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Trains and Gasoline
by Noel T. Braymer, RailPAC President — When Amtrak was created in 1971 it was supposed to be a two year “experiment.” So uncertain was Amtrak’s future that one of the few capital expenditures at that time was for some new freight locomotives modified for passenger service. They could be sold easily to the railroads…
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Amtrak 1999 and Acela R.I.P. ?
by Noel T. Braymer, RailPAC President — “We know we have a product here that will absolutely knock the socks off the competition,” said Amtrak President George Warrington. “Only Amtrak’s Acela will provide a very special journey for customers who will travel downtown to downtown. Fares will be about 20% higher than the current Metroliners…
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Letter on the Prohibition of Photography
Letter to Mr. David Solow Chief Executive Officer Southern California Regional Rail Authority Dear Mr. Solow, For over twenty-five years, I have photographed rail passenger stations and equipment to help educate the public and promote rail passenger service as an efficient and convenient alternative to the auto. On Saturday, February 26, I was told by…
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Don’t Panic, but do Write!
by Noel T. Braymer, RailPAC President — In politics everyday is the silly season. Along with Amtrak, almost every government program is getting hit with major proposed budget cuts from the Bush Administration. Haven’t we seen this movie before? I think it is a good bet that Amtrak will get more money than the Bush…
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Bad start to the New Year
by Noel T. Braymer, RailPAC President — Well, to be frank, January stank. The first half of January it rained constantly. The result was washouts and mudslides that disrupted rail service throughout California. Canceled and late trains due to heavy snows in the Midwest and East didn’t help project the image of passenger rail service…
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How To Create A California Intercity Rail Corridor Network
by Noel T. Braymer, RailPAC President — We have come a long way in nearly 30 years of expanding passenger rail service in California. We are not finished through in creating a complete network for most of California to major travel centers in and near California. There are plans to extend service toward Reno/Sparks, Redding,…
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What California Needs From High Speed Rail
by Noel T. Braymer, RailPAC President — Faster Rail Passenger service not only increases ridership but also improves productivity. It does this by carrying more passengers per day with the same number of train crews and equipment. To achieve these results require major investments in equipment and trackwork. A fast, efficient railroad infrastructure can benefit…
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The Gods Help Those Who First Help Themselves
by Noel T. Braymer, RailPAC President The gods help those who first help themselves: Or, It is easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission. Generally the state of rail passenger service in this country is bleak. Many large cities in this country have no service. Some of the largest cities in this country have…
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On my August 2004 commentary
by Noel T. Braymer, RailPAC President NOTE: The following was received from Elizabeth O’Donoghue, Director-Communication Public and Government Affairs (West) Amtrak. My comments follow hers, and refer to my August commentary. To: Editor, Western Rail Passenger Review One thing – you wrote in the Western Rail Passenger Review that “…if Amtrak receives this money the…
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What Do We Need From Amtrak?
by Noel T. Braymer, RailPAC President — Amtrak over the last thirty plus years never seems to change. Amtrak always seems to want more money from Congress, and threaten to shut down most or all service if it doesn’t get what it wants. Most of the money Amtrak gets goes to the NEC to run…