Testimony by Bill Sundermeyer, the Associate State Director for Advocacy for AARP Ohio, before the Ohio Senate Highways & Transportation Committee, March 18....

 

Passenger Rail

 

Passenger rail is another mobility option for midlife and older people who travel both within congested regional corridors and between cities separated by long distances. The 2001 National Household Travel Survey found that people age 65 and older make more than one and a half million long-distance trips (50 miles or longer) by train. Amtrak estimates that nearly a quarter of its national ridership (4.7 million people) is age 55 and older, and that on 13 of 36 routes, more than a third of the riders are age 55 and older.

 

In addition passenger rail provides essential service to many rural communities, and it is an alternative to air travel in the more congested corridors, such as the Northeast. Many states perceive rail as an important contributor to economic development.

 

AARP transportation policy encourages states to:

 

·        maintain and increase investment in improved public transit systems, for example, by purchasing accessible equipment and constructing comfortable, safe and accessible bus stops;

 

·        aggressively seek to meet the transit needs of people who are older, frail or have disabilities by utilizing the higher federal match for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);

 

·        actively promote use of public transportation;

 

·        require public transit systems to implement and enhance safety regulations and mechanisms;

 

·        encourage transit authorities to reduce fares for disabled or low-income elderly people;

 

·        ensure transportation providers’ compliance with the ADA, in part by providing technical assistance to local transportation agencies and authorities;

 

require that recipients of community development grants and other state funds guarantee in their community planning and design efforts accessibility to transit and safe access to facilities;

 

·        support passenger rail systems that are integrated and coordinated with the nationwide passenger rail system; and

 

·        establish dependable funding mechanisms for investment in passenger rail.

 

In 2006, traffic crashes killed 42,642 people in the United States—about 117 deaths per day, and nearly 5 every hour. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in 2005 dollars, the per person cost of a fatality was $3,246,192 and the cost for an injury, $68,170. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that by 2030, the annual number of older driver fatal crashes will more than double. Moreover, absent transportation, prolonged social isolation by older individuals often leads to depression, alcoholism, obesity, and related diseases. Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal programs bear a substantial portion of the costs of addressing these problems. The cost to the nation—from lives lost needlessly to unnecessary health care spending—will mount precipitously if these transportation challenges are left unaddressed. By reorienting our approach to transportation, and providing a multimodal, accessible, safe, and affordable transportation system, we can save lives, resources, and improve the quality of life for all Americans.

 

AARP urges the General Assembly to enact legislation that increases transportation choices, promotes safe mobility for all users, encourages smarter development and land use, and strengthens public accountability and transparency in transportation decision-making at all levels of government.

I really do think the AARP is a strong backer to have, because as the Boomers slide off into senility we really don't want them driving too much and trains (and streetcars) are much friendlier to those with limited physical abilities than cars - especially if we become a scooter nation.

Glad to see one of All Aboard Ohio's board members (Wellman) getting some good PR for a good cause.....

 

http://www.daytondailynews.com/search/content/oh/story/business/2009/03/18/ddn031809trains.html

 

City of Riverside deputy mayor Jim Wellman wants General Motors and local officials to consider a plan to build light rail passenger cars at the former GM Moraine Assembly buildings. Staff photo by Ty Greenlees

 

Retrofitting factories

 

Riverside deputy mayor touts rail car production at empty plants

Jim Wellman envisions train cars being built at GM Moraine or Delphi brake plant.

By Thomas Gnau

 

Staff Writer

 

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

 

A Riverside man is calling "all aboard" on the idea of building passenger rail cars in one of several shuttered auto plants in the Dayton area.

 

Jim Wellman, 57, deputy mayor of Riverside, acknowledges that he doesn't have a background in development. And he admits he has no solid leads when it comes to possible makers of passenger rail cars.

 

.....

http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009303199902

 

 

Amtrak conductor Gary Grann prepares to close the door to the passenger train which

stopped in Erie for passengers Tuesday morning.

 

 

County Council to hear rail plan

 

BY KEVIN FLOWERS

[email protected] [more details]

 

Published: March 19. 2009 12:01AM

 

The 190-mile railroad corridor between Cleveland and Buffalo -- which includes Erie -- currently is not part of a federal plan to add high-speed rail lines throughout the United States.

 

Erie County Councilman Kyle Foust wants that to change.

 

Foust wants his County Council colleagues to support a resolution for the panel's Tuesday meeting agenda that asks federal officials to include the Cleveland-Buffalo corridor -- and an Erie train stop -- in their plans.

 

 

.....

A bit of historic irony:  Before NCR grew into a large corporation the largest factory in Dayton (first to employ over 1,000) was a rail car manufacturer, Barney & Smith.  So we have come full circle in our thinking on an industrial future.

 

 

North Carolina has to be one of the most progressive conservative states in the country when it comes to transportation.

 

 

Lest we forget, NC went for Obama... times may be a'changin'.

as the Boomers slide off into senility 

 

Slide off into senility, eh? Judging by your remarks, you are already there, waiting for us. Whippersnapper. :laugh:

There is also a video on the web site.  I didn't know Port Columbus was being considered part of the 3-C? 

 

Senate Votes To Allow Gov. To Pursue Passenger Rail

http://www.nbc4i.com/cmh/news/local/local_govtpolitics/article/passenger_rail_in_columbus/13969/

 

By Jason Mays

 

Published: March 18, 2009

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Ohio is one step closer to connecting cities through a passenger rail service.

 

The Ohio Senate voted to allow the governor to pursue $250 million in federal stimulus money to start the project as long as the full legislature gives its approval.

 

The big question now is where to put the Downtown platform. The Convention Center sits where the Old Union Station used to be. Reviving that location is one idea.

 

The Arena District is another location being considered. The city of Columbus will ultimately make the final decision.

 

“You want to have convenience you want to be able to connect with other forms of transportation that’s an error we’ve seen in some cities,“ Stu Nicholson spokesperson of the Ohio Rail Development Commission said.

 

Nicholson said the Ohio Rail Commission is considering stops along suburbs and maybe even one at Port Columbus.

 

Amtrak, which will most likely operate the trains, is expected to complete a study by August to help city leaders decide where to put the train platform. The governor has said he would like the trains up and running by 2010.

 

 

Dear All Aboard Ohio members and friends,

 

First of all, thank you so much for all your efforts!! For those of you that

have been following the passenger rail efforts for the last several months

you know how far we have come. All of those calls and emails really did have

an impact - the final number was around 15,000 calls and emails in just a

few days. Special thanks also goes to Progress Ohio, Policy Matters Ohio,

Transportation Matters, the Ohio Environmental Council, Ohio Sierra Club,

Environment Ohio, United Transportation Union, mayors in Ohio's 10 largest

cities and many smaller ones, city councils, and so many others for calling

to action all of your folks.

 

Thanks most of all to you.

 

Many times our legislators only here from us when we are mad at something

and then, when they listen to our concerns and recommendations, they often

don't hear our gratitude and thanks for their efforts...let's change that!

Please send a short note of thanks to your Ohio Senators, especially those

on the Highways & Transportation Committee.

 

Where we are at:

 

The Ohio Senate included passenger rail language in the Transportation

Budget and directed the State to seek federal stimulus dollars. It is now

headed to conference committee...we are waiting for final word on the

Conferees (2 Republicans/1 Democrat from the Senate and 2 Democrats/1

Republican from the House) as well as the conference committee timeline.

 

Next steps:

 

 

1) Don't forget to join or renew your membership to All Aboard Ohio!

If you're already a member, please make a donation to help us

continue this successful level of advocacy activity. To join or contribute,

please visit www.allaboardohio.org

 

2) All of the above organizations, including All Aboard Ohio, will

reactivate their lists and send thank you emails and calls to the Senate

Transportation Committee members and a few others. Please focus on

Senators Patton, Buehrer, Turner and Carey.

 

  Tell them "Thank you for supporting passenger rail"  and ask them to

continue to support passenger rail for Ohio in the future

 

3) There are a few areas of the passenger rail language that will be

discussed during conference committee, it will be another day or two until

we have specifics....and the changes will likely be technical changes - so

let's say "thanks" and as things become more clear regarding the passenger

language rail we may mobilize in other ways

 

Let me know if you have any questions and as always - spread the

word!!.....every day we are getting closer!

 

 

PHONE-EMAIL CONTACT INFORMATION:

Ohio Senate Highways and Transportation Committee

 

Sen. Tom Patton ® - Chair

http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/bios/sd_24.html

 

Sen. Steve Buehrer ®

http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/bios/sd_01.html

 

Sen. Gary Cates ®

http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/bios/sd_04.html

 

Sen. Bob Gibbs ®

http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/bios/sd_22.html

 

Sen. David Goodman ®

http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/bios/sd_03.html

 

Sen. Tim Schaffer ®

http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/bios/sd_31.html

 

Nina Turner (D) - Ranking Minority Member

http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/bios/sd_25.html

 

Sen. Teresa Fedor (D)

http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/bios/sd_11.html

 

Sen.  Jason Wilson (D)

http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/bios/sd_30.html

 

Senate Leadership

 

Senate President Bill Harris ®

http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/bios/sd_19.html

 

Senator John Carey ®

http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/bios/sd_17.html

 

Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro (D)

http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/bios/sd_32.html

 

Don't forget to join or renew your membership to All Aboard Ohio!

 

If you're already a member, please make a donation to help us continue this level of advocacy activity. To join or contribute, please visit www.allaboardohio.org

Are you on twitter or facebook?

I've never set foot at either site.

I've never set foot at either site.

You might be able to catch a younger (35 and under) demo if you set up accounts there.

^Yes, you would. I know that I would join an All Aboard Ohio Group on Facebook and several of my friends would join, and then some of their friends would join and then...

^Yes, you would. I know that I would join an All Aboard Ohio Group on Facebook and several of my friends would join, and then some of their friends would join and then...

 

Take from the Whippersnappers*!

 

*  See you yungstas are good for something.

That's fine but we need money. All Aboard Ohio needs membership dues, donations and grants to function. And if I'm going to devote time to setting up pages of information at Facebook, what work related activities am I going to drop to do that? I don't even spend much time here anymore because I'm so swamped with work. I do keep two hours of private time in the evenings where I don't even go on the computer or answer the phone anymore just so I can keep my sanity.

 

BTW, we do have a page on ning that one of our interns set up. When she's gone I don't know who's going to manage. I keep forgetting that it's there.

That's fine but we need money. All Aboard Ohio needs membership dues, donations and grants to function. And if I'm going to devote time to setting up pages of information at Facebook, what work related activities am I going to drop to do that? I don't even spend much time here anymore because I'm so swamped with work. I do keep two hours of private time in the evenings where I don't even go on the computer or answer the phone anymore just so I can keep my sanity.

 

BTW, we do have a page on ning that one of our interns set up. When she's gone I don't know who's going to manage. I keep forgetting that it's there.

 

Just set the page up and post information just like you do here.  It's not that hard.  You don't have to respond, just post.

 

Trust me you're missing out on a HUGE voting segment of the population who would be in favor of all your initiatives.

 

Have the intern set this up.

When she gets back in the office Monday. Anyway, back to some news. This was posted in the developments section, but it ought to be posted here too.......

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/newssun/news/index.ssf?/base/news-0/123740693218810.xml&coll=4

 

Overpass is bridge to the future'

Thursday, March 19, 2009

By Jaime Anton [email protected]

The News Sun

 

BEREAThe Front Street overpass could be a bridge of possibilities for the north end of town.

 

........

 

A north end redevelopment could also resurrect two dead projects -- an extension of the Regional Transit Authority's Red Line in Berea and an Amtrak station. Both were nixed 10 years ago.

 

"Powers at the time thought (the Red Line station) was not a good idea for the north end, but we think it is," he said.

 

There's also been some conversations with the Ohio Rail Commission to have a Berea Amtrak station as part of the "Three C Rail" concept -- Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. This idea stalled due to lack of funding, but with stimulus money up for grabs, the state's taking a hard look at the project.

 

"At this point, it's closer to happening than it ever was before and if it does, we are already in the mix for getting a station here in Berea at the north end," Kleem said.

 

Corrigan said mass transit would be a nice addition in Berea.

 

"People come through Berea from Lorain County, Strongsville, Olmsted Falls. It's a thoroughfare to get to the interstate. Mass transit would relieve congestion and provide a healthy way to travel," she said.

 

 

.........

^it was also posted on the Mass Transit board.

I get the feeling that we are going to have to be careful about the 3-C train going everywhere and stopping too much. To get serious ridership between the big cities, there needs to be express trains (or at least whistlestop trains) that make the trip fast rather than taking forever. Too many stops will alienate folks in the key markets.

That is precisely why Amtrak is doing the ridership & revenue study of the 3-C: to determine what variation gets the most riders, revenue....AND one that will allow trains that run in a convenient, timely fashion.

 

Passenger-rail option is necessary for Ohio to adapt to world economy

Saturday,  March 21, 2009 3:10 AM

 

In a letter published last Saturday in The Dispatch, Chris Runyan, president of the Ohio Contractors Association, expressed opposition to Gov. Ted Strickland's initiative to reinstitute passenger-rail service linking Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus and Cleveland (the 3-C Corridor). The association criticized this investment as just another Amtrak black hole. But at an event at Washington's Union Station on March 13, Vice President Joe Biden strongly defended government subsidies that go to the nation's rail system.

 

Biden said: "Every passenger-rail service system in the world relies on subsidies. We subsidize our highways and airports more than we subsidize Amtrak. So let's get something straight here. Amtrak has not been at the trough."

 

It is apparent that the Ohio Contractors Association, which represents the highway-contracting industry and lobbies for increasing gasoline taxes, has been feeding at the highway-funding trough for so long that it believes that our gasoline taxes are an ever-expanding entitlement program for its own benefit. Travel between major cities in Ohio continues to be important for our economic vitality and growth. I agree that the highway system is the primary means of transporting individuals and goods within and through Ohio and needs to be in a state of good repair.

 

We have built more than 124,885 miles of roadways in Ohio, including more than 1,500 miles of interstate highways. But, despite improvements, widening and expansion of the system, highway congestion continues to worsen. Highway planners long have known that we cannot build our way out of congestion. The Ohio 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force examined what Ohio's future transportation needs are. The task force hosted several regional meetings, and the people of Ohio spoke out in favor of greatly expanded public transportation and passenger-rail services.

 

The task force recommended the initiation of passenger-rail service. Fourteen other states, with just one having more population density than Ohio, support regional Amtrak services. They do so because they receive a high return on their relatively small investments.

 

The task-force report also suggested that investments be based on reason, logic and economic benefit and cost factors and not on legacy entitlements. Runyan was a member of that task force. He vocalized support for a new, more comprehensive approach to transportation. But now, it's business as usual back at the trough.

 

To sustain our planet and be more competitive in the changing world economy, we need to change our travel behaviors. Fourteen straight months of decline in vehicle miles traveled on highways, declines in air-passenger volumes, plunging automobile sales and a record-breaking year for transit and Amtrak ridership suggest we are changing our habits. We, the people, get it. But does the General Assembly?

 

The Ohio Contractors Association might have been visited by the ghost of Christmas yet to come. The group fears him the most. But like Scrooge, it can reform. I suggest it assist the governor in leading us to a prosperous and more sustainable future by taking the train from Columbus to Cleveland or Cincinnati.

 

And besides, the cost to operate the 3-C line between Cincinnati and Cleveland represents a little more than 0.003 percent of our state's $7.6 billion transportation budget. Move over Ohio Contractors Association; there's still plenty of room at the trough for highway construction.

 

KEN PRENDERGAST

Executive director All Aboard Ohio

Columbus

http://dispatch.com/live/content/editorials/stories/2009/03/21/Pendergast_SAT_MUST_ART_03-21-09_A7_UJD9T7G.html?sid=101

Joe Hallett:

Can the political rails be greased for 3-C passenger trains?

Sunday,  March 22, 2009 3:34 AM

By Joe Hallett

Columbus Dispatch Columnist

 

Yes I wanted a beer, but which one? Kirin, Sapporo, Asahi, Suntory -- a pleasant little dilemma.

 

The steward fetched a Kirin from his cart. A couple of hours between Tokyo and Kyoto; dare I sample all four? Relaxing in a leather seat aboard the Shinkansen , one of the world's fastest trains, I gazed through a picture window at the Japanese countryside, catching a glimpse of distant Mount Fuji.

 

Is there a better way to travel? Imagine going to see the Reds or Browns like this. Imagine all the Clevelanders who might crowd a train for a game in the 'Shoe on a splendid fall day. Imagine the convenience of pecking on a laptop while the engineer drives. Imagine not driving with one hand while the other holds a cell phone.

 

 

Joe Hallett is senior editor at The Dispatch.

 

[email protected]

 

http://dispatch.com/live/content/editorials/stories/2009/03/22/halcol22.ART_ART_03-22-09_G5_2ODA6F7.html?sid=101

Traveling between Raleigh and Charlotte costs a little more by train than by car and takes about the same amount of time, Simmons said. So, what's the incentive for people to take the train?

 

That's not what Simmons said. He said the cost of taking the train was much less than driving, but people tend to think it's slightly more because motorists only count the cost of gas when pondering a trip.

 

^somebody who was at the press conference better correct Mr. Hallet. 

Traveling between Raleigh and Charlotte costs a little more by train than by car and takes about the same amount of time, Simmons said. So, what's the incentive for people to take the train?

 

That's not what Simmons said. He said the cost of taking the train was much less than driving, but people tend to think it's slightly more because motorists only count the cost of gas when pondering a trip.

 

 

Correct. Part of the problem is that we, as a nation, do not teach our children anything about real-world economics, including the "true" cost to do something.

 

From a government perspective, our "investments" should be in what are the most cost effective and efficient ways to move goods and people. We should not be focused on financing that which most people WANT to do because most people don't think in terms of the greater good.

 

Governments should work to protect what is best for the individual, but they can only justify taxing those individuals if they work toward what provides the greatest good. National intercity HSR will transform this nation in a way that nothing else, practically, will (assuming that we can't devise transporters a la Star Trek). It is the best that our current technology has to offer.

 

 

 

Cleveland Plain Dealer

 

The time is ripe for rail in Ohio

Posted by The editors March 23, 2009 05:00AM

Categories: Editorial

^ What paper?

^ Plain Dealer, Sorry.

Grumpy, I added "Cleveland Plain Dealer" to the top of the editorial.

 

An excellent editorial. I'm glad they also acknowledged the significant potential benefits to freight rail as well.

Joe Hallett:

Can the political rails be greased for 3-C passenger trains?

 

Is there a better way to travel? Imagine going to see the Reds or Browns like this. Imagine all the Clevelanders who might crowd a train for a game in the 'Shoe on a splendid fall day. Imagine the convenience of pecking on a laptop while the engineer drives. Imagine not driving with one hand while the other holds a cell phone.

 

http://dispatch.com/live/content/editorials/stories/2009/03/22/halcol22.ART_ART_03-22-09_G5_2ODA6F7.html?sid=101

 

YES! YES!  Making Ohio more accessible!

:-D

According to Cincinnati Enquirer, the state Controlling Board approved money for the study.

 

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20090323/NEWS0108/303230036/

 

Anyone know who the "California-based consulting firm" is?

Nice 3-C Corridor interview this morning of ORDC's spokesman on WCPN-FM Cleveland!

http://209.51.133.155/cms/index.php/news_releases/more/its_time_for_ohio_to_commit_to_passenger_rail/

 

It's time for Ohio to commit to passenger rail

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — March 24, 2009

Contact:

Ken Prendergast

All Aboard Ohio Executive Director

(216) 288-4883

[email protected]

 

This week is a critical time for the future of passenger rail in Ohio – the nation’s most populous state without a state-sponsored passenger rail development program. Members of a legislative conference committee will decide which version of a budget bill for the Ohio Department of Transportation will be adopted: one that demonstrates to the USDOT that Ohio is serious about passenger rail development or one that is non-committal.

 

The key language under debate is about whether the entire General Assembly must approve funding for the 3-C Corridor, or if it can be approved by the State Controlling Board. If the entire OAG must approve funding, the message sent to USDOT is that Ohio has not really made up its mind to support passenger rail.

 

“The committee members need to put themselves in the shoes of the USDOT,” said Ken Prendergast, executive director of All Aboard Ohio. “Would you award $250 million in federal rail stimulus funds to make the busy 3-C Corridor one of the safest and most efficient railways if the Ohio General Assembly wasn’t ready to provide annual operating support for the trains? If Ohio wants this investment, it has to show it this week.”

 

All Aboard Ohio today urged its members and friends to make one more round of calls and e-mails to members of the conference committee listed below.

 

All Aboard Ohio’s message is to adopt the House of Representatives’ language in the ODOT budget bill (House Bill #2) which authorizes passenger rail development on the 3-C Corridor, between Toledo and Cleveland, plus environmental planning for several routes statewide. The State Controlling Board would award contracts for rail projects authorized by the general assembly, which is appropriate and customary. The Senate version allows ODOT to seek federal rail stimulus funds but requires passenger rail (on 3-C Corridor only) to come back to the General Assembly all over again for final approval.

 

“The House version of HB-2 is where the General Assembly needs to be with passenger rail,” Prendergast said. “It’s time for Ohio to commit to passenger rail. This week is it.”

 

Last week, Ohioans flooded the Ohio Senate Transportation Committee with 15,000 calls and e-mails asking the Senate to support passenger rail. Also a Quinnipiac University poll showed 64 percent of Ohioans support Gov. Ted Strickland’s plan to develop passenger rail in Ohio’s 3-C Corridor, only 29 percent opposed it. Mayors in all 3-C Corridor communities, plus Akron, Canton, Lima, Toledo and Youngstown, city councils, county commissions, 16 of 20 members of Ohio’s Congressional delegation, businesses big and small, the Ohio AARP, environmental organizations, and professional sports teams are endorsing Ohio passenger rail development.

 

WHEN TO CONTACT: No later than the morning of Wednesday, March 25

 

THE MESSAGE: “Please support the House of Representatives’ passenger rail language in House Bill 2, the ODOT budget bill, to give Ohio a real chance at winning federal rail stimulus funding.”

 

CONTACT MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE:

 

Rep. Peter Ujvagi (D-47)

Chair - Transportation and Justice Subcommittee

(614) 644-6017

[email protected]

 

Rep. John Patrick Carney (D-22) or Rep. Michael Skindell (D-13)

Member - Transportation and Justice Subcommittee (the vice chair's seat is vacant)

Carney: (614) 466-2473

[email protected]

 

Skindell: (614) 466-5921

[email protected]

 

Rep. Ross McGregor (R-72)

Ranking Minority Member - Transportation and Justice Subcommittee

(614) 466-2038

[email protected]

 

Senator Tom Patton (R-24)

Chair - Highways & Transportation

(614) 466-8056

[email protected]

 

Senator Steve Buehrer (R-1)

Vice Chair - Highways & Transportation

(614) 466-8150

[email protected]

 

Senator Nina Turner (D-25)

Ranking Minority Member - Highways & Transportation

(614) 466-4583

[email protected]

 

END

The Passenger Rail Study approved by the controlling board will be performed by the Woodside Consulting Group.

The Passenger Rail Study approved by the controlling board will be performed by the Woodside Consulting Group.

 

I'm a little confused (not surprising :roll:) - what will the $450K be used to study?  I thought that the 3-C study was underway and being performed by Amtrak/ORDC/ODOT.  Is this to be used on studies for additional corridors?

The Woodside Consulting study is completely different from what Amtrak is doing.

 

The Amtrak study is looking at what variation of the 3-C Corridor route will produce the optimum ridership and revenue.

 

The Woodside study will examine what the impact will be of 2 to 3 passenger trains on the overall rail traffic in the corridor.  Think of it as a "Sim City" for railroads.  The result will be to better identify where the potential bottlenecks could be on the rail system that could cause delays for passenger and freight trains.  By doing this, a solution to relieve those choke points can be better determined.

 

Simply put: it means putting trains on the tracks that can run quickly and efficiently within the corridor.

And this non-controversial bid to Woodside Consulting to get legislators the information they need to make an decision was approved along straight party lines.

 

I think the GOP has stopped being a political party and is now nothing more than a bunch of contrarians who simply enjoy being mean. Why? Because they can.

OK, how did we miss this one? ? ?  The headline sucks but the best quote of this whole 3-C fight is at the end of this article.....

 

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20090318/NEWS0108/903190304/

 

Ohio passenger rail chugs ahead

By Jon Craig • [email protected] • March 18, 2009

 

COLUMBUS - Ohio is one step closer to a statewide passenger rail line after Senate passage Wednesday of a $8.4 billion transportation budget.

 

Proposed by Gov. Ted Strickland and previously approved by the Ohio House, the state wants to renovate freight routes between Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus and Cleveland so they can be used by passenger trains for the first time since 1971.

 

Senate Republicans said they support passenger trains along Ohio's "3-C corridor,'' but argued a plan approved by the Democratic-controlled House last week lacked details on total cost, date on how many might ride it, and how quickly it could happen.

 

The GOP Senate majority, by a 22-9 vote, passed an amended bill that requires later legislative approval before hundreds of millions in taxpayer money can be spent, pending a summer ridership study.

 

.....

 

State Sen. Bill Seitz, a Republican from Green Township, said, "We actually get two wins'' because federal money can be used to improve existing freight rail lines and crossings. If passenger service doesn't materialize, Seitz said, "We're still going to have an upgraded freight rail system."

OK, how did we miss this one????? The headline sucks but the best quote of this whole 3-C fight is at the end of this article.....

 

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20090318/NEWS0108/903190304/

 

Ohio passenger rail chugs ahead

By Jon Craig • [email protected] • March 18, 2009

 

<...>

 

State Sen. Bill Seitz, a Republican from Green Township, said, "We actually get two wins'' because federal money can be used to improve existing freight rail lines and crossings. If passenger service doesn't materialize, Seitz said, "We're still going to have an upgraded freight rail system."

 

This article was posted somewhere on here before, maybe not in this thread. But when I saw the highlighted quote, I was slightly encouraged, especially since this is a Republican talking.

And this non-controversial bid to Woodside Consulting to get legislators the information they need to make an decision was approved along straight party lines.

 

I think the GOP has stopped being a political party and is now nothing more than a bunch of contrarians who simply enjoy being mean. Why? Because they can.

 

This study won't delay the project any more than waiting for the Amtrak study to finish right?  I think once the Amtrak study is out, unless it shows something surprisingly bad (and that would be a huge surprise) many Republicans will come on board here.  I support passenger rail, but I don't think waiting for these studies to come out is stalling or being mean.  In fact, I'm really, really excited for the Amtrak study.

This study won't delay the project any more than waiting for the Amtrak study to finish right?

 

Correct. The study (actually an analysis) is an important component.

Don't want to brag, but I did send Bill Seitz a letter in support of 3-C.  Although, I didn't mention the freight impacts at all, so I probably can't take too much credit. :wink:

The Woodside Consulting study is completely different from what Amtrak is doing.

 

The Amtrak study is looking at what variation of the 3-C Corridor route will produce the optimum ridership and revenue.

 

The Woodside study will examine what the impact will be of 2 to 3 passenger trains on the overall rail traffic in the corridor. Think of it as a "Sim City" for railroads. The result will be to better identify where the potential bottlenecks could be on the rail system that could cause delays for passenger and freight trains. By doing this, a solution to relieve those choke points can be better determined.

 

Simply put: it means putting trains on the tracks that can run quickly and efficiently within the corridor.

 

Very good, thanks for the explanation.  Are these studies to wrap up around the same time?

From what I understand, it is possible they will wrap up at close to the same time.

 

A compromise was offered by the governor's office to the GOP on the conference committee in which the state controlling board would OK capital improvements to 3-C Corridor and either the General Assembly or a supermajority of State Controlling Board members would have to vote on the operating subsidy. This might satisfy the USDOT which wants to see a commitment from states to passenger rail if they accept rail stimulus funding.

 

By the way, the benefits from these stimulus investments don't end with the passenger rail service....

 

http://members.cox.net/ohiohsr/3-c%20corridor+amtrakexisting01m.jpg

Announced today. See the list here:

 

http://www.dispatch.com/wwwexportcontent/sites/dispatch/local_news/stories/2009/03/26/statewide_list.pdf

 

Note that this list does not including the $8 billion pot of stimulus money for passenger rail. There is $7 million in planning/environmental funds included for the Ohio Hub. Upon completion of the environmental review for Ohio Hub corridors, those corridors will become eligible for federal construction funding either through the $8 billion in stimulus or from the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act passed last fall.

FYI... Thought you all might enjoy reading this........

 

Urgent Request:  3-C Corridor train has only upsides for Ohio

 

TO:

FROM: Jack Shaner, Ohio Environmental Council

Jennifer Miller, Sierra Club, Ohio

Ken Prendergast, All Aboard Ohio

DATE: Thursday, March 26, 2009

SUBJECT: Request for Editorial

 

We greatly appreciate your paper’s strong support for Ohio to explore reestablishment of passenger train service along the 3-C Corridor.  We respectfully ask you to consider raising your paper’s editorial voice once again, right away.  Here’s why:

 

1.  The situation at the Statehouse in Columbus is urgent

 

A new state transportation budget must be passed by the General Assembly and approved by the Governor no later than Tuesday, March 31.  The House-Senate conference committee has set today as a deadline to reach a compromise.  There are 77 items of difference between the House- and Senate-passed versions of the bill -- including differences over how to approve funding for the 3-C Corridor.  It is possible, though, that the conference committee will extend its deadline to Friday or sometime this weekend.

 

2.  A reasonable compromise is on the table that assures bipartisan support before 3-C passenger trains could roll

 

Both the Democrat-controlled Ohio House and the Republican-controlled Ohio Senate have voted to authorize the state to pursue federal stimulus funds to improve and acquire rail infrastructure in preparation for passenger rail service along the 3-C Corridor.  The Senate version, however, would require the General Assembly to approve the appropriation of any federal stimulus funds the State may successfully land.  There is concern, though, that the federal government may not award funds to Ohio if the feds perceive that Ohio is uncertain or reluctant about whether to actually spend the money. 

 

The following compromise could resolve this impasse:

 

A.  Expressly recognize and follow existing Ohio law (Revised Code Sections 4981.10 and 4981.02), which requires the Ohio Rail Development Commission to get the approval of at least 5 of the 7 members of the State Controlling Board before the Ohio Rail Development Commission may use any funds to acquire any property (including rolling stock) for any rail service.  The Controlling Board currently is controlled 4-3 by Democrats.  Recognizing and following existing Ohio law would assure that bipartisan support is necessary before any federal funds could be spent on the acquisition of property (including locomotives and passenger rail cars) and improvement to the rail infrastructure along for the 3-C Corridor.

 

B.  Expressly recognize and follow existing Ohio law (Revised Code Section 4981.02-G), which expressly requires, “All public funds acquired by the [Ohio Rail Development] commission shall be used for developing, implementing, and regulating rail service and not for operating rail service unless the General Assembly specifically approves the expenditure of funds for operating rail service.” 

 

This compromise should satisfy concerns about sending  a clear signal to the federal government that Ohio is serious about proceeding with the 3-C Corridor project, while also giving Statehouse Republicans the assurance they want that the full General Assembly will have final say over whether or not to approve funding for the operation of passenger trains on the 3-C Corridor.

 

3.  Spending federal stimulus funds in the 3-C Corridor is a zero-risk, high-reward investment that state lawmakers should not fear but, instead, pursue:

 

+ Federal stimulus dollars do not require a state match; they are 100% federal funded.

 

Based on the experience of 14 other states which fund Amtrak service in their state, All Aboard Ohio projects the following benefits from investing approximately $250 million in federal rail stimulus funds in improving rail infrastructure along the 260-mile 3-C Corridor:

 

+ Spending money on passenger rail automatically improves freight rail services along the 3-C Corridor. Approximately two-thirds of 3-C Corridor’s start-up cost would add passing sidings and other track enhancements to benefit both freight and passenger rail services. Already, portions of the 3-C Corridor railway carry as much freight tonnage as the Ohio Turnpike and these improvements will increase capacity.

 

In a March 19, 2009 article in the Cincinnati Enquirer, State Sen. Bill Seitz, a Republican from Green Township in suburban Cincinnati, said: "We actually get two wins'' because federal money can be used to improve existing freight rail lines and crossings. If passenger service doesn't materialize, Seitz said, "We're still going to have an upgraded freight rail system."

 

+ Approximately $50 million would likely be allocated to install a Positive Train Control (PTC) to automatically override human error over the entire 260-mile right of way. The 3-C Corridor must have PTC installed by 2015 to meet the federal Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Even without the PTC, passenger rail travel is far safer than automobile travel and with the PTC there is absolutely no comparison.

 

+ Safer grade crossing devices would be added where there are high-traffic or poorly designed crossings. The Federal Railroad Administration could designate improved crossing as Quiet Zones with interlocking gates that prevent vehicles from crossing the tracks when a train is approaching.  These safer crossings are quiet crossings because they relieve the need for locomotive engineers to sound their horn

 

+ 3-C Corridor stations will be more than just train depots. They will be transportation centers in the hearts of commercial districts for local and intra-city public transit, inter-city bus services such as Greyhound, bicycles, Flexcar-type services, and future connecting commuter or light-rail transit and streetcars.

 

+ Passenger train service will attract private investment, grow jobs, and add to the local tax base from the construction of new and the rehabilitation of existing residential and commercial buildings near transportation centers along the 3-C Corridor, such as condominiums, apartments, shops, restaurants and offices.

 

In North Carolina, construction and revitalization of local train stations is delivering total wages of $94 million; $16 million in local property taxes; and a payback ratio of 1.47. The State of Maine is planning a capital investment of $31.5 million to extend Downeaster passenger train service from Portland to Brunswick. Projected economic benefits by 2030 include cumulative construction investments of approximately $7.2 billion; construction/rehabilitation of over 42,000 housing units and 6.8 million square feet of commercial space; creation of over 17,800 jobs; generation of $244 million per year in transportation cost savings for resident households; and $2.4 billion per year of increased purchasing power for Maine residents.

 

+ Operating subsidies for passenger rail services will result in cost savings for Ohio travelers. Passenger rail development in other states indicates Ohio's savings will likely be in excess of the operating subsidies. In an analysis, All Aboard Ohio found that each of the 14 states which financially supports Amtrak service saved travelers money in 2008, ranging from $1.5 million per year in Oklahoma and Texas, to $147.6 million annually in California.

 

In 10 of 14 states with state-supported passenger rail, travelers’ savings were larger than the state subsidies provided to Amtrak. For example, travelers using Amtrak trains in Washington saved an average of $1.30 for every $1 of state subsidy. In North Carolina, travelers saved $5.90 for every $1 of state subsidy to Amtrak. Click on the link for details:

http://members.cox.net/ohiohsr/Travelers%20savings%20on%20Amtrak.pdf

 

Conclusion

This may be the best and only opportunity that Ohio ever will have to upgrade passenger and freight capacity along the 3-C corridor with 100% federal funds.  Should for some unforeseen reason Ohio eventually chose to discontinue with the operation of passenger rail, Ohio would still enjoy the benefits of improved freight infrastructure along the 3-C Corridor.  Based on the experience of 14 other states that fund passenger rail service, Ohio can look forward to a significant return on investment, including jobs, economic development, passenger savings, energy conservation and revitalized urban centers.  The risk is zero, but the potential return on investment is high. But none of these benefits will come to Ohio if our lawmakers do not come together around the 3-C Corridor—and existing Ohio law already has cleared the path for bipartisan oversight by the General Assembly.

3-C Corridor has only upsides for Ohio

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — March 26, 2009

Contact:

Ken Prendergast

All Aboard Ohio Executive Director

(216) 288-4883

[email protected]

 

All Aboard Ohio Executive Director Ken Prendergast issued a statement today that the Cleveland – Columbus – Dayton – Cincinnati (3-C) Corridor passenger rail service will have “zero risk” to Ohio’s taxpayers.

 

“There are wide-ranging benefits of 3-C Corridor capital improvements that go far beyond passenger rail service,” Prendergast said. “We are aware of the concern expressed by some state legislators about making a decision without this latest passenger rail study being done. But I am confident that the benefits beyond the passenger rail service will make this investment worthwhile. Ohio needs to act now to tap federal stimulus funds for 3-C Corridor.”

 

Based on the experience of 14 other states which fund Amtrak service in their state, Prendergast projected the following benefits from investing approximately $250 million in federal rail stimulus funds in improving rail infrastructure along the 260-mile 3-C Corridor:

 

+ Spending money on passenger rail automatically improves freight rail services along the 3-C Corridor. Approximately two-thirds of 3-C Corridor’s start-up cost would add passing sidings and other track enhancements to benefit both freight and passenger rail services. Already, portions of the 3-C Corridor railway carry as much freight tonnage as the Ohio Turnpike and these improvements will increase capacity.

 

In a March 19, 2009 article in the Cincinnati Enquirer, State Sen. Bill Seitz, a Republican from Green Township in suburban Cincinnati, said: "We actually get two wins'' because federal money can be used to improve existing freight rail lines and crossings. If passenger service doesn't materialize, Seitz said, "We're still going to have an upgraded freight rail system."

 

+ Approximately $50 million would likely be allocated to install a Positive Train Control (PTC) to automatically override human error over the entire 260-mile right of way. The 3-C Corridor must have PTC installed by 2015 to meet the federal Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Even without the PTC, passenger rail travel is far safer than automobile travel and with the PTC there is absolutely no comparison.

 

+ Safer grade crossing devices would be added where there are high-traffic or poorly designed crossings. The Federal Railroad Administration could designate improved crossing as Quiet Zones with interlocking gates that prevent vehicles from crossing the tracks when a train is approaching.  These safer crossings relieve the need for locomotive engineers to sound their horn

 

+ 3-C Corridor stations will be more than just train depots. They will be transportation centers in the hearts of commercial districts for local and intra-city public transit, inter-city bus services such as Greyhound, bicycles, Flexcar-type services, and future connecting commuter or light-rail transit and streetcars.

 

+ Passenger train service will attract private investment, grow jobs, and add to the local tax base from the construction of new and the rehabilitation of existing residential and commercial buildings near transportation centers along the 3-C Corridor, such as condominiums, apartments, shops, restaurants and offices.

 

In North Carolina, construction and revitalization of local train stations is delivering total wages of $94 million; $16 million in local property taxes; and a payback ratio of 1.47. The State of Maine is planning a capital investment of $31.5 million to extend Downeaster service. Projected economic benefits by 2030 include cumulative construction investments of approximately $7.2 billion; construction/rehabilitation of over 42,000 housing units and 6.8 million sq ft of commercial space; creation of over 17,800 jobs; generation of $244 million per year in transportation cost savings for resident households; $2.4 billion per year of increased purchasing power.

 

+ Operating subsidies for passenger rail services will result in cost savings for Ohio travelers. Passenger rail development in other states indicates Ohio's savings will likely be in excess of the operating subsidies. In an analysis, All Aboard Ohio found that every state which financially supports Amtrak service saved travelers money in 2008, ranging from $1.5 million per year in Oklahoma and Texas, to $147.6 million annually in California.

 

In 10 of 14 states that support passenger rail, travelers’ savings were larger than the state subsidies provided to Amtrak. For example, travelers using Amtrak trains in Washington saved an average of $1.30 for every $1 of state subsidy. In North Carolina, travelers saved $5.90 for every $1 of state subsidy to Amtrak. Click on the link for details:

http://members.cox.net/ohiohsr/Travelers%20savings%20on%20Amtrak.pdf

 

Also see Ohio passenger rail map:

http://members.cox.net/ohiohsr/3-c%20corridor+amtrakexisting01m.jpg

 

END

There is $7 million in planning/environmental funds included for the Ohio Hub.

 

There's also $7 million for the Panhandle line. What's going on, there?