Wisconsin Sierra Club argues for HrSR   

Friday, November 19, 2010 

 

Wisconsin Sierra Club plans a series of demonstrations Saturday in support of higher-speed rail (HrSR) plans for the Badger State, now likely to be rejected by Gov.-elect Scott Walker, who has vowed to reject federal funding support for any passenger rail improvement.

 

Organized rallies are scheduled to occur in Milwaukee, the state’s largest city, in Madison, the state capital, and in Oshkosh. All events were scheduled to begin at noon.

 

Full story at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/wisconsin-sierra-club-to-demonstrate-for-hrsr.html

Two priceless cartoons from Badger country.....

 

Walker's Train Tantrum:

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/opinion/column/phil_hands/article_503d5368-f0da-11df-89fc-001cc4c03286.html

 

Playing Chicken with the train:

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/opinion/column/phil_hands/article_f407301a-f4ed-11df-8200-001cc4c002e0.html

Two priceless cartoons from Badger country.....

 

Walker's Train Tantrum:

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/opinion/column/phil_hands/article_503d5368-f0da-11df-89fc-001cc4c03286.html

 

Playing Chicken with the train:

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/opinion/column/phil_hands/article_f407301a-f4ed-11df-8200-001cc4c002e0.html

 

We ought to ask the cartoonist who did the "tantrum" cartoon to customize one for Kasich and run it in newsletters or wherever.

The efforts of those who want to return this nation to the 19th Century are not unique to the Governors of Ohio and Wisconsin...

 

GOP House aims to take $2 billion back from California high-speed rail

By Mike Rosenberg

[email protected]

 

Posted: 11/22/2010 08:15:28 PM PST

 

Wasting no time after a victorious midterm election, GOP congressional leaders who promised to slash spending are looking to make an example of the nation's priciest public works project: California's $43 billion high-speed railroad.

 

A coalition of 27 House Republicans, led by the ranking member of the committee that controls spending, wants to yank $2 billion in stimulus funds promised to California to kick-start the massive project.

 

Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, last week introduced the American Recovery and Reinvestment Rescission Act, which would return the final $12 billion in unspent and uncommitted stimulus funds to the U.S. Treasury to help fight the $1.3 trillion U.S. deficit.

 

Full story at: http://www.mercurynews.com/san-mateo-county/ci_16687559?source=rss&nclick_check=1

^ I wouldn't say the 19th century -- more like 1962. They want a fantasy utopia of gigantic cars with tail fins, highways with few cars on them, drive-in movies and carhops. All of which were short lived even when left to the "free market" and couldn't be maintained after they were heavily subsidized later.

MBTA ready to serve Warwick, R.I., airport

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 

 

Rhode Island’s Department of Transportation said Tuesday Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) train service will begin serving T.F. Green Airport  in Warwick, R.I., beginning Monday, Dec. 6. MBTA trains will make six stops Monday through Friday on its service linking Providence and Boston (shared by Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor services).

 

The T.F. Green Station is part of the $267 million InterLink project for RIDOT and the Rhode Island Airport Corp. (RIAC). Rhode Island signed an operations agreement with the MBTA on Sept. 30 to create the South County Commuter Rail service, which expands commuter rail service in Rhode Island south of Providence. The InterLink officially opened on Oct. 27.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/mbta-ready-to-serve-warwick-r.i.-airport.html

 

This 104-mile route will now be free of at-grade crossings!

 

3 at-grade Amtrak crossings to close

Intelligencer Journal - Lancaster New Era

Updated Nov 22, 2010 20:40

By BERNARD HARRIS, Staff Writer

 

With federal stimulus money for high-speed rail in place, transportation officials are pushing forward with projects that have long languished on on their to-do list.

 

Work to eliminate three at-grade rail crossings is now slated to begin early next year. The three crossings — all in Lancaster County — are the last three along Amtrak's Keystone Line between Harrisburg and Philadelphia at which a road crosses directly on the tracks.

 

Two of those crossings will be closed. The third involves construction of a new bridge to carry the road above the tracks.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/316269#ixzz16gOFoNTU

Capitol Corridor carries record number of riders for Thanksgiving

 

The busy Thanksgiving travel period helped the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) set a holiday ridership record on California’s Capitol Corridor.

 

Between Nov. 23 and 28, 26,449 passengers rode the train, a 3 percent increase compared with 2009’s Thanksgiving holiday weekend. CCJPA attributes the ridership record to high on-time performance, increased customer satisfaction with operating partner Amtrak and pre-holiday preparation by CCJPA staff.

 

The authority added 5,700 seats to Capitol Corridor trains during the period by assigning all available spare cars and leasing a trainset from Caltrain.

 

Full story at http://www.progressiverailroading.com/prdailynews/news.asp?id=25143

 

also at:

 

http://www.amtrakcapitols.com/news/press/thanksgiving-train-travelers-helped-to-boost-capitol-corridor-ridership/

Rail route could be built - without a Madison stop

New study looks at 14 alternatives for high-speed line

By Larry Sandler of the Journal Sentinel

 

Nov. 25, 2010

 

A planned high-speed rail route from Chicago and Milwaukee to Minnesota might not be dead, but its prospects are uncertain after Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker's vow to block the route's Milwaukee-to-Madison leg.

 

In theory, the longer line still could be built along the existing route of Amtrak's long-distance Empire Builder, along a new route leading through Fond du Lac and Stevens Point or even along a route that leads through northern Illinois and Iowa to bypass Wisconsin altogether. But all of those options face their own obstacles, and rail advocates don't hold out much hope for any of them.

 

At a minimum, Walker's position would dismantle the vision of Midwestern leaders for 110-mph trains linking Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison and Minneapolis-St. Paul. The Chicago-to-Twin Cities route was planned as a backbone of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, a nine-state effort to create a network of fast, frequent trains.

 

Full story at: http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/110722189.html

While Ohio slows to a virtual crawl on passenger rail....

 

BNSF, Illinois Set Terms for $45 Million Project

John D. Boyd | Nov 29, 2010 9:59PM GMT

The Journal of Commerce Online - News Story

 

BNSF Railway and Illinois have reached a preliminary agreement on how to spend $45 million in state funds to upgrade the rail network at Galesburg, Ill., to help passenger and freight trains operate efficiently on the shared track system.

 

George Weber, acting deputy director for public and intermodal transportation within the Illinois Department of Transportation, said the agreement should be finalized within 30 days, setting the stage for construction to get under way next spring.

 

Already, BNSF tracks carry two daily passenger trains through Galesburg from Chicago to the Mississippi River town of Quincy. They also carry two more long-distance Amtrak trains from Chicago bound for Los Angeles and Denver.

 

Full story at: http://www.joc.com/rail-intermodal/bnsf-illinois-set-terms-45-million-project

November 30, 2010

Recommendation for first leg of Calif. HSR made

 

To meet federal and state requirements while building the backbone of a high-speed train system that will eventually run from Los Angeles to the Bay Area, engineers for the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) submitted to its board a recommendation that the project start construction on a critical portion of track in the heart of the Central Valley.

 

In making his recommendation, which the Authority's board of directors will consider next week, CHSRA CEO Roelof van Ark noted that the first segment to enter construction would make the best use of the $4.3 billion in currently available construction funds and meet all state and federal legal requirements.

 

The recommendation follows a decision last month by the Federal Railroad Administration, which directed that the federal funding awarded to the project — both the stimulus funding and the Fiscal Year 2010-11 dollars — must be dedicated to a single section of the project in the Central Valley.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2010/11/Recommendation-for-first-leg-of-Calif-HSR-made.aspx

 

sf chomping at the bit to start transbay!

 

 

 

Early Friday, the appropriately named red Manitowoc crane with an 85-foot boom will swing into action near Fremont and Mission streets.

 

At 8 a.m., Big Red will raise, then drop, a rusty tear-shaped wrecking ball on the front of the 71-year-old Transbay Terminal, continuing the demolition work that started soon after the last bus departed the station Aug. 7.

 

That drop, to be repeated many times over the next two months, will erase the familiar concrete structure, which seemed to be the perfect illustration of dreary, from the downtown San Francisco landscape. In its place, a sleek $4 billion terminal built of steel and glass - and already heralded by officials as "the Grand Central Station of the West" - will rise. It is scheduled to open in August 2017.

 

 

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/01/BAR01GKGJA.DTL#ixzz16yzNMBtN

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/02/BAR01GKGJA.DTL&type=newsbayarea

Delaware gets funds for rail service study    

Friday, December 03, 2010 

 

The Federal Railroad Administration said it has awarded the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) $450,000 to conduct studies for potential rail service between the Northeast Corridor and Maryland’s Delmarva Peninsula.

 

Read more at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/delaware-gets-funds-for-rail-service-study.html

sf chomping at the bit to start transbay!

 

Early Friday, the appropriately named red Manitowoc crane with an 85-foot boom will swing into action near Fremont and Mission streets.

 

At 8 a.m., Big Red will raise, then drop, a rusty tear-shaped wrecking ball on the front of the 71-year-old Transbay Terminal, continuing the demolition work that started soon after the last bus departed the station Aug. 7.

 

That drop, to be repeated many times over the next two months, will erase the familiar concrete structure, which seemed to be the perfect illustration of dreary, from the downtown San Francisco landscape. In its place, a sleek $4 billion terminal built of steel and glass - and already heralded by officials as "the Grand Central Station of the West" - will rise. It is scheduled to open in August 2017.

 

 

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/01/BAR01GKGJA.DTL#ixzz16yzNMBtN

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/02/BAR01GKGJA.DTL&type=newsbayarea

 

I think I have more photos of the Transbay Terminal somewhere, but this one from 1973 of a commuter bus boarding area is the only one I've found, so far. During off-peak commuter periods, Gray Line Tours boarded their buses there.

 

 

I knew I had this one somewhere. I found it; a K Ingleside streetcar waits in front of Transbay Terminal in November, 1978.

DART launches Green Line service

 

It’s official. Today, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) launched revenue service on the entire 28-mile Green Line — the longest light-rail line to open in a single day in the United States since 1990, according to a press release.

 

The agency opened a 24-mile, 15-station section of the line, which connects Pleasant Grove southeast of Dallas to Farmers Branch and Carrollton, Texas. In September 2009, DART launched service on a four-mile, five-station section connecting Pearl Station on the east side of downtown Dallas to the MLK Jr. Station on the west side of Fair Park.

 

Full story at:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/prdailynews/news.asp?id=25195

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/. 

PennDOT announces site for new Middletown train station

Posted: Dec 06, 2010 12:36 PM EST

Updated: Dec 06, 2010 12:36 PM EST

 

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. (WHTM) - PennDOT has announced the site chosen for the new Middletown Amtrak station.

 

PennDOT and the Dauphin County Redevelopment Authority reached a purchase agreement for land on West Main Street - between the Ann Street Bridge and the Family Dollar store - for $2.3 million, according to a news release. The agreement includes road access and utility work.

 

Read more at:

http://www.abc27.com/Global/story.asp?S=13623924

Washington state rolling along on high-speed rail

 

The Portland-Seattle-Vancouver passenger-rail corridor isn't as far along as a few parts of the country, but the progress continues.

 

High-speed rail has become a whipping-boy for congressional Republicans intent on picking away at what they perceive as federal spending run amok, but Washington state, which boasts one of the nation's oldest state passenger-rail programs, appears poised to survive this downturn in passenger rail's political fortunes.

 

"I'm enthusiastic" is the pithy assessment of Andrew Wood, deputy director for operations at the Rail and Marine Office at the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

 

Full story at: http://crosscut.com/2010/12/08/transportation/20431/Washington-state-rolling-along-on-high-speed-rail/

12/9/2010    Ridership

Capitol Corridor ridership jumped 10 percent in November

 

The end of California’s “Furlough Fridays” and a record-breaking Thanksgiving travel weekend helped boost Capitol Corridor ridership 10 percent in November vs. the same period last year. 

 

Nearly 143,000 people used the northern California intercity passenger-rail service in November compared with 129,294 in November 2009.

 

Read more at: http://www.progressiverailroading.com/prdailynews/news.asp?id=25220

Rail board could be victim of state cuts

The Washington Post

By Jennifer Buske

Thursday, December 9, 2010

 

An advisory board that rail officials said has strengthened freight and passenger rail relations in Virginia and helped further rail projects is in jeopardy as the governor looks to streamline government.

 

The Rail Advisory Board, formed about six years ago under then-Gov. Mark Warner (D), brings members of Virginia Railway Express, CSX, Norfolk Southern, the railroad unions and a few other organizations under one roof to advocate for rail projects and improve freight and passenger rail in the commonwealth.

 

Gov. Robert F. McDonnell's Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring, however, recommended in its report released last week that the rail board be eliminated. It is one of 133 recommendations the commission made to McDonnell ®, who is reviewing all the items to streamline government and cut costs.

 

Full story at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/07/AR2010120706837.html

Illinois DOT chooses Chicago/Rockford Amtrak route

 

Last week, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced it selected a southern route for Amtrak’s new Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque service.

 

IDOT made the decision based on an independent study conducted by URS Corp., which showed a southern route through Genoa, Ill., would require $26.2 million to upgrade infrastructure between Chicago and Rockford. The department estimates it will cost a total of $60 million to implement the service, which could start by early 2014.

 

Read more at: http://www.progressiverailroading.com/prdailynews/news.asp?id=25253

Virginia proposes $4 billion transportation spending plan for next three years

 

Last week, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell offered a preview of his transportation agenda during a speech at the Governor's Transportation Conference in Roanoke. He proposes to allocate $4 billion for road, transit and rail projects in the commonwealth during the next three years.

 

In part, McDonnell’s plan calls for creating a Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Bank to multiply transportation dollars, directing $150 million to transportation from a budget surplus and modifying state code so Virginia can issue at least $1.1 billion in debt-financed bonds.

 

Read more at: http://www.progressiverailroading.com/prdailynews/news.asp?id=25254

And you think 3C has been kicking around for a long time, going through many dead/alive cycles?.....

 

Geotechnical testing begins in LA        

Tuesday, December 14, 2010 

 

Today the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority will begin conducting geotechnical tests at more than 200 locations along the planned alignment of the Westside Subway Extension as the next step for planning and engineering the project.

 

Work will include soil, seismic, noise and vibration tests to be completed over a two-to-three month period. The data collected will help determine the exact route the project will ultimately take through Beverly Hills, Century City and Westwood. The first tests will be conducted in the Westwood area where work permits have been secured.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.rtands.com/newsflash/geotechnical-testing-begins-in-la.html

 

PROJECT WEBSITE:

http://www.metro.net/projects/westside/

Also posted in:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,1916.msg532136.html#msg532136

 

12/17/2010

 

Sonoma-Marin agency awards DMU contract to Sumitomo/Nippon Sharyo

 

On Wednesday, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) board approved the purchase of 18 diesel multiple units (DMUs) from Sumitomo Corp. of America and its car builder partner Nippon Sharyo for $56.8 million. The diesel multiple units are slated for delivery between 2013's end and mid-2014.

 

The contract includes an option that would enable SMART and its partner agencies to purchase up to 146 cars.

 

SMART expects to begin building an initial segment of a commuter-rail line between Santa Rosa and Marin, Calif., next year. The agency plans to construct a 70-mile line between Cloverdale and Larkspur at an estimated cost of $695 million.

 

Because of a funding shortfall, SMART currently is pursuing only the initial segment. The line could be extended south to Larkspur and north to Cloverdale if funding becomes available between 2016 and 2018.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article/SonomaMarin-agency-awards-DMU-contract-to-SumitomoNippon-Sharyo--25285

 

and

 

http://sonomamarintrain.org/

Also posted in:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,1916.msg532136.html#msg532136

 

12/17/2010

 

Sonoma-Marin agency awards DMU contract to Sumitomo/Nippon Sharyo

 

On Wednesday, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) board approved the purchase of 18 diesel multiple units (DMUs) from Sumitomo Corp. of America and its car builder partner Nippon Sharyo for $56.8 million. The diesel multiple units are slated for delivery between 2013's end and mid-2014.

 

The contract includes an option that would enable SMART and its partner agencies to purchase up to 146 cars.

 

SMART expects to begin building an initial segment of a commuter-rail line between Santa Rosa and Marin, Calif., next year. The agency plans to construct a 70-mile line between Cloverdale and Larkspur at an estimated cost of $695 million.

 

Because of a funding shortfall, SMART currently is pursuing only the initial segment. The line could be extended south to Larkspur and north to Cloverdale if funding becomes available between 2016 and 2018.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article/SonomaMarin-agency-awards-DMU-contract-to-SumitomoNippon-Sharyo--25285

 

and

 

http://sonomamarintrain.org/

 

Interesting that the SMART system web page has a masthead showing a double-deck DMU from U.S. Railcar, which recently gave up the ghost in the wake of Ohio's 3C $$$$ being sent back USDOT.

And yet they chose another railcar.

Please note this 79 mph train service is being done in partnership with freight railroad Norfolk Southern, including using the busy Heartland Corridor route (which extends west into Ohio where it will be freight only). 3C will reach northeast cities too via links at Cleveland. Oh, and by the way, Gov. McDonnell is a Republican and so is his director of rail/transit, Elyria, Ohio native Thelma Drake.....

 

December 20, 2010

 

Office of the Governor

Contact: Stacey Johnson

Phone: (804) 225-4260

E-mail: [email protected]

 

Department of Rail and Public Transportation

Contact: Courtney Ware

Phone: (804) 225-3746

E-mail: [email protected]

 

Norfolk Southern

Contact: Robin Chapman

Phone: (757) 629-2713

Email: [email protected]

 

Virginia and Norfolk Southern sign landmark agreement for passenger rail service

First train to begin service within three years

 

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Commonwealth of Virginia and Norfolk Southern Railway Company have signed a landmark agreement that is an important step toward bringing daily intercity passenger rail service back to Norfolk for the first time since 1977. The round-trip train will link Norfolk with a single-seat ride to Richmond, Washington, D.C., and cities as far north as Boston.

 

Speaking about the agreement, Governor McDonnell noted, "The new service will bring direct intercity passenger rail service to one of Virginia's largest population centers. The Hampton Roads region is home to over a million Virginians, including thousands of Federal employees and military personnel, who currently have limited transportation choices for travel to Richmond, Washington, D.C., and into the Northeast. This service will provide an alternative to the heavily congested I-64 and I-95 corridors."

 

The agreement provides for the speedy upgrading of Norfolk Southern tracks between Norfolk and Petersburg so that they are suitable for use by passenger trains. Funded by an $87 million Rail Enhancement Fund grant, the projects include upgraded signaling, track extensions and connections, passenger train turning and servicing facilities, and a track and platform near Norfolk's Harbor Park for the passenger train. Also included is construction of a new connection between Norfolk Southern and CSXT tracks near Petersburg. These improvements will enable passenger trains to run on Norfolk Southern's busy Heartland Corridor route.

 

"The partnership between the Commonwealth and Norfolk Southern is a perfect example of business and government working creatively, cooperatively, and quickly to meet a challenge," said Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman. "We are proud to be part of a timely and forward-looking response to a pressing public issue."

 

"Connecting Norfolk to the Amtrak network and the Northeast is a major step forward for the mobility of the region," said Thelma Drake, Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

 

Norfolk Southern will work with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) to complete the work outlined in the agreement. The project is already being designed, and construction will begin in 2011.

 

The Commonwealth continues to make progress on the necessary agreements for improvements to CSX track and with Amtrak. These agreements must be in place before new intercity passenger rail service can begin.

 

About the Norfolk-Richmond-Northeast Corridor:

The Virginia-Norfolk Southern partnership is designed to restart rail passenger service in the corridor between Norfolk, Richmond and the Northeast. The trains will be part of Amtrak Virginia regional service, and will operate at speeds up to 79 mph between Norfolk and Petersburg. Additional departures will be introduced as funding allows.

 

The route between Norfolk and Petersburg is part of Norfolk Southern's Heartland Corridor, the primary rail route serving the Port of Hampton Roads. The Heartland Corridor opened to handle double-stacked container trains in August 2010, providing a more direct route between Norfolk and the Midwest.

 

About DRPT:

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is the state agency for rail, transit and commuter services in Virginia. DRPT's mission is to improve mobility and expand transportation choices in Virginia.

 

About Norfolk Southern:

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

 

###

December 23, 2010

Calif. HSR Authority matches $616M in fed funding

 

Moving quickly to take advantage of $616 million in new federal funding, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) board voted unanimously to approve committing state matching funds to extend construction of the initial Central Valley backbone of the statewide system south to Bakersfield.

 

The new federal funds, which were redistributed from other states that returned federal high-speed rail support, will now be coupled with state matching dollars, bringing the total available funds to begin construction to $5.5 billion.

 

The new total will allow engineers to significantly extend initial construction, potentially building as many as 120 miles of the project's 520-mile first phase, and incorporate the Valley's largest urban centers: Bakersfield and Fresno.

 

"Ohio's loss is our gain. When other states shrunk from the challenge of high-speed rail, California's firm commitment to this project paid off," said Tom Umberg, vice chairman of the Authority's board of directors. "This is the right place to start and the right way to start. Working from the midpoint of the system gives us flexibility to keep building north and south — and builds the backbone fundamental to a true high-speed rail system."

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2010/12/Calif-HSR-Authority-matches-616M-in-fed-funding.aspx

Monday, December 20, 2010

Wisconsin mayor won't give up on high-speed rail

 

Although the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently announced it was redirecting nearly $1.2 billion in high-speed rail funds originally intended for Wisconsin and Ohio to other states, Madison, Wis., Mayor Dave Cieslewicz isnt giving up on high-speed rail in Wisconsin just yet.

 

The mayor, who writes a daily blog on the citys website, wrote Dec. 17 that he will not stop making plans for a high-speed rail station in Madison.

 

"We have good, solid plans for a downtown station and they wont just go away," Cieslewicz wrote. "In fact, Ill ask city staff to develop them further."

 

Full story at: http://www.hsrupdates.com/news/details/Wisconsin-mayor-wont-give-up-on-highspeed-rail--701

Maine Passenger rail advocates hope GOP keeps subsidies coming

By Steve Mistler, Staff Writer

Published Dec 29, 2010 12:00 am | Last updated Dec 29, 2010 12:00 am

 

Nationally, the debate over subsidizing passenger rail has largely been a partisan issue; Democrats have supported it, Republicans haven't. For the most part, that division hasn't been evident in Maine.

 

With a new Republican governor and GOP-controlled state Legislature, supporters of the Amtrak Downeaster and passenger rail advocates are hoping for the status quo.

 

However, with the state facing an estimated $850 million budget gap and a projected $2.6 billion shortfall in transportation funding over the next decade, it remains to be seen how Gov.-elect Paul LePage and the new Republican majority will fund the service, particularly after running campaigns decrying the conditions of the state's roads and bridges.Read more at: http://www.sunjournal.com/state/story/962689

December 28, 2010

FTA awards $182M to New Starts projects

 

On Monday, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced it is advancing a total of $182.4 million in New Starts funding for seven transit projects already under construction in New York, Dallas, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Northern Virginia.

 

"By making these payments now, we're not only fulfilling the federal government's commitment to these projects sooner, but we're also giving a well-timed boost to communities that have made an important investment in their transportation infrastructure," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

 

The grants being awarded will not increase the federal government's overall share in the projects but, instead, a portion of the federal share for each project is being paid earlier than expected because of unallocated funds in FTA's Fiscal Year 2010 budget for new construction.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2010/12/FTA-awards-182M-to-New-Starts-projects.aspx

___________________

 

 

New Starts Project Descriptions

 

Dallas Northwest/Southeast Light Rail

Advanced Payment: $17,788,000

This 21-mile extension, which opened December 3, 2010, provides transit service in heavily traveled transportation corridors. From Dallas central business district, the line extends northwest 11 miles along I-45 to the city of Farmers Branch, and southeast 10 miles to Buckner Boulevard. The project provides an alternative to congested highway facilities, increases transit capacity, improves connectivity to regional activity centers, and provides economic development opportunities. The line is expected to carry nearly 46,000 weekday riders by 2025. The project will cost a total of $1.4 billion, with a federal New Starts share of $700 million.

 

New York Long Island Rail Road East Side Access

Advanced Payment: $44,341,000

The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Long Island Rail Road are constructing a commuter rail project that will link LIRR passengers to a new passenger concourse in Grand Central Terminal on Manhattans east side. The 3.5-mile East Side Access (ESA) project, using an existing rail tunnel under the East River, will increase LIRR tunnel capacity across the East River and significantly relieve over-crowded conditions throughout the LIRR network. The project will provide direct access to the east side of Manhattan for users of the LIRR, who must currently transfer to other transit lines or walk to get to the east side from Penn Station. The ESA project will serve a portion of the strongest transit market in the country. By reducing travel time to Manhattans east side and relieving overcrowding conditions on existing LIRR service to Penn Station, the East Side Access project is expected to carry more than 171,000 weekday riders, including more than 27,00 new transit riders by 2030. The project will cost a total of $8.4 billion, with a federal New Starts share of $2.6 billion.

 

New York Second Avenue Subway

Advanced Payment: $40,667,000

This 2.3-mile project will provide extended subway service from 96th Street to 63rd Street in Manhattan, connecting with the existing Broadway Line at 63rd Street Station. The project will relieve overcrowded conditions and improve service reliability on the Lexington Avenue Line, the busiest transit line in America and the only full north-south passenger rail line serving Manhattans eastside. The project is intended to improve mobility and meet future demand for commuters throughout the New York City metropolitan area. The project represents Phase I of an 8.5-mile subway line which would extend the length of Manhattans east side from 125th Street in East Harlem to Hanover Square in the financial district. With a federal New Starts share of $1.3 billion, the $5.5 billion project is expected to serve 213,000 riders each day by 2030.

 

Northern Virginia Dulles Corridor

Advanced Payment: $19,799,000

The 11.7-mile heavy rail line will be an extension to the existing Metrorail system from just east of the West Falls Church station through Tysons Corner to its terminus at Wiehle Ave. in Reston, Virginia. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will operate the line from the Stadium-Armory station in Washington DC to Wiehle Avenue. When complete, this project will consist of five new stations, improvements to an existing rail yard, 64 new rail cars, and 2,300 parking spaces at the Wiehle Avenue station. The Metrorail project would expand transit capacity to and from Reston and the Tysons Corner regional activity centers and provide a direct rail link for commuters from northwest Fairfax and Loudoun Counties to employment opportunities in Tysons Corner, the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor in Arlington, and downtown Washington. The extension is projected to serve 85,700 daily riders by 2030, including an estimated 10,000 new daily transit riders. The project will cost a total of $3.1 billion, with a federal New Starts share of $900 million. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority plans to design and construct a second phase of the project, which will extend the line beyond Dulles Airport into Loudoun County.

 

Salt Lake City Mid Jordan LRT

Advanced Payment: $20,623,000

The 10.6-mile Mid-Jordan LRT project will join with the Utah Transit Authoritys Sandy/Salt Lake TRAX Line at the existing Fashion Place West station, providing a direct connection to the Salt Lake City central business district, the University of Utah, and other Wasatch destinations. When complete, the project will include nine stations, more than 3,000 park-and-ride spaces, and 28 transit vehicles. Trains are expected to operate daily between 6 a.m. and midnight with service every 12 minutes during weekday peak periods, and every 15 minutes during the remainder of the time. The line is expected to carry 9,500 daily passengers by the year 2030 and reduce the number of highway miles traveled by 65,000 daily. The project will cost a total of $535.4 million, with a federal New Starts share of $428.3 million.

 

Weber County/Salt Lake City, UT Commuter Rail

Advanced Payment: $16,500,000

This 44-mile, eight-station commuter rail project known as FrontRunner North began service in April 2008, providing the areas of Pleasant View, Ogden, Clearfield, Layton, and Bountiful with direct commuter rail access to downtown Salt Lake City. The line currently has more than 5,100 daily riders, and is expected to serve nearly 12,000 weekday riders by 2025. The project will cost a total of $611.7 million, with a federal New Starts Share of $489.4 million.

 

Seattle University Link

Advanced Payment: $22,686,000

Sound Transit is extending its existing Central Link light rail transit line from its northern terminus at Westlake Station in downtown Seattle to the University of Washington, 3.1 miles to the northeast. The University Link corridor is the most densely developed residential and employment area in the Central Puget Sound region and the state of Washington. The extension is expected to serve more than 40,200 weekday riders by 2030. The project is estimated to cost $1.947 billion, with a federal New Starts share of $813 million.

 

SOURCE:

http://www.fta.dot.gov/news/news_events_12243.html

(Florida)

 

Amtrak Silver Star ridership increases

By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune

 

Nearly a year after President Barack Obama authorized federal funds for Florida to build the nation's first high-speed line, Amtrak's old-school, long-distance train that serves Tampa continues to show ridership gains.

 

The Silver Star gained 6.6 percent passengers in October compared with a year ago while increasing ticket revenue by 11.6 percent on its daily New York-Tampa-Miami runs, a company report shows.

 

It carried 31,813 passengers and generated $2.1 million in ticket revenue. Ridership figures were not available for Tampa, but Amtrak has said about one in three Silver Star passengers arrive or depart from Tampa's Union Station.

 

Read more at: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/dec/28/281722/amtrak-silver-star-ridership-increases/

Another passenger rail project being advanced by a Republican governor, showing that being a highway/oil industry dupe, not party affiliation, has more to do with hard-line anti-rail attitudes....

 

Florida offers $118M for Jax-Miami passenger rail

South Florida Business Journal - by Mark Szakonyi , Jacksonville Business Journal

Date: Monday, January 3, 2011, 1:52pm EST

 

The Florida Department of Transportation is proposing to put up $118 million to bring back passenger rail service to the Jacksonville-Miami line if the federal government kicks in the remaining $150 million.

 

Federal Railroad Administration spokesman Warren Flatau said it is no known when the agency would release a third wave of grant opportunities, according to TCPalm.com, a Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches newspaper.

 

About $268 million is needed to allow 90 mph Amtrak passenger trains to use the Florida East Coast Railway line, connecting Florida east coast cities that do not receive Amtrak service through the current Miami-Tampa-Orlando-Jacksonville line.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2011/01/03/florida-offers-118m-for-jax-miami.html

Virginia: Amtrak to Norfolk an added service    

Monday, January 03, 2011 

 

Virginia’s plans to expand Amtrak passenger rail service to Norfolk, Va., will be pursued without sacrificing Amtrak’s current route through the state’s Tidewater region, which terminates at Newport News, on the north side of the James River.

 

“The service is in addition to the existing Amtrak service from Newport News,” and not instead of such service, according to Courtney L. Ware, manager of policy and communication for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

 

Full story at:  http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/va.-dot-amtrak-to-norfolk-an-additional-service.html

The next step (though it could be awhile) should be a connection from the Tidewater to the Cardinal either through Lynchburg or Roanoke or perhaps Charlottesville.

Iowa City mayor writes Branstad on behalf of Amtrak service

 

On Dec. 30, Mayor Hayek sent a letter to governor-elect Terry Branstad stating why he believes the Chicago-to-Iowa City Amtrak route that received federal funding last fall is a worthy project. The letter was released Thursday.

 

Branstad, a Republican who takes office next week, has expressed concern about the state’s financial stake in the project, estimated at $3 million each year for operating costs. Republicans in the Iowa House of Representatives have proposed a bill that would halt funding for the project.

 

Read more at: http://thegazette.com/2011/01/06/iowa-city-mayor-writes-branstad-on-behalf-of-amtrak-service/

Apparently, Californians don't care if trains are "slow"  :wink:

 

Calif. Amtrak ridership rising on state trains

Michael Cabanatuan, Chronicle Staff Writer

 

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

 

  While everyone's talking about high-speed rail, more Californians are hopping aboard Amtrak's state-subsidized intercity passenger trains, which typically travel slower than 80 mph.

 

After the economy stalled ridership of California's three intercity routes - the Capitol Corridor, San Joaquin and Pacific Surfliner - for a few years, the state-funded lines are again gaining ridership, and even setting records.

 

All three of the lines, part of the national Amtrak system, rank among the nation's five busiest passenger rail corridors. The Pacific Surfliner, which runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, is the nation's second busiest behind the Northeast Corridor, the nation's most-developed rail route. The San Jose-to-Auburn Capitol Corridor is the third most-ridden route, and the San Joaquin, which runs between Oakland and Bakersfield, comes in No. 5.

 

Read more at: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/01/04/BAMU1GU16Q.DTL

And that success, even on trains with average speeds of 40-50 mph, is why California's elected officials are able to make the extremely heavy political lift of high-speed rail. Without that success, they simply wouldn't pay enough attention to high-speed rail to provide an meaningful public sector contribution.

 

Why do elected officials take such a risk? Because they know people will ride high-speed trains.

 

How do elected officials know? Because people are already filling slower trains.

And that success, even on trains with average speeds of 40-50 mph, is why California's elected officials are able to make the extremely heavy political lift of high-speed rail. Without that success, they simply wouldn't pay enough attention to high-speed rail to provide an meaningful public sector contribution.

 

Why do elected officials take such a risk? Because they know people will ride high-speed trains.

 

How do elected officials know? Because people are already filling slower trains.

 

Amen !  :clap: :clap: :clap:

WHAT?!!!!!  Passenger trains that draw more riders and revenue with more trains and on-time performance?

 

California's Capitol Corridor ends 2010 with more riders, money

 

Capitol Corridor, a northern California intercity passenger-rail service, ended 2010 with an increase in riders, revenue and on-time performance, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) officials said in a prepared statement.

 

In December, Capitol Corridor's ridership increased 5 percent compared with the same period a year ago; revenue rose 10 percent, and on-time performance climbed to 97 percent.

 

Officials attribute the ridership boost to an improved economy, more reliable service and a high number Oakland Raider football fans riding trains to attend games at the Oakland Coliseum.

 

Read more at: http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article/Californias-Capitol-Corridor-ends-2010-with-more-riders-money--25479

For high-speed rail, a tale of two governors

January 14, 2011

 

The theme on Need to Know this week is “responsibility.” Sometimes, responsibility is in the eye of the beholder.

 

For example, what is the best way to invest in the nation’s infrastructure? In the state of Wisconsin, the governor declined $810 million in federal stimulus money for a high-speed rail initiative because he says the state couldn’t afford to maintain the system and that money should be spent on roads, not rail.

 

However, in Illinois, the governor sees his responsibility differently. As part of our collaboration with the PBS reporting project Blueprint America, we asked correspondent Rick Karr to look at the future of passenger rail.

 

Full video at: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/video/video-for-high-speed-rail-a-tale-of-two-governors/6436/

Train to Iowa City holds key to Iowa's future

by DAVID ELBERT • [email protected] •

January 16, 2011

 

Without a track upgrade, a generation of Iowans

could lose a key means of travel in the 21st century.

 

Efforts to derail passenger train service between

Iowa City and Chicago is a really bad idea.

 

One of the provisions in the Republican-backed

Taxpayers First Act is to kill the Iowa City rail

project by pulling the plug on $8.5 million in

previously approved funding.

 

The rail project is part of a larger effort by

Republicans to save the state nearly half a billion

dollars over three years.

 

Full column at: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110116/BUSINESS03/101160321/-1/NEWS14/Elbert-Train-to-Iowa-City-holds-key-to-Iowa-s-future

 

Tulsa To OKC Passenger Rail Service Proposed

VideoReported by: Ian Silver

Email: [email protected]

Last Update: 1/14 10:52 pm 

 

Passenger rail service from Tulsa to Oklahoma City may soon become a reality. Leaders with Passenger Rail Oklahoma met with city and state leaders Friday to discuss logistics of a future rail service.

 

Under the proposal, the state would spend $26 million to update and improve existing rail lines. The Amtrak service would be about a two-hour, thirty-minute ride.

 

"i think it's an excellent idea," Commuter rail service supporter Pam Iacoe said. "I believe it's a long time coming. i believe that a lot of people in this city will use it. I believe that there are an enormous number of people that would rather ride than drive."

 

Full story and videoat: http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Tulsa-To-OKC-Passenger-Rail-Service-Proposed/fEev67f4ckqaziNqxWXlIA.cspx

Florida labor and business interests mobilize to push mass transit, high-speed rail

By Ana M. Valdes Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Updated: 9:44 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17, 2011

Posted: 9:14 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17, 2011

 

Although a recent report advises Florida's new governor to pull the plug on the state's high-speed rail projects, and budget shortfalls could mean less money for regional transportation, advocates statewide are mobilizing to propel at least some state and federal money toward transportation initiatives.

 

At a luncheon Wednesday in Broward County, members of the Florida Public Transportation Association launched an online campaign, IM4Transit.org, to get 100,000 Floridians to take a stand for public transportation.

 

Meanwhile, a statewide pro-business association announced it was creating a high-speed rail coalition to promote private funding for future bullet trains throughout Florida.

 

Full story at: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/florida-labor-and-business-interests-mobilize-to-push-1191781.html

Minn. HSR alliance touts “Zip Rail” brand   

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 

 

More than 300 supporters, elected officials, and business leaders reportedly gathered at the Rochester (Minn.) Art Center with the Southeast Minnesota Rail Alliance (Alliance) Tuesday evening, unveiling “Zip Rail, ” a branding effort for high speed rail development linking Rochester, Minn., and the Twin Cities. The Zip Rail brand will be used by the Alliance, formed in 2008, and advocates throughout the region to continue building momentum and support for the project.

 

“Today’s unveiling of Zip Rail — Minnesota’s first opportunity for true high-speed passenger rail — shows this region’s commitment to this project,” said Commissioner Ken Brown of Olmsted County, which is a principal member of the Alliance along with the City of Rochester, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, and Mayo Clinic. “Zip Rail promises a high return on investment because it will move people fast, safely and stress-free between Minnesota’s top population, job and medical centers.”

 

Full story at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/minn.-hsr-alliance-touts-zip-rail-brand.html

With funds in jeopardy, N.C. pushes rail projects

 

State transportation officials spent a few days in Washington last week trying to get their hands on more than $500 million in stimulus funds that the Obama administration pledged in January 2010 - but has not yet paid out - for a big railroad upgrade between Charlotte and Raleigh.

 

North Carolina is in a hurry to secure the money before it is snatched back by new Republican leaders in the House of Representatives, who are looking for opportunities to curtail a few billion dollars in high-speed rail spending.

 

"I think unless states have actually committed those dollars to specific projects, they're going to have trouble holding onto them," said Gene Conti, secretary of the state Department of Transportation.

 

Read more at: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/01/17/925091/with-funds-in-jeopardy-nc-pushes.html

With funds in jeopardy, N.C. pushes rail projects

 

State transportation officials spent a few days in Washington last week trying to get their hands on more than $500 million in stimulus funds that the Obama administration pledged in January 2010 - but has not yet paid out - for a big railroad upgrade between Charlotte and Raleigh.

 

North Carolina is in a hurry to secure the money before it is snatched back by new Republican leaders in the House of Representatives, who are looking for opportunities to curtail a few billion dollars in high-speed rail spending.

 

"I think unless states have actually committed those dollars to specific projects, they're going to have trouble holding onto them," said Gene Conti, secretary of the state Department of Transportation.

 

Read more at: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/01/17/925091/with-funds-in-jeopardy-nc-pushes.html

 

The Republicans and their think tank minions want to roll back anything asociated with Obama and rail is a signature issue of the president's. This should not have been a surprise and Obama's people should have planned for that eventuality.

 

In a conversation with others, I said Obama had given us a great opportunity and we should be very thankful for that. However, his administration made some fundamental mistakes which we should learn from.

 

First, having the rail initiative be a completely state-driven process didn't necessarily square with the notion that corridor development should be a part of a bigger whole, in the form of a national system.

 

Second, there was an odd disconnect with Amtrak (some of which was Amtrak's fault), with each acting as though the other didn't exist and resultant emphasis on new service instead of fixing what we already had. We should have brought the existing system to a state of good repair, and immediately added service, along with a large scale equipment order to replace the decrepit stuff now operating. That would have put thousands to work in short order and not given Repubs that chance to slow and then kill the program.

 

Third, the emphasis at the state level opened the door to naysayers, who raised havoc and could have been bypassed with a somewhat federally driven process.

 

That's not to say there shouldn't have been a state-driven component, but the Obama Administration's approach has led to problems we are still dealing with, witness the death of the Wisconsin and Ohio projects and the attacks on the Florida HSR project. Obama should have covered his bets by making part of this a federally driven process to avoid some of the problems we now have.

 

Aside from that, the planning process is way too long. This slowness of action has played against us and right into the hands of the naysayers and would not have been such a problem if the Administration had focused more on existing service and routes. Now Repubs and their supporters smell blood in the water from a wounded rail program and they want to kill it altogether.

 

 

Annual ridership up for Washington's Amtrak Cascades, Twin Cities' Metro Transit

 

Ridership on Amtrak Cascades hit a 16-year high in 2010 at 838,251 passengers, a 10 percent increase compared with 2009, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

 

"This tremendous growth in ridership confirms the demand for Amtrak Cascades and the need to continue improving the service and reliability," said WSDOT Secretary Paula Hammond in a prepared statement. "The next steps in our long-term plan will improve rail infrastructure, reduce freight- and passenger-train congestion, and expand Amtrak Cascades service."

 

The state of Washington received $782 million in federal stimulus funds for high-speed rail in 2010. WSDOT plans to invest the federal money in Amtrak Cascades, a high-speed passenger rail service, state officials said.

Full story at: http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article/Annual-ridership-up-for-Washingtons-Amtrak-Cascades-Twin-Cities-Metro-Transit--25551

A 16-year high? That's actually a record high. It's a 16-year high because the state-supported service began 16 years ago.

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/michigan/Amtrak-numbers-up-esp-from-GR-Chicago

 

Amtrak numbers up, esp. from GR-Chicago

Pere Marquette numbers have increased

Updated: Monday, 24 Jan 2011, 11:16 PM EST

Published : Monday, 24 Jan 2011, 9:32 PM EST

By Marc Thompson

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Ridership and revenue are up on the popular Amtrak Pere Marquette line, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

The line runs daily from Grand Rapids to Chicago, making stops in Holland and St. Joseph on the way. It's funded by the state, and MDOT says Pere Marquette is gaining in popularity.

For the three months from October through December, the number of passengers has increased by 7.8 percent, to 25,916, according to the department. Ticket revenue also has increased, as it's up 14.1 percent to $801,219.

 

More at above link:

Make sure you read the comments....at least some Iowans aren't buying the compalint about "subsidies".

 

Ongoing rail subsidy questioned

 

12:00 AM, Jan. 25, 2011  |  4Comments

 

Written by

WILLIAM PETROSKI

 

Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday he's troubled by the prospect of ongoing taxpayer subsidies for a proposed Iowa City-to-Chicago passenger train and wants to see if alternative funding is available.

 

Branstad noted the $310 million state-federal train project would include money to upgrade the Iowa Interstate Railroad because the twice-daily passenger trains would run on its tracks. He suggested the railroad could be asked to help contribute towards the costs. He also said he wants to talk with Chamber of Commerce officials and community leaders.

 

Iowa lawmakers have previously committed $10 million to the train projec,t and another $10 million is needed. In addition, state officials have estimated the train would need about $3 million annually in operating subsidies. The state of Illinois would also contribute a pro-rated share of money.

 

Full story and comments at: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110125/NEWS10/101250352/Ongoing-rail-subsidy-questioned