Train Travel; It’s the people you meet that make a difference September 9th, 2011
Report by Chuck Robuck, CCRiders
With all the BAD news we are being bombarded with these days, I thought I’d share a GOOD story with you for a change. I have long been a believer in the “Karma” and “you reap what you sow” philosophies. This week, something happened that strengthens my belief in these principles even further.
Some Amtrak California Zephyr Service to Resume September 2nd, 2011
Trains 5 & 6 to operate between California and Colorado this weekend
Reported by Amtrak and Gene Poon
Building Credibility at the High Speed Rail Authority Board Meeting August 30th, 2011
August 25 Meeting Report by Bill Kerby, RailPAC Treasurer
Public comments, invited by the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) Board at the opening of the meeting August 25, 2011, lasted about a half hour with two minute presentations: hiring opportunities for small businesses; environmental justice; support for HSRA recommended route alignments; and one instance where an individual engaged in self promotion for employment. Planners and business owners weighed in on alignment A2 through Fresno arguing that tracks will divide the communities on this route.
The A Train is the Country’s Newest Commuter Service August 6th, 2011
Report and Photos by Russ Jackson, Dallas
As relief from the heavy rail news, all the local and national budget crises, and the summer Amtrak train-delaying floods and heat, there was good rail news: the June 18 startup of the “A Train” (to the appropriate tune) commuter rail line operated by the line owner Denton County Transit Authority here in Texas. Read the rest of this entry »
Capitol Corridor JPB June meeting report June 11th, 2011
Reported by Bruce Jenkins, RailPAC Director
Following are items of interest which were discussed and acted upon at the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Board meeting on June 8, 2011 in Suisun City CA.
San Joaquin Valley Rail Committee April Meeting Report May 11th, 2011
Reported by Mike Barnbaum, RailPAC Associate Director
The San Joaquin Valley Rail Committee met at the California State Building on the Mariposa Mall in Fresno for their latest meeting on April 28, 2011.
CAHSRA Meeting Report May 11th, 2011
“Linking the California High Speed Rail Segments in the North State” - May 5, 2011
Reported by Bill Kerby, RailPAC Treasurer
The California High Speed Rail Authority met May fifth to receive reports and approve consultant reports for further plans on building four segments of the line from San Francisco to Bakersfield and to approve a $700,000 study on closing the Bakersfield gap with a route to Palmdale via the Grapevine. As for closing the gap, the City of Palmdale argued against the expenditure, citing unnecessary delays in the project by half a year; a representative of landowners along the route cautioned the Board that the new alignment may be possible, but that land acquisition would be expensive; the California Rail Foundation thanked the committee for considering alternatives to the “forty to fifty mile kink” in the mix of alignment alternatives. Read the rest of this entry »
National Train Day in California May 3rd, 2011
Celebrations of National Train Day in California will take place in many locations. This year is the 40th anniversary of the founding of Amtrak. For a list of what will happen this Saturday, May 7, 2011, see: www.nationaltrainday.com/events/other/?st=CA
Sacramento April 28 kick-off event for track relocation and redevelopment of brownfield real estate May 3rd, 2011
Movement on the Sacramento Railyards Project
Report, Comments, and Photos by Bill Kerby, RailPAC Treasurer, and Marcia Johnston, RailPAC Director.
Metrolink CEO Kicks off Steel Wheel in California March 30th, 2011
On Saturday, March 19 Chair Richard Katz provided opening comments for the 4th Annual Steel Wheels in California conference hosted by RailPAC and NARP. Over 200 rail professionals gathered in the L.A. Metro board room for a conference providing information and education to “opinion formers and decision makers” and grass roots supporters of the rail industry. Chairman Katz spoke about Metrolink’s commitment to safety, specifically as it applies to insisting that the 2015 federal mandate for PTC implemented not be extended.
