Unfortunately, the Metro has seen major disinvestment and from folks who live there, the feeling that it could break at any second (trains and escalators) is pervasive.

 

Escalators don't break, they become stairs.  ~ RIP Mitch Hedberg

I know this isn't news, but it is Amtrak related.

 

I spoke to an Amtrak rep yesterday, who informed me that I cannot take my folding bicycle on the Cardinal, because it has no Superliner cars. I'm really pissed about that. I've been allowed to gate check the thing on airplanes before, yet I can't take it on a train? WTF!!!!

 

It actually makes me question whether I made the wrong choice buying a train ticket vs. a plane ticket. I'm willing to deal with the time difference, and the lack of baggage checking, but I want to take my f@$#ing bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Edit: As a side note, the rep was kind enough to inform me that the closest place I could go with the bike was Cleveland. Chalk another reason up why Cleveland has better rail service. I guess I can just go ahead and bike to and from Cleveland from Cincy in order to ride the damn train.

Who was the Amtrak rep you spoke with? My read of the company's policies is not consistent with what the Amtrak rep told you. Tell me if you come to the same conclusion after looking over Amtrak's bicycle policies.......

 

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241337895554

 

Note that any station that has checked baggage service will allow you to put any bicycle in a box and check it through to another station that also has checked baggage service. Until this year, the Cardinal did not have checked baggage service. It does now, and Cincinnati is one of the stations along the Cardinal route that is staffed and thus has checked baggage...

 

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=am2Station&pagename=am%2Fam2Station%2FStation_Page&p=1237405732508&cid=1229726268813

 

If you have a bag/wrap for the folding bicycle, and it is a true folding bike as Amtrak describes it at the link above, then you can take it on the train as carry-on luggage.

I should have recorded his name, but I didn't.

 

Folding bicycles may be brought aboard certain passenger cars as carry-on baggage.

 

It was the "certain passenger cars" part which inspired me to call and ask. And it was a good thing I did, if what the guy told me was correct. (It would be even more infuriating to show up with the bike on the day of departure and find out I couldn't take it! Then frantically trying to decide what to do with the damn thing!)

 

I forgot about the change in policy for checking bags (and the rep didn't offer the idea). Perhaps that is a solution. I might just have to figure out a way to box it, as I don't have a carrying bag. (Cardboard, packing tape, and bubble wrap should do, I guess?)

 

The only solution the rep offered was to ship it UPS for $50. LOL, no thanks. I'd rather buy a used bike off Craigslist for the $100 round trip that would be.

 

I have some time to get this figured out before my trip, but it seems patently absurd that one wouldn't be able to bring a folding bike on any Amtrak route. It would be in Amtrak's best interest to accommodate, even encourage, such a complimentary style of travel.

Amtrak does have a limited number of bike boxes available. Check with the Cincinnati Amtrak station agent to see if they have any (note the station hours are nightly from 11 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.!). If not, ask if they can get one put on the train from Chicago (or DC) and hold it for your trip. Be sure to do something nice (and legal) for the station agent.

 

If they can't guarantee a bike box, ask if they have any suggestions about how to make your own.

Ah, problem: I'm going to Newark, not DC. No checked baggage for that trip. (Not to NYP either.) That would probably be why the rep didn't mention the possibility.

 

I'm going to be very disappointed if this doesn't get worked out. :(

Politifact looks favorably on passenger rail...

 

ODOT cites heightened Amtrak ridership in light of potential program cuts

 

Republican Gov.-elect John Kasich has made it clear he will cancel Ohio’s $400 million passenger train project when he takes office in January. Gov. Ted Strickland, who lost to Kasich earlier this month and strongly supported the project, denied Kasich’s recent request to halt spending on environmental and engineering studies related to it that already has topped $1 million.

 

Advocates for the project, which would use federal stimulus money to establish a Cleveland to Columbus to Cincinnati train line, remain hopeful Kasich will change his mind. While Kasich views the 3C rail corridor as a waste of money, supporters say it will create jobs and meet a growing demand for passenger train service.

 

The Ohio Department of Transportation issued a news release on Oct. 25 touting the increasing desire among Ohioans to travel by train. The department said "demand for transportation choice is on the rise, with 14 percent more Ohioans riding passenger trains over the past year."

 

 

Full report at: http://www.politifact.com/ohio/statements/2010/nov/24/ohio-department-transportation/odot-cites-heightened-amtrak-ridership-light-poten/

 

Amtrak sees jump in traffic with new TSA screenings

by Bill Capo / Eyewitness News

wwltv.com

Posted on November 23, 2010 at 6:44 PM

 

NEW ORLEANS -- The Lyons family headed for Houston on Amtrak's Sunset Limited, their first train trip.

 

"Cause my husband wanted to experience the train,” said New Orleans resident Byrna Lyons.

 

They joined a long line waiting to board the Sunset Limited, which holds 110 passengers. For some, the decision to take the train was influenced by airline security screenings, especially the new, intrusive body scans and pat-downs.

 

Full story at: http://www.wwltv.com/news/Amtrak-sees-jump-in-traffic-with-new-TSA-screenings-110253089.html#

November 30, 2010

Amtrak to allow firearms on most trains

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Amtrak will now allow passengers to bring unloaded guns on most trains starting this December, following a near decade-long ban, according to the Sacramento Bee. The change, pushed by gun rights advocates and ordered by Congress, aligns Amtrak's firearms policy with air travel rules that allow unloaded guns to be stored in locked baggage holds.

 

Under the policy, beginning Dec. 15, guns can be brought aboard trains that have checked baggage service. Gun owners must inform Amtrak officials 24 hours ahead of departure. Unloaded firearms must be packed in hard-sided containers and will be stored in train lockers.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/11/30/3220359/amtrak-to-let-passengers-bring.html#ixzz16mEhjwtw

 

Nice!

HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT NORTH OF SPRINGFIELD CONTINUES THROUGH DECEMBER 23

Ridership remains strong despite substitute transportation for some

Lincoln Service trains; Texas Eagle to detour

 

CHICAGO – Improvements supporting future high-speed rail on the Chicago-St. Louis corridor north of Springfield will continue to cause the daily Amtrak Lincoln Service trains to originate and terminate in Bloomington/Normal through Dec. 10 and again Dec. 16 to Dec. 23.  This work on the Chicago-St. Louis route will also cause the Chicago-San Antonio Amtrak Texas Eagle to detour without other scheduled stops between Chicago and St. Louis.

Alternate transportation will be provided in most cases (please see the attached Passenger Service Notice).  This updates a previous announcement, adds a work period from the 16th to the 22nd while weather conditions permit and is subject to further changes.

The northbound departures of the chartered motorcoaches and vans from St. Louis, Alton, Springfield and Lincoln are scheduled one hour ahead of the regular Lincoln Service train schedules in order for the northbound trains to leave on-time from Bloomington/Normal. 

        Despite these alternate transportation substitutions, ridership on the corridor has continued to be strong.  During October and November, 97,407 passengers rode Lincoln Service trains, an increase of almost 14 percent from the same months in 2009.

        The Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail corridor is the first high-speed rail project in the country to begin construction.  Under an initial agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (Illinois DOT), Union Pacific Railroad is installing new concrete ties and track switches along the corridor. 

        The Midwest has received more than $3 billion in competitive federal awards in 2010 toward the development of the Chicago Hub Network. When completed, the network will connect more than 40 of the largest cities in the Midwest with passenger rail, including 60 daily roundtrips from Chicago.  In a recent report, Illinois PIRG projected a completed network will create 57,000 permanent jobs and support 15,200 jobs during the ten years that it would take to construct the system.

        Illinois’ high-speed rail signature route, Chicago to St. Louis, received $1.1 billion in federal funds for corridor improvements.  These improvements will allow Amtrak Lincoln Service trains to operate at speeds up to 110 mph and include new locomotives and passenger cars, rebuilding of track, additional highway-rail grade crossing active warning devices, and implementation of state-of-the-art safety technology. Two new modern transportation centers in Joliet and Normal, IL are planned and fully funded through federal, state, local and railroad partnerships. Construction at Chicago’s Union Station is currently underway to expand passenger capacity, and the St. Louis Gateway Station recently received federal funding for track improvements.           

Passenger Service Notices are posted at stations and will be displayed as part of the booking process on Amtrak.com, with updates on the Amtrak Illinois website.

 

About Amtrak

 

As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2010), the railroad carried over 28.7 million passengers, making it the best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day—at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph)—to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the partner of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Become a fan at www.facebook.com/amtrak and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Amtrak.

 

About Illinois DOT

 

The Illinois Department of Transportation provides safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity, and demonstrate respect for our environment.  Illinois DOT provides leadership throughout Illinois for the improvement and coordination of the state’s multi-faceted transportation system and serves as an advocate and trusted adviser to local governments and other community agencies involved in providing transportation access and services for all of Illinois.  For more information, visit http://www.dot.il.gov/. 

Amtrak reports 14 percent increase in Lincoln Service riders.By TIM LANDIS

THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER

Posted Dec 07, 2010 @ 11:30 PM

Last update Dec 08, 2010 @ 06:05 AM

   

If boarding numbers for October and November are an indication, local rail passengers don’t mind taking the bus.

 

Amtrak reported Tuesday more than 97,000 passengers took Lincoln Service trains between Chicago and St. Louis in October and November, a 14 percent increase from 2009.

 

The increase came even though the carrier frequently used buses to ferry passengers around high-speed rail construction south and north of Springfield.

 

Northbound buses leave an hour ahead of the regularly scheduled train departure from Springfield, St. Louis, Alton and Lincoln.

 

Read more at: http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x2061439398/Amtrak-reports-14-percent-increase-in-Lincoln-Service-riders

Amtrak reports 14 percent increase in Lincoln Service riders.By TIM LANDIS

THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER

Posted Dec 07, 2010 @ 11:30 PM

Last update Dec 08, 2010 @ 06:05 AM

 

If boarding numbers for October and November are an indication, local rail passengers don’t mind taking the bus.

 

Amtrak reported Tuesday more than 97,000 passengers took Lincoln Service trains between Chicago and St. Louis in October and November, a 14 percent increase from 2009.

 

The increase came even though the carrier frequently used buses to ferry passengers around high-speed rail construction south and north of Springfield.

 

Northbound buses leave an hour ahead of the regularly scheduled train departure from Springfield, St. Louis, Alton and Lincoln.

 

Read more at: http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x2061439398/Amtrak-reports-14-percent-increase-in-Lincoln-Service-riders

 

That's ME!!!  I take the train from Milwaukee to Normal, IL all the time. 

 

With High Speed construction I think I might start taking the train to Champaign and then renting a car to Peoria.  I wonder if they'll account for people doing this in next year's ridership estimates.

Amtrak reports 14 percent increase in Lincoln Service riders.By TIM LANDIS

THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER

Posted Dec 07, 2010 @ 11:30 PM

Last update Dec 08, 2010 @ 06:05 AM

   

If boarding numbers for October and November are an indication, local rail passengers don’t mind taking the bus.

 

Amtrak reported Tuesday more than 97,000 passengers took Lincoln Service trains between Chicago and St. Louis in October and November, a 14 percent increase from 2009.

 

The increase came even though the carrier frequently used buses to ferry passengers around high-speed rail construction south and north of Springfield.

 

Northbound buses leave an hour ahead of the regularly scheduled train departure from Springfield, St. Louis, Alton and Lincoln.

 

Read more at: http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x2061439398/Amtrak-reports-14-percent-increase-in-Lincoln-Service-riders

 

That's ME!!!  I take the train from Milwaukee to Normal, IL all the time. 

 

With High Speed construction I think I might start taking the train to Champaign and then renting a car to Peoria.  I wonder if they'll account for people doing this in next year's ridership estimates.

 

They actually allowed YOU in a place called "Normal"?  This is just too easy!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 8, 2010

ATK-10-158

Contact: Media Relations

202 906.3860

 

AMTRAK SETS NEW THANKSGIVING RIDERSHIP RECORD

More than 700,000 passengers chose Amtrak for their holiday travel needs

 

WASHINGTON – The numbers are in and Amtrak had a record-breaking Thanksgiving holiday travel week carrying 704,446 passengers, up 2.7 percent over last year. In addition, 134,230 passengers rode Amtrak on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving – itself a new record for the single busiest day in the history of the railroad.

 

“The record ridership demonstrates Amtrak’s ability to satisfy the traveling needs of the

public and highlights the need for America to invest more in passenger rail to meet the increasing demand,” said President and CEO Joseph Boardman.

 

Comparing Thanksgiving 2010 to Thanksgiving 2009, ridership was up 5.1 percent on

state-supported trains and other short distance corridors with strong growth in Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. The long-distance trains saw a 3.7 percent increase and on the Northeast Corridor, the high-speed Acela Express trains had a 12.9 percent increase, however, ridership on the entire corridor dropped slightly.

 

In preparation for the anticipated heavy passenger volume, Amtrak operated every

available passenger car in its fleet and scheduled extra trains and/or added capacity to existing trains in the Northeast Corridor, the Chicago hub, in the Pacific Northwest and in California.

 

The previous Thanksgiving ridership record was set in 2009 with 685,876 passengers.

 

About Amtrak

As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and

healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2010), the railroad carried over 28.7 million passengers,

making it the best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the

District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each

day—at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph)—to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the

partner of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several commuter rail

agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.

Become a fan at www.facebook.com/amtrak and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Amtrak.

# # #

It makes me want to support it even more, now.

A bit more good news for Amtrak riders in Cincinnati....

 

Amtrak's Cardinal Could See Daily Service Restored

 

The switch to daily service would see both the eastbound and westbound trains operate on their current time schedules.

Posted Thursday, December 9, 2010 ; 06:00 AM

 

By James E. Casto

 

Amtrak's Cardinal could be on track for a big change in 2011.

 

Currently, the long-distance train runs three times a week, linking Chicago and New York by way of Huntington, Charleston and a half-dozen other West Virginia communities. Now, a new Amtrak report recommends the train should run every day.

 

Directed by Congress to improve its long-distance service, Amtrak formed a Performance Improvement Team to examine its operations with an eye to reducing costs and improving efficiency. When it evaluated the Cardinal, the team concluded the train's current three-times-a-week schedule "is a major driver of inefficiency" and passenger confusion.

 

Read more at: http://www.statejournal.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=90789

It would be even better if it had a couple of daytime stops in Cincinnati. But I definitely welcome the upgrade in service!

It'd be nice if there was at least one daytime train - ideally a Thursday train for weekend travel into the East Coast or Chicago.

It would be even better if it had a couple of daytime stops in Cincinnati. But I definitely welcome the upgrade in service!

 

Maybe it could run at a different time every day. Some Amtrak trains seem to do that anyway.  :wink: :-D

Dec 14, 2010: Cincinnati-Area Rail Advocates Meeting

 

 

Event Details

When: Tuesday, December 14, 2010 - 6:30 PM Eastern

Where: Tower A, Cincinnati Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH

 

Cost: Free and open to the public.

Organized by NARP and All Aboard Ohio member Mike Weber, who promises that the meeting will be worth your gas expenditure. Updates on prospects for Amtrak and high-speed rail in the new Congress, the latest on the fate of the 3C Corridor, and planned improvements to Amtrak’s Cardinal will be discussed.

 

 

 

 

It'd be nice if there was at least one daytime train - ideally a Thursday train for weekend travel into the East Coast or Chicago.

 

More trains like a daily Cardinal and NYP through-cars on the Capitol Limited would be great.  I'll take whatever we can get.  But, after Ohio just showed again that it's unwilling to do anything to help develop train service, don't expect Amtrak to change their schedules for us.  I can't blame them, either. 

 

Upon returning from my DC trip last month, I felt like I was returning to a 3rd-world country as far as transportation goes.  Except for Strickland, our state government is clueless (the Ohio Democratic Party) and recklessly hostile (the Ohio Republican Party) when it comes to transportation, and the state suffers. 

From North of the border...

 

VIA Rail Canada invests $923 million in fleet renewal

 

VIA Rail Canada Inc. is investing $923 million to update its rolling stock fleet — the largest investment in passenger-rail service under the Canadian government's economic action plan, according to VIA Rail.

 

The renewal program calls for a $20 million refurbishment of 78 HEP1 stainless-steel cars, including 40 sleeping and 13 dining cars; an overhaul of 21 locomotives for the Canadian route between Vancouver and Toronto; and refurbishment of the Skyline and Park dome-lounge cars.

 

Read more at: http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article/VIA-Rail-Canada-invests-923-million-in-fleet-renewal--25405

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 18, 2011

ATK-11-006

Contact: Media Relations

202.906.3860

 

Amtrak to offer "Quiet Car" Service on Keystone Line

Passengers can work or rest in peace and quiet starting Jan. 24

 

WASHINGTON – In response to customer demand, Amtrak Keystone Service (Harrisburg – Philadelphia – New York) will add Quiet Car® service starting Jan. 24, providing passengers with a peaceful, quiet atmosphere to work or rest without distraction.

 

The coach car adjacent to the locomotive will typically be designated as the Quiet Car. Seating on the Quiet Car is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and cannot be reserved. There is no additional charge for a seat in a Quiet Car.

 

While riding in the Quiet Car, passengers must follow these guidelines:

•

Hushed Voices: Strictly limit conversation and speak only in quiet, subdued tones.

•

Muted Devices: No use of any devices that emit sounds, including cellular phones, handheld games without headphones, laptop computers with audible features enabled, or CD, DVD, iPod and MP3 players without headphones.

•

Headphones/Earpieces: Volume must be low enough so that the audio from headphones/earpieces cannot be heard by neighboring passengers.

 

The Amtrak Quiet Car first started in 1999 on the Northeast Corridor between Philadelphia and Washington. Today the Quiet Car has expanded to include Acela Express and Northeast Regional service between Washington and Boston, as well as the Hiawatha Service between Chicago and Milwaukee.

 

Amtrak Keystone Service trains are financed in part through funds made available by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Ah, problem: I'm going to Newark, not DC. No checked baggage for that trip. (Not to NYP either.) That would probably be why the rep didn't mention the possibility.

 

I'm going to be very disappointed if this doesn't get worked out. :(

 

As a follow-up:

I was able to take my folding bike, no problems. While it didn't quite pass the size restrictions, there were no luggage Nazis on either end of the trip to complain. I did make a homemade carrier bag for the thing, so I don't know how it would have played out without somewhat disguising what it was. (There are special rules for bikes.) I think the key was that the bag basically fit in the overhead luggage rack (very minimal overhang), so it didn't seem suspicious or obstructing anything.

 

The main inconvenience was I was too nervous to go to the train stations alone, fearing I may have to abandon the bike. This defeated the possibility of just riding to the train station and hopping on. Next time, I may feel emboldened to do that, however. If there is a next time...those delays on top of the already long trip are a hassle, for sure. It's a shame we really have no pleasant way of traveling in this country. Well, I guess if you can afford/justify shelling out the money for a sleeper car, that would make the trip pretty tolerable.

I hope you got up occasionally and visited the lounge and/or the diner. That's a nice way to break up long trips rather than stay in your seat the whole time. Too many treat a train like a bus or plane and don't get up and move around the train....

 

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Route_C&pagename=am/Layout&cid=1241245652448

I hope you got up occasionally and visited the lounge and/or the diner. That's a nice way to break up long trips rather than stay in your seat the whole time. Too many treat a train like a bus or plane and don't get up and move around the train....

 

One of the main regrets that I have, at least on the Capitol Limited, is that they eliminated the movies in the Lounge Car and replaced them with personal DVD rentals. Although most of the time they ended up showing bad Adam Sandler movies, there was a lot more interaction between the lounge car viewers then there is, frequently, now. And once, we we were stuck for 8 hours on the Sand Patch, somebody pulled out a few unedited films that were not quite "family" oriented but nobody seemed to care, by that point.

 

I also wonder why the refurbished cars have a bar, but no bartender and no liquor. On many a trip from Reading to London, UK, I would stand at the bar in the lounge car and talk with the other travelers.

 

 

Yeah, I got up and walked around a lot. Makes Amtrak blow Greyhound out of the water (along with much more leg room and seat reclining). The first trip, I made frequent use of the diner car, since I didn't find time to get food to bring along. The second trip, I brought plenty of food, along with a special water bottle filled with liquor. :)

 

I'd love to do a long trip with a sleeper car, but without a travel companion the cost is out of bounds. I wonder if there is a site frequented by Amtrak travelers where one might have some luck finding someone to split the cost.

The second trip, I brought plenty of food, along with a special water bottle filled with liquor. :)

 

And try to bring a bottle of liquor (or mouthwash or whatever), on a plane. Seriously, Union Liquors in Washington, DC, get some ice and a Ziplock bag (makes a great shaker and takes up less room), and you are golden.

 

I'd love to do a long trip with a sleeper car, but without a travel companion the cost is out of bounds. I wonder if there is a site frequented by Amtrak travelers where one might have some luck finding someone to split the cost.

 

Possibly, but there isn't much room in those bedrooms so it would have to be someone who didn't mind giving up some personal space (and, hopefully, someone with good hygiene). I always seem to find someone to share a bottle of wine with, though (the train wine being horrible and expensive, for what you get).

 

Heard a Amtrak commercial during Cunningham's show on streaming WLW (via I Heart Radio app) the other day. Was pleasantly surprised.

Spending cuts would hit Amtrak, Metro

By Washington Post Editors

[This post has been updated]

Federal transportation funding would take a hit under the "Spending Reduction Act" being proposed Thursday afternoon by some conservative House Republicans.

 

The plan from the Republican Study Committee, which represents 165 members, would cut $2.5 trillion from the federal budget over the next 10 years. According to the Post's Lori Montgomery, that would be achieved primarily by cutting non-defense spending to 2006 levels and firing 15 percent of federal workers.

 

The legislation calls for eliminating the $1.5 billion annual subsidy for Amtrak, $2.5 billion in high-speed rail grants and $150 million in annual funding for Metro.

Full story at: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dr-gridlock/2011/01/spending_cuts_would_hit_amtrak.html

 

It probably makes little sense to point out that no matter how much you cut discretionary spending, you aren't going to make a dent in the Federal deficit unless you also cut entitlements and increase taxes.

 

Dana Milbank has a nice retort in today's Washington Post in which he exposes the fact that this is nothing more than Republican "payback", hitting programs that the Republicans have long hated. Among the cuts would be a devastating cut to the DC Metro which is in the worst state that it has been in over a decade.

 

Why Cutting Rail Funding Would Hurt America’s Transportation Future

Posted on Thursday January 27th by Eric Jaffe | 1,728

 

The Republican Study Committee recently recommended $2.5 trillion in federal spending cuts over the next ten years (pdf). The committee brought the axe down hard on rail funding — seeking to eliminate Amtrak subsidies (roughly $1.6 billion a year), New Starts transit funding ($2 billion), and high-speed / intercity rail grants ($2.5 billion).

 

For sure, cuts must be made to the federal budget. But the punishment has not been parceled out equally across the transportation sector, and rail fans are predictably sour on the news; many no doubt concur with the California High-Speed Rail blog, which labeled the proposal “insane.”

 

Over at the National Journal’s Transportation blog, experts are wondering why the committee decided to “pick on rail” as opposed to roads. Most of the respondents consider such a plan a mistake. Infrastructurist contributor and Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer calls it “a recipe for economic disaster.” Even Bill Lind, a conservative with “Tea Party sympathies,” believes the anti-rail sentiment among his kind comes from a “lack of information” about the true cost of roads.

 

Full report at:

http://www.infrastructurist.com/2011/01/27/why-cutting-rail-funding-would-hurt-americas-transportation-network/

I think they could have done a lot better with that report and actually post some graphics which show how heavily subsidized roads are. A good place to start is with the Texas DOT study which was pulled off-line after the DOT was criticized for exposing "The Great Lie."

 

This is the most important information (from Pew Research Center):

 

American highway and aviation systems user fees cover less and less of system costs (only 50 and 60 percent, respectively), highway and aviation lobbyists are tapping deeper into general tax dollars to expand their oil-dependent systems. By comparison, only one-fourth of Amtrak spending is from government subsidies.

 

Pretty cool story about a professor taking his class on a road trip....a railroad trip...

 

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=693142n&tag=mncol;lst;2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 31, 2011

ATK-11-014

 

Contact: 

Vernae Graham, Amtrak Media Relations

510 238.4360

Vickie Sheehan, WSDOT Communications

360 705.7904

 

 

AMTRAK CASCADES LAUNCHES Wi-Fi ®

  AmtrakConnectSM now available on all trains along the route

 

 

OLYMPIA – Amtrak Cascades travelers will get what they have asked for when Wi-Fi service becomes available today on all Amtrak Cascades trains.

 

Using any laptop computer or Wi-Fi enabled device, Amtrak Cascades passengers traveling between Vancouver, B.C., and Eugene, Ore., will be able to connect to the Internet for general Web surfing and access to e-mail. The free Wi-Fi service, known as AmtrakConnectSM, will also allow passengers to access corporate networks through most standard Virtual Private Networks (VPN), turning train trips into productive work time.

 

“Amtrak Cascades continues to be a desirable travel option and a popular alternative to driving,” said Washington State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond. “Adding another great onboard amenity like Wi-Fi makes travel by train even more attractive.”

 

More than 838,000 travelers rode Amtrak Cascades in 2010 setting a 16-year high for total ridership. Wi-Fi service has been the most requested amenity by Amtrak Cascades passengers and more people are traveling on the trains with their Wi-Fi enabled devices. Wi-Fi service on Amtrak Cascades trains will remain free of charge during the introductory period, after which the policy will be reviewed based on customer demand and system performance. 

 

The Wi-Fi service, provided jointly by Amtrak and the Washington State Department of Transportation, is part of a long-term project to refurbish all the trains to like-new condition and extend their service life to approximately 2029. Completed work so far has included outfitting each set of trains with new leather seating surfaces, updating interior color schemes and paneling, and installing new flooring. Future work will include upgrading the audio and video systems, and improving the bistro and lounge cars.

   

Amtrak Cascades is the second train in the Amtrak fleet to install a full-train Wi-Fi network. The Amtrak high-speed Acela Express service in the Northeast launched Wi-Fi on all 20 trains in March 2010. 

Amtrak Cascades operates three daily round trips between Portland and Seattle; one daily round trip between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., and between Portland and Vancouver, B.C.; and daily service between Eugene and Seattle, via Portland. Amtrak Cascades is operated by Amtrak in partnership with the Washington and Oregon Departments of Transportation. For Amtrak Cascades fares and schedules, visit AmtrakCascades.com.

 

About Amtrak®:

 

Amtrak is America’s Railroad, the nation’s intercity passenger rail provider and its only high-speed rail operator.  A record 28.7 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2010 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces.  Amtrak operates trains in partnership with 15 states and four commuter rail agencies.  Amtrak also is a strong financial performer achieving an 85 percent cost-recovery ratio in FY 2010.  Enjoy the journey at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.  Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Amtrak.

 

About WSDOT

 

WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/News for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1. 

Pretty cool story about a professor taking his class on a road trip....a railroad trip...

 

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=693142n&tag=mncol;lst;2

 

When I was VP of MIS for a Pittsburgh hospital I took 8 of the MIS Staff to the Radiological Society of North America convention in Chicago on the Capitol Limited (including sleepers). The only grumbles was having to get up at 5 AM on the return trip.

 

That was when they still gave out glass mugs to first class passengers.

 

Amtrak trains that make money—really

Posted Thu, Feb 3 2011 3:34 PM by Fred Frailey

 

Rare as an albino pony is the U.S. passenger train that can recover its fully allocated costs from the farebox. “Fully allocated” means every little expense category is included, over and above the direct operating costs. In the case of Amtrak, those include headquarters costs, shop costs, and so forth, down to the kitchen sink. Okay, with that out of the way, a drum roll ...

 

READ MORE AT:

http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/blogs/fred-frailey/archive/2011/02/03/amtrak-trains-that-make-money-really.aspx

Why take the fun out of rail commuting?

Published: Sunday, February 06, 2011, 4:13 PM

By Guest Columnist

By Vicki Walker and Doug Jacobs

 

Early each morning, passengers board the Amtrak Cascades 500 in Eugene, Albany and Salem for their commute to Portland. Nightly they board the buses and trains of Amtrak for the trek back home. The mix of people who commute to work and classes in Portland is amazingly diverse. They can spend three to five hours each day commuting -- and some days much longer thanks to inconsistent dispatching and Union Pacific's demand for priority use of the rails. There are people who have been riding this route for as long as eight years, and they do it for the convenience and the added value of a comfortable work and study space.

 

Full op-ed at: http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2011/02/why_make_the_trip_more_difficu.html

 

Were you all sleeping? ;)

 

 

U.S. plans to inject $53 billion into passenger rail

Reuters

 

Biden unveils 53 billion dollar rail plan AFP/Getty Images/File – Amtrak Acela Train at the Amtrak Celebrates National Train Day 2010 - Philadelphia in 2010 in Pennsylvania. …

 

    * Joe Biden unveils $53 billion rail plan Slideshow:Joe Biden unveils $53 billion rail plan

    * Biden touts high-speed rail investment in Philly Play Video Joe Biden Video:Biden touts high-speed rail investment in Philly AP

 

By David Warner David Warner – Tue Feb 8, 3:59 pm ET

 

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) – Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced an ambitious $53 billion U.S. program to build new high-speed rail networks and make existing ones faster over the next six years.

 

But the plan drew immediate fire from majority Republicans in the House of Representatives, who said building high-speed rail requires private investment rather than a government plan.

 

Biden, who estimated he has ridden Amtrak trains between Washington and his home in Wilmington, Delaware, some 7,900 times, made a strong pitch for rail transportation to enable the United States to compete and lead internationally.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110208/pl_nm/us_usa_transport_rail

 

It's true that rail does require private investment.  However, it requires public investment, too.

 

Look around an airport and you'll see public investment and private companies working together to move people and cargo from place to place.  At least part of the airport, if not the whole thing, is generally public; the airplanes are private.  Some hangars may be private, too--I actually don't even know.  (I know that if I wanted to start investing in municipal debt, though, there are airport/transit authority bonds out there on the market, so *something* in that tangle is public.)

 

On the highways, the roads are generally public; the cars and trucks are generally private.

 

If we keep up the parallel, the rails themselves should generally be public, with the trains private.  It doesn't seem to have shaken out that way, for any number of reasons.

^ Are you advocating keeping that parallel? Do you think there would be less political resistance to rail? Would you be more friendly to rail? Or are you just observing?

Were you all sleeping? ;)

 

 

U.S. plans to inject $53 billion into passenger rail

 

 

No, were you?

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,12036.msg543028.html#msg543028

 

And...

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,1414.msg543099.html#msg543099

 

:bang:

^ Are you advocating keeping that parallel? Do you think there would be less political resistance to rail? Would you be more friendly to rail? Or are you just observing?

 

I'm already reasonably rail-friendly; I was critical of the 3C project because I think starting with last-mile transportation (streetcars/trolleys), then moving to commuter systems, then going to interurbans would make more sense, but I recognize a lot of the advantages of rail.  (I actually took the Amtrak all the way from Alliance to D.C. for Halloween the year before last ... my friends laughed at me for spending 9 hours on the train, but I liked it.)

 

As to whether there would be less political resistance ... slightly, yes, but nowhere near enough, unfortunately, at least in today's political climate.  Spending is spending, and the distinction between public financing of the actual fixed infrastructure and of the vehicles would be lost on many today.  I think you'd move the needle a small amount, but nowhere near enough to get projects like 3C over the hump.  (Of course, I'm talking about the state level at the moment, notwithstanding that this is the Amtrak thread.  Nationally, the passenger rail network *is* growing-see the article just posted in this thread.)

It's true that rail does require private investment. However, it requires public investment, too.

 

Look around an airport and you'll see public investment and private companies working together to move people and cargo from place to place. At least part of the airport, if not the whole thing, is generally public; the airplanes are private. Some hangars may be private, too--I actually don't even know. (I know that if I wanted to start investing in municipal debt, though, there are airport/transit authority bonds out there on the market, so *something* in that tangle is public.)

 

On the highways, the roads are generally public; the cars and trucks are generally private.

 

If we keep up the parallel, the rails themselves should generally be public, with the trains private. It doesn't seem to have shaken out that way, for any number of reasons.

 

Actually-- It is a public private partnership... just reverse from what you said.  95% of all rails that Amtrak travels on are private, and Amtrak pays private freight rail lines to use their track.  The ONLY Amtrak owned ROW is the Northeast Corridor.  Everywhere else in our country, the rails are privately owned.  That's why there are speed caps that keep our trains so low, and thats why freight always gets priority on rails ensuring that passenger trains must wait.

 

The only truly successful rail line in America... is the one where it's NOT a private public partnership.

 

The only truly successful rail line in America... is the one where it's NOT a private public partnership.

 

Well said! But, shhhhhh.....

Were you all sleeping? ;)

 

 

U.S. plans to inject $53 billion into passenger rail

 

 

No, were you?

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,12036.msg543028.html#msg543028

 

And...

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,1414.msg543099.html#msg543099

 

:bang:

 

Heh, I don't check those threads that often. The word "ideal" turns me off to the first thread, he he.

Though it has to do with the building of rail tunnel underneath the Hudson River, this editorial carries some points some other state executives and legislators ought to ponder...

 

February 9, 2011

Digging a Hole Instead of a Tunnel

New York Time Editorial

 

With states and cities in such a bad way, it is worth remembering how a previous generation rebuilt America during the Depression’s bleakest years. The elegant George Washington Bridge opened in 1931. The Triborough Bridge followed five years later. Ribbons were cut for the Lincoln Tunnel in 1937, and La Guardia Airport opened officially in 1939.

 

Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey must have missed those history lessons. In recent months, he canceled the first new commuter rail tunnel between New Jersey and New York in 100 years. That project, with the federal government committed to footing as much as a third of the bill, would have created jobs and relieved commuting congestion sure to get much worse.

 

Now Governor Christie is trying to reroute $1.8 billion of the $3 billion the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey had committed to the tunnel project to help pay for road maintenance in his state. Those repairs should be covered by the State of New Jersey, most easily by adding a tiny increase in its low gasoline tax.

 

Full editorial at: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/10/opinion/10thu3.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha211

^ Sigh... but great article!

Someone made an interesting point to me the other day.....

 

Most of the China's leaders are former engineers who like to plan, design and build things. In America, most of our leaders are attorneys.

 

Any questions? :(

 

This is interesting to me......

 

http://factsanddetails.com/china.php?itemid=312&catid=8&subcatid=49

 

Rana Foroohar wrote in Newsweek, “China’s faith in its ability to mold markets may derive from the fact that its leaders are mostly engineers, trained to build from a plan. Eight of nine top party officials come from engineering backgrounds, and the practicality of their profession may help explain why they didn’t buy into risky (and Western) financial innovation. These ruling engineers preside over a system that is highly process oriented and obsesses with performance metrics.”

MORE PASSENGERS CHOOSING AMTRAK

Record January marks 15 straight months of ridership growth

   

WASHINGTON - The numbers are now in and January is the 15th straight month of ridership growth for Amtrak and also the best January on record with 2,126,429 passengers.  This strong performance is part of a long-term trend that has seen America's Railroad set annual ridership records in seven of the last eight fiscal years, including more than 28.7 million passengers in FY 2010.

 

"The steady rise in ridership demonstrates a growing demand and the ongoing need for a national intercity passenger rail system," said Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman.  "With oil approaching $100 a barrel, we expect to continue to post strong ridership numbers as more and more people choose Amtrak to meet their transportation needs."

 

Specifically, there was a 4.6 percent increase in riders in January 2011 vs. January 2010, or nearly 94,000 more passengers.  The 15 straight months of ridership growth spans from November 2009 to January 2011 which averages a 6 percent growth rate over this period.

 

Factors that are contributing to the success of Amtrak include a moderately improved economic environment allowing some recovery of business travel along the Northeast Corridor, sustained high gasoline prices, the increased appeal and popularity of rail travel, effective marketing campaigns, and the introduction of Wi-Fi on the high-speed Acela Express trains. 

 

The highlights below compare the first four months of current FY 2011 (October 2010-January 2011) to the same period during FY 2010 and show increased Amtrak ridership across the country from coast to coast.

East Highlights

 

The high-speed Acela Express service continued its popularity with a ridership increase of 9.2 percent.  Piedmont Service (Charlotte - Raleigh) experienced a significant gain of 110.8 percent following the introduction of an additional round-trip frequency last summer.  In addition, Virginia routes had sizable gains with Washington -Lynchburg at 26.7 percent and Washington - Newport News at 12.8 percent.

 

Central Highlights

 

The Chicago hub experienced steep ridership gains as led by the Blue Water (Chicago - Port Huron) at 27.7 percent.  In addition, the Chicago - Pontiac Wolverine Service was up 21 percent, the Chicago - Carbondale Illini/Saluki route up 15. 1 percent, the Chicago - Indianapolis Hoosier State up 13.3 percent, and the Chicago - St. Louis Lincoln Service was up 11.7 percent.  Also, the Missouri River Runner (Kansas City - St. Louis) experienced a 17.2 percent gain.

 

West Highlights

 

In California, routes experienced gains including the Capitol Corridor Service (San Jose - Auburn) with 7.3 percent and the Pacific Surfliner Service (San Luis Obispo - San Diego) with 5 percent growth.

 

National Highlights

 

Among the long-distance Amtrak trains, the Cardinal (New York - Chicago) had the largest increase of 15.9 percent.  Other long-distance trains with strong gains were the Sunset Limited (Orlando - Los Angeles) at 13.8 percent, the City of New Orleans ( Chicago - New Orleans) at 13.1 percent, the Palmetto (New York - Savannah) at 12.8 percent, and the Lake Shore Limited (New York - Chicago) at 12.7 percent.

 

About Amtrak®:

 

Amtrak is America's Railroad, the nation's intercity passenger rail provider and its only high-speed rail operator.  A record 28.7 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2010 on more than 300 daily trains - at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) - that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces.  Amtrak operates trains in partnership with 15 states and four commuter rail agencies.  Amtrak also is a strong financial performer achieving an 85 percent cost-recovery ratio in FY 2010.  Enjoy the journey at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.  Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Amtrak.

 

For the period October 2010 through January 2011, here are the corridor figures:

 

Illinois & Wisconsin:

Chicago-St. Louis (Lincoln Service & Texas Eagle): 211,746, up 8%

Chicago-Champaign-Carbondale (Illini, Saluki & City of New Orleans): 116,867, up 18%

Chicago-Galesburg-Quincy (Illinois Zephyr, Carl Sandburg & other trains): 85,030, up 9%

Chicago-Milwaukee (Hiawatha Service): 264,069, up 6%

 

Michigan:

Grand Rapids-Chicago (Pere Marquette): 33,413, up 7%

Port Huron-East Lansing-Chicago (Blue Water): 58,505, up 28%

Pontiac-Detroit-Ann Arbor-Chicago (Wolverine Service): 166,595, up 21%

 

Missouri:

Kansas City-Jefferson City-St. Louis (Missouri River Runner): 59,166, up 17%

 

Oklahoma & Texas:

Oklahoma City-Fort Worth (Heartland Flyer): 23,706, up 8%