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RailPAC October 7 General Meeting Report
Meeting notes by Noel Braymer Over 30 people, including many old friends attended the October 7th meeting at the Rail Restaurant in Fullerton by the train station. The impressive line of speakers no doubt was a major attraction in bringing in such a crowd. Some trains were running late that day; In Santa Ana one…
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Monterey TAMC October Meeting
Reported by Chris Flescher, RailPAC Associate Director — The detailed study report of the Caltrain extension (alternatives analysis) was printed out and brought to the meeting (although I did not take a copy). It was also posted on the TAMC website a few weeks ago. One of the conclusions is that a Caltrain extension would…
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Capitol Corridor now has 16 weekday round trips
RailPAC Sacramento Director, Marcia Johnston, reports: “I attended the Capitol Corridor Service Expansion Event on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at 8:15 a.m. at the Sacramento Valley Station, 431 “I” Street, Second Floor in the newly-renovated REA building that also houses the offices of Thomas Enterprises, a Starbucks, and a soon to be opened soup restaurant.…
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Who is “killing” Amtrak?
By Noel T. Braymer, Editor, Western Rail Passenger Review — Most of what is being said about the new Amtrak President Alexander Kummant is speculative. Mr. Kummant is largely unknown to the general public. It is understandable that people are uneasy when dealing with the unknown. What is known is that Mr. Kummant is 46,…
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Status Of Lawsuit Filed By TRAC Against RailPAC
We’ve had a number of calls from members who have heard rumors that RailPAC is being sued by TRAC (Train Riders Association of California). The rumors are correct. Recently some of our Board Members were served with writs, basically accusing us of harming TRAC by recruiting their members. My reaction is a combination of anger…
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Coast Rail Coordinating Council
Reported by Bruce Jenkins, RailPAC Director — The Coast Rail Coordinating Council met at the Paraiso Winery in Soledad on Friday, 9/22. Meeting in Soledad was mainly a good will gesture, and to familiarize the council members of the growth and potentials of the area persuant to a Coast Daylight stop in Soledad.After the normal…
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San Francisco To Los Angeles Train Picks Up Steam
(Comments from RailPAC VP North Arthur Lloyd and Executive Director Richard Silver. The RailPAC Board has enthusiastically endorsed a quick startup of this new train on the Coast Line.) By Liz Harrelson, MEDIA NEWS An uphill struggle by train advocates and coastal communities to reinstate a historic San Francisco to Los Angeles train connection is…
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San Joaquin Valley Rail Committee
Reported by Bruce Jenkins, RailPAC Director — The meeting started with several local (Merced, Mariposa) speakers advocating service to/from Yosemite National Park. One speaker from Mariposa was endeavoring to gain a seat on the Committee, which is being considered. A visual presentation was made entitled “Blueprint for San Joaquin Valley,” which includes all the counties.…
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The Long Distance Trains need more local control
By Noel T. Braymer, Editor, Western Rail Passenger Review — With Washington in control of intercity passenger trains now for over 30 years, we have seen a slow but steady decline of service. Yet again we are hearing veiled talk of cut-backs to eliminate “money losing” trains. California is a proud leader of local control…
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RailPAC Policy Initiative For 2006
Commentary by Paul Dyson, RailPAC President Funding For Rail Expansion In California – Grade Separation Projects. Grade Separation Funding – RailPAC’s view. RailPAC is concerned that a disproportionate amount of passenger rail funds is spent on grade separation projects. We believe that the State of California does not spend nearly enough on this important aspect…