by Bill Kerby, RailPAC Director and Treasurer at the April 29, 2010 meeting in Fresno, CA Three events motivate this statement: Development of ideas at the joint RailPAC/NARP meeting in Los Angeles on April 17 Joint agreement proposals among regional railroads and the HSR The 29th anniversary of the last run of the SP San…
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RailPAC writes Boardman regarding Daily Sunset Corridor Service
Dear Mr. Boardman: Having heard no announcements regarding the proposal to introduce a daily Sunset/Eagle we conclude that negotiations are continuing with Union Pacific regarding the operating details, schedules, etc. It seems to us that if there is capacity for a train three days a week there should be capacity daily, especially given the major…
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Coalition Building at Steel Wheels Conference
Commentary by Paul Dyson, President This year at Steel Wheels in California we tried a couple of innovations. While most of the day consisted of the usual (excellent) presentations by politicians and industry professionals, we also put together a forum of passenger rail advocates from different groups to discuss High Speed Rail, and to attempt…
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March California Intercity Passenger Rail Performance
Reported by David B. Kutrosky, Managing Director, CCJPA For the first time in 13 months ridership for the Capitol Corridor increased compared to the same period in the prior year. For March 2010 ridership increased 5.8% compared to March 2009. Most notable is this ridership reporting period included significant train service delays due to the second phase (February 22…
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Steel Wheels in California 2010: The Countdown is On!
The countdown is on for Steel Wheels in California© 2010. April 17 is the date for what we believe will be our most informative and thought provoking conference and members meeting to date. RailPAC and NARP members and guests will meet at the Metro Board Room, One Gateway center at Los Angeles Union Station for…
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February California Intercity Passenger Rail Performance
Reported by David B. Kutrosky, Managing Director, CCJPA Ridership for the Capitol Corridor in February 2010 continued to decline compared to February 2009 and 2008, but the monthly loss was less than prior month comparisons. Ridership for February 2010 was down by 4.7% and while the service was impacted by the second phase of the tie renewal program (February…
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Is CA HSR on Track for Successful Implementation?
A small shift in priorities could produce major benefits sooner and help build public support. Commentary by Ralph James, RailPAC Member, Alta, Blue Canyon CA NOTE: This article also appears in a shorter version in the March Western Rail Passenger Review. Prioritizing the order of expenditure on public projects which may span many years can…
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CRCC Technical Committee Meeting Report
February 26, 2010 Meeting Reported by Dennis Story, RailPAC Director The Coast Rail Coordinating Council Technical Committee meeting was held at the Derby Club, Seaside Park in Ventura on Friday, 2/26/10 from 11:00AM to 12:30PM. Attendees: Pete Rodgers (SLOCOG), Bill Bronte (Caltrans Rail Division), Jonathan Hutchison (phone), Mike Powers (SBCAG), Scott Spaulding (SBCAG), Vic Kamhi (VCTC),…
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RailPAC March Review
Commentary by Paul Dyson, RailPAC President I’ve been looking back at some of my previous commentaries, particularly “High Speed Rail, Stay the Course”, and my more recent “High Speed Rail Dilemma” offering. Trying to reach a consensus among a couple of thousand passenger rail advocates in California about our largest ever public works project is…