Report by Paul Dyson, RailPAC President — This was my first opportunity to attend this event although it’s in its thirteenth year. The Conference was organized by “Railway Age” Magazine and held October 16 – 17 in Washington, DC. Almost all of the major freight railroads attend as well as Amtrak, and in addition there…

A Trip Report for October 7-11, 2006. Commentary and Photos by Russ Jackson, RailPAC Secretary. After the successful RailPAC meeting in Fullerton, CA, on October 7 it was time for me to return to Los Angeles Union Station (parking in the MTA Building garage was suggested by James Smith) and prepare to board Train 4,…

Meeting notes by Noel Braymer Over 30 people, including many old friends attended the October 7th meeting at the Rail Restaurant in Fullerton by the train station. The impressive line of speakers no doubt was a major attraction in bringing in such a crowd. Some trains were running late that day; In Santa Ana one…

Reported by Chris Flescher, RailPAC Associate Director — The detailed study report of the Caltrain extension (alternatives analysis) was printed out and brought to the meeting (although I did not take a copy). It was also posted on the TAMC website a few weeks ago. One of the conclusions is that a Caltrain extension would…

RailPAC Sacramento Director, Marcia Johnston, reports: “I attended the Capitol Corridor Service Expansion Event on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at 8:15 a.m. at the Sacramento Valley Station, 431 “I” Street, Second Floor in the newly-renovated REA building that also houses the offices of Thomas Enterprises, a Starbucks, and a soon to be opened soup restaurant.…

Reported by Bruce Jenkins, RailPAC Director — The Coast Rail Coordinating Council met at the Paraiso Winery in Soledad on Friday, 9/22. Meeting in Soledad was mainly a good will gesture, and to familiarize the council members of the growth and potentials of the area persuant to a Coast Daylight stop in Soledad.After the normal…

(Comments from RailPAC VP North Arthur Lloyd and Executive Director Richard Silver. The RailPAC Board has enthusiastically endorsed a quick startup of this new train on the Coast Line.) By Liz Harrelson, MEDIA NEWS An uphill struggle by train advocates and coastal communities to reinstate a historic San Francisco to Los Angeles train connection is…

Reported by Bruce Jenkins, RailPAC Director — The meeting started with several local (Merced, Mariposa) speakers advocating service to/from Yosemite National Park. One speaker from Mariposa was endeavoring to gain a seat on the Committee, which is being considered. A visual presentation was made entitled “Blueprint for San Joaquin Valley,” which includes all the counties.…

CCJPA Press Release — The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) announced Sept. 5 that more direct service to and from Sacramento is now available with the addition of eight new trains, according to a press release. The 33% increase in direct intercity train service between Sacramento and the Bay Area/San Jose began August 28,…

August 25, 2006, was the dedication date for the new ACE mid-day train that departs Stockton at 9:30 AM, with the return train departing from San Jose at 12:05 PM and arriving in Stockton at 2:30 PM. The train connects in Stockton with San Joaquin trains 711, 716 and 718. Ceremonies were held before departing…