Category: Commentary

  • Metrolink to Withdraw Cab Cars from Service

    Metrolink to Withdraw Cab Cars from Service

    Yesterday evening the Board of SCRRA (Metrolink) held a closed session meeting described as pursuant to public safety threat (or words to that effect.  The notice is no longer on their website).  The real purpose of the meeting was to inform the Board that the NTSB had requested that the Rotem cab cars be withdrawn…

  • SJJPA MTG 8/21/15

    It seemed more of a “HIP HIP HOORAY” congratulatory celebration. Very well attended, (standing room only in the fairly large Modesto Council Chambers) . Assembly Member Adam Gray chaired the meeting. Welcome was delivered by Modesto Mayor Garrad Marsh followed by statements from Legislative Members e.g. Senators Cathleen Galgiani (Stockton),  Anthony Cannella (Ceres) and Assembly…

  • BYE BYE to Amtrak’s Dining Cars?

    What would travel on Amtrak’s long distance trains be like if there were no Dining cars? 

  • Amtrak at 44:  “Happy Birthday” to the Southwest Chief and Sunset Limited

    It is no secret that for 44 years Amtrak’s long distance trains have had a target firmly placed upon them.  From the nitpicking of the Congress to the war against growth within Amtrak, we have to ask who is standing up for these trains besides us in the rail advocacy community?   If it weren’t for…

  • Could a Grilled Cheese Sandwich Help Save Amtrak’s Food & Beverage Service?

    As we say on the radio, “but first….” Two major Amtrak-related items have occurred this winter.  First was the cutbacks in long distance train consists in January and February.  Second was the U.S. House of Representatives actually passed a bill, and it was one that affected the future of Amtrak and what its customers will…

  • Jim Hartnett tapped to head Caltrain agency

    Jim Hartnett tapped to head Caltrain agency

    A regional search committee Wednesday selected Jim Hartnett as the new head of the San Mateo County Transit District (SMCTD) effective March 30. Hartnett, a former Redwood City councilman and board chair of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, will take over as the new general manager and CEO of the Peninsula-based transportation agency in the…

  • L.A. Welcomes Two New Transit Chiefs

    Los Angeles’ two major transportation agencies announced this week the hires of new CEOs to take their respective helms — one involves a new hire from Denver while the other is only moving a few floors up.

  • Ken Ruben

    Ken Ruben

    It is with great sadness that I report the death of longtime RailPAC member and Associate Director Ken Ruben.  Ken suffered a serious stroke on New Year’s Day from which he never recovered.  He died yesterday morning, Thursday 12th March, 2015, aged 72.

  • Amtrak Statement in Response to the Hoosier Announcement

    Indiana is fighting back against the FRA ruling, which is excellent news.  The whole idea of the ruling is ridiculous.  If a State hires a qualified operator to do a job it should not have to become certified to do the job itself.  Boardman is again trying to use PRIIA and now the FRA to…

  • Farewell to Mike Scanlon

    Farewell to Mike Scanlon

    Mike Scanlon has done a hell of a good job with Caltrain in comparison to the shape it was in before (awful). Also under his purview is SAMTRANS and San Mateo Transportation Authority. Some of the many improvements made under his watch are: Improved station platforms and elimination of “holdout stations”, 96 trains/day, increased bike…