Is CA HSR on Track for Successful Implementation? March 12th, 2010
A small shift in priorities could produce major benefits sooner and help build public support.
CRCC Technical Committee Meeting Report March 10th, 2010
February 26, 2010 Meeting
Reported by Dennis Story, RailPAC Director
The Coast Rail Coordinating Council Technical Committee meeting was held at the Derby Club, Seaside Park in Ventura on Friday, 2/26/10 from 11:00AM to 12:30PM.
Attendees: Pete Rodgers (SLOCOG), Bill Bronte (Caltrans Rail Division), Jonathan Hutchison (phone), Mike Powers (SBCAG), Scott Spaulding (SBCAG), Vic Kamhi (VCTC), Ed Skytt (SBCAG Rep.– Solvang), Dennis Story (RailPAC, CoastalRailNow) There were others present who I did not know. Note: No UPRR Rep present Read the rest of this entry »
RailPAC March Review February 24th, 2010
Commentary by Paul Dyson, RailPAC President
I’ve been looking back at some of my previous commentaries, particularly “High Speed Rail, Stay the Course”, and my more recent “High Speed Rail Dilemma” offering. Trying to reach a consensus among a couple of thousand passenger rail advocates in California about our largest ever public works project is a work of art, and there will inevitably be differences of priority, preferences as to the train builders, arguments about station locations and service patterns. But I hope we can agree on this. This is our one and only chance to bring about a modern passenger rail system in California. We need to support it.
Introducing RailPACmobile! February 22nd, 2010
Reported by Jarrod DellaChiesa, RailPAC Director and Website Editor
As smartphone sales continue to grow, mobile sites are becoming increasingly popular.
Mobile sites take content available on a website and reformat it to look great on mobile platforms.
Today, we’re excited to announce
RailPAC writes Boxer regarding Passenger Rail Safety February 22nd, 2010
SENATOR BARBARA BOXER
Fax to 202 224 0454
22 February, 2010
PASSENGER RAIL SAFETY
Dear Senator Boxer:
First of all may I commend you for your concern about passenger rail safety following the Chatsworth collision last year, and also for spending so much time at the Los Angeles USDOT conference last Friday. We appreciate your interest in passenger rail.
We exchanged views on the subject of two engineers in the cab of mainline passenger trains. You asked me to provide information about railroad accidents in which there were two engineers in the cab. Freight train operators have a two person crew, a trained and qualified engineer and conductor, who are responsible for the safe operation of the train. Here follows a brief list of some of the accidents that have happened in recent years, taken from NTSB records, in which both members of the train crew failed to take action to prevent an accident. Read the rest of this entry »
The High Speed Rail Dilemma February 17th, 2010
Response to High-Speed rail system: Leaders mull benefits, fears, first published in the Burbank Leader on 2/13/10.
Commentary by Paul Dyson
It was great to see the Leader take a close look at the High Speed Rail project on Saturday 13th February. This huge undertaking is described as the largest public works project in our history and the impacts will be far reaching and long lasting. But while the Leader discussed some of the issues arising from the project I would respectfully suggest that we need to review why these issues exist, and whether indeed some of the impacts need to be as great as they are. Read the rest of this entry »
More on the Coast Starlight China February 12th, 2010
Reported by Jarrod DellaChiesa, Website Editor and CSCN Project Coordinator
As reported a few days ago, the Coast Starlight is finally doing away with plastic dinnerware and synthetic tablecloths and is re-introducing full china service and linen. This is exciting because passengers will once again receive a quality Dining Car experience.
Here are some additional details … Read the rest of this entry »
Connectivity Works for High Speed Rail Too February 9th, 2010
Commentary by Paul Dyson
Our RailPAC/NARP meeting in Las Vegas last December revealed one important nugget. Guest speaker, Desert Xpress (“DX”) CEO Tom Stone announced that the project team is planning to extend the Las Vegas – Victorville core route across the high desert to Palmdale where it will connect with the California High Speed Rail system. This is excellent news for those that believe in the matrix theory of connectivity and passenger train productivity. Read the rest of this entry »
Increase Your Community’s Awareness of Local Stations January 31st, 2010
Reported by Jarrod DellaChiesa, RailPAC Director
In 2009, 29,976 passengers traveled to and from the Hayward station. It is always surprising how few people even know Hayward has an Amtrak station or that a passenger train passes through our town.
Response to White House HSR Awards January 28th, 2010
Commentary by Paul Dyson
Blue collar jobs created this year or next? Minimal.
On top of this the Governor is once again raiding operating funds for transit and intercity putting the whole state rail program in jeopardy. I find it hard to imagine a worse outcome in this whole process. It has almost nothing to do with a sensible transportation policy and is entirely driven by short term political considerations.
