Oct 05, 2007: Hotline #521

A University of California, Davis research study finds that motor vehicle users in the US do not cover their user costs. In “Do Motor Vehicle Users in the US Pay Their Way?” UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies research scientist Mark Delucchi concludes, “The analysis indicates that in the US current tax and fee payments to the government by motor-vehicle users fall short of government expenditures related to motor-vehicle use by approximately 20–70 cents per gallon of all motor fuel.  (Note that in this accounting we include only government expenditures; we do not include any “external” costs of motor-vehicle use.)  The extent to which one counts indirect government expenditures related to motor-vehicle use is a key factor in the comparison.”

North Carolina DOT, for its Station Improvement Program, has been recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and yesterday received the 2007 John H. Chaffee Trustees Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Policy.  Allan Paul (Rail) and Ed Davis (Transportation Enhancement Program) represented the Department and received the award in St. Paul.  Patrick Simmons, NCDOT’s Rail Director, said, “This national award is for the body of work we have achieved though the support of our leadership team, our Board of Transportation, our federal funding partners, and in partnership with communities around the state.  I am especially proud of the many contributions made by staff throughout the Department who have always been eager to help make these projects a reality.”

The Dulles Airport rail transit line is in jeopardy, reports today’s Washington Examiner.  The crucial $900 million federal share may fall victim to a disagreement between Federal Transit Administration and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the project manager.  The Examiner reports that FTA sent a letter to MWAA challenging its ability to open the initial 11.6 miles by the end of 2012.  “It’s unlikely the federal government will revise its timeline estimates. MWAA and Virginia officials would then be left with a choice of revising their schedule and driving up cost estimates — which could doom the project — or find another way to cut costs. Any cuts that undermine the number of riders could also hurt the extension’s chances of approval.”

The Washington, DC area produces more carbon dioxide than several medium-sized countries, according to a new estimate from Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments reported in the September 30 Washington Post.  In 2005, the region emitted 65.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.  This was more than in each of the following, more-populous countries:  Hungary, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Switzerland.  The San Francisco area produced 69.7 million metric tons, which is better than Washington on a per-capita basis since the population is greater – 6.8 million to Washington’s 5 million.  The Post says the report “seems to be one of the first to look at an entire metropolitan area population.”

Airline on-time performance for 2007 is on pace to be the worst in aviation history, The Washington Post reported yesterday.  Through eight months, on-time performance was 72%, “a drop from 76% a year earlier.”  To be late, a plane must be delayed at least 15 minutes, and mechanical delays are not counted.  USA Today reported September 29 that “President Bush has ordered top aviation regulators to reduce the record flight delays that plagued airports this summer.”  This followed a September 27 Post report that “US airlines yesterday rejected a government investigator’s recommendations aimed at reducing flight delays and the time passengers spend stranded on tarmacs.”  Meanwhile, on October 1, The Post reported that, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics data, June and July “ranked among the 20 worst months for mishandled baggage in 20 years.”

Brunswick, ME is proceeding with a major redevelopment project centered around Maine Street Station.  Provisions for the $33-million public-private partnership for mixed-use development include accommodation of future Amtrak Downeaster service extended from Portland.

The famed St. Charles Avenue streetcar line in New Orleans will return to service in November after being severely damaged in Hurricane Katrina.  New Orleans Regional Transit Authority has announced plans to open the downtown portion of the line by November, and the rest of it in the first quarter of 2008.

Metra suffered two separate derailments on the Electric Line in Chicago on Tuesday evening.  While there were no injuries, the two derailments occurred within a half-hour of each other near the South Shore station.  The FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force are investigating a possible link to what they suspect was a sabotage attempt last week when 30 spikes were found pulled from Metra tracks.

A bomb threat delayed Amtrak Illinois Zephyr train 383 on Tuesday.  The threat – which turned out to be false – led to an evacuation at Naperville, IL.  After the train was inspected, passengers continued on their way to Quincy.

Amtrak Capitol Corridor train 540 suffered a minor derailment near Martinez, CA on Tuesday when the rear locomotive derailed and struck a Union Pacific engine on an adjacent track.  There were no injuries; passengers were delayed about four hours.

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Oct 12, 2007: Hotline #522

Conflicting media reports circulated this week about the Fiscal 2008 appropriations process.  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) was upbeat and stated that conference committees on the four appropriations bills passed thus far (including the Transportation-HUD bill) should begin soon.  However, the White House continued to reiterate that it would veto bills that exceeded their original budget requests.  As conferees meet, it will be critical for Amtrak funding to be maintained at the House and Senate-passed levels of $1.4 billion.  Tell your House and Senate members to support this level and resist any pressure to cut Amtrak funding.  Go to our Action Alert Center for full details.

Amtrak has been engaged in high-level talks to replace the Sunset Limited with an extended Crescent (from New Orleans to San Antonio) and Texas Eagle (becoming a stand-alone train), as reported in the November issue of TRAINS Magazine.  NARP strongly opposes such changes and has communicated its opposition to Amtrak.  According to NARP Executive Director Ross B. Capon, “NARP has been urging Amtrak not to replace the existing New Orleans-San Antonio service with a Crescent extension. Among the many problems this creates—given Amtrak’s limited fleet—is a choice between eliminating much existing Crescent sleeping car business or having very little space for new revenue from the extended Crescent. Also, the Texas Eagle would perform poorly as a stand-alone train between Chicago-San Antonio-Los Angeles.”

If the truncated route between New Orleans and Los Angeles is broken up between two routes, ridership would suffer from the lack of feasible east-west connectivity in San Antonio.  No decision has been made, though any potential service changes could take effect as soon as Spring 2008.  NARP will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Regarding service east of New Orleans, TRAINS reports that while Amtrak has not decided to replace or further truncate the Sunset, it has publicly stated that it is not willing to resume full service to Orlando without funding from Gulf Coast states.  Karen Parsons, Executive Director of the Southern Rapid Rail Transit Commission, is quoted as having told Amtrak President Alex Kummant, “If we’re going to be the poster child for transition to a corridor service, Amtrak has to support us while we attempt to change the culture and thinking patterns of policymakers.  Instead, their attitude is, ‘Prove to us that you can make it happen.’”

The Government of Canada announced a $691.9-million CAD infusion for VIA Rail Canada yesterday.  The five-year funding plan will provide $516 million in capital funds for equipment refurbishment of F40 locomotives and LRC cars, elimination of bottlenecks and speed improvements on the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor, and station enhancements.  Funds will also reportedly be put towards accessibility features on the Renaissance cars for passengers with disabilities.  The other $175.9 million will bolster VIA’s operating budget until the planned upgrades produce expected cost savings.  New frequencies along the Corridor are planned as well.  While there is no reason to believe the funds will not be disbursed as announced, it should be noted that in 2003 the government of then-Prime Minister Paul Martin rescinded a five-year investment in VIA of $700 million that the previous PM Jean Chrétien had pledged.

Plans for the State of Vermont to procure FRA-compliant diesel multiple unit train sets from Colorado Railcar are pending ongoing negotiations as the two parties continue to discuss at least one major point of disagreement.  While Amtrak is providing $2 million to assist Vermont in the pilot program to convert the northern end of the Vermonter route to DMU operation, the state is covering the majority of the $17.5-million procurement cost.  The cost may be spread over 20 years, but Vermont wants Colorado Railcar to agree to buy back the train sets after a three-year trial period if the state is disinclined to continue with the trial.  The Burlington Free Press reported last week that this buyback provision is the source of the current stalemate, but Vermont officials are confident that a deal will be brokered.  Negotiations continued this week; if the procurement is successful, DMU operations would be slated for late Spring 2009.

New York City MTA is expecting to need $767 million in subway and bus transit improvements if Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s (I.) congestion pricing plan for automobiles in Manhattan is enacted.  78,000 new daily transit riders are expected, as well as 3,500 more commuters on Long Island Rail Road and 2,500 more on Metro-North Railroad.  MTA hopes to receive $184 million in federal assistance if the congestion pricing comes to fruition.

Saco, ME will break ground on a new train station in December.  The facility will connect to the current Amtrak Downeaster platform by covered walkway and provide full passenger amenities as well as office space for the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce.  Next month, the city will select a contractor to develop a $100-million mixed-use project slated to anchor the station area.

Virginia Railway Express will receive $5 million in federal funds for purchasing locomotives, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) announced yesterday as he rode and toured the VRE Fredericksburg Line.  While these funds add to a $15 million state allocation and $3 million in local monies, a preliminary $57 million shortfall is projected in enabling VRE to replace its entire 20-locomotive fleet.

The public was informed this week of a runaway locomotive incident that happened on September 26 when a Virginia Railway Express engine rolled six miles north on CSX tracks from Fredericksburg, VA unattended.  Two maintenance workers who had been repairing the locomotive’s brakes under contract to Amtrak have since been fired for violation of safety procedures, and other employees have been retrained.

Amtrak’s Texas Eagle will run on a slightly modified schedule to accommodate Union Pacific trackwork north of Taylor, TX.  Between October 16 and November 8, northbound train 22 will depart San Antonio at 6 AM (one hour early), with a normal schedule north of Fort Worth.  Southbound train 21 will depart Fort Worth no sooner than 3:40 PM (one hour later than usual) on those same dates.

A CSX derailment of chemical cars in Painesville, OH on Wednesday sent Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited detouring over the Norfolk Southern (former Nickel Plate route) between Ashtabula and Berea this week.  Buses were sent to Elyria and Erie, PA to provide service to Cleveland, which was bypassed during the detour.

Up to 10,000 Metrolink commuters and about 950 Amtrak passengers were delayed in Los Angeles for up to 90 minutes on Wednesday evening after a prolonged switch system failure shut down three of five LA Union Station lead tracks.  The incident occurred during the height of the evening rush hour.

413 passengers were evacuated from Amtrak Regional northbound train 148 last Friday, October 5, after one of the two AEM-7 electric locomotives caught fire in Hamilton, NJ.  Passengers were taken by a New Jersey Transit rescue train to New York Penn Station, where Amtrak reaccommodated them to points north.

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Oct 19, 2007: Hotline #523

Conference committees on the four Fiscal 2008 appropriations bills passed thus far (including the Transportation-HUD bill) have yet to convene.  The White House has not changed its position that it would veto bills that exceeded their original budget requests.  As conferees meet, it will be critical for Amtrak funding to be maintained at the House and Senate-passed levels of $1.4 billion.  Tell your House and Senate members to support this level and resist any pressure to cut Amtrak funding.  Go to our Action Alert Center for full details.

Amtrak Chairman David Laney’s five-year term expires on November 15, 2007.  Indications are that the Bush Administration does not intend to renominate him.

Yesterday the National Mediation Board “proffered” arbitration for nine Amtrak unions that have been unable to reach contract agreements with Amtrak.  If the offer is rejected, the parties are likely to be released in about a week.  That sets in motion a series of up to three 30-day periods that could culminate in a strike or Congressional action to prevent a strike around January 29.  If President Bush chooses, a Presidential Emergency Board would be appointed within 30 days.  Thirty days after that, the PEB would issue its decision.  Thirty days after that, if the parties have not reached agreement, and barring intervention by Congress, “self-help” is in order, meaning management can impose a new contract and the unions can strike.  If the President does not see the need for a PEB, then “self-help” could happen after one 30-day period (starting possibly next week).  Significantly, in an unprecedented move, three other unions which had been in mediation asked not to be released—UTU, Boilermakers and Sheet Metal Workers.

Amtrak today challenged the right of four of the unions from forming a single negotiating bloc.  In a lawsuit filed with the US District Court of the District of Columbia, Amtrak has requested a declaratory judgment on the legality of the Passenger Rail Labor Bargaining Coalition, consisting of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers, and the American Train Dispatchers Association.  Amtrak argues the bloc is illegal under the Railway Labor Act.

On Wednesday the House passed H.R. 2095, the Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007, by the veto-proof majority of 377-38.  The bill reauthorizes the FRA and gives it more regulatory teeth in terms of safety enforcement, while imposing new safety standards on railroads in areas such as hours of crew service.  The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for markup.

Media outlets in Idaho have given great attention to a provision of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (S. 294) Amtrak reauthorization bill, that would compel Amtrak to study reinstating the Seattle-Salt Lake City Pioneer route.  Pioneer service operated three days a week, and, along with the Los Angeles-Salt Lake City Desert Wind, was discontinued in May, 1997 in favor of converting the California Zephyr to daily operation along its full route.  The provision would make Amtrak study the feasibility of restoring service within two years of the bill’s enactment, but would not guarantee the route’s reinstatement.  A spokesperson for Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), said, “We subsidize highways, we subsidize airlines.  We ought to subsidize railroads to some extent.”

Yesterday, Senators John Warner (R-VA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) introduced America’s Climate Security Act, targeting greenhouse gas emissions.  Six bills aiming to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases have already been introduced by various lawmakers, however, none of them received strong bipartisan support.  This bill is co-sponsored by Senators Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Tom Harkin (D-IA), and is believed to have the best chance of receiving the 60 votes necessary to reach cloture in the Senate.  States which take certain specified measures to control carbon emissions can use certain funds for eleven stipulated purposes, one of which is, “to improve public transportation and rail passenger service and otherwise reduce vehicle miles traveled.”

The bill would set a mandatory cap on greenhouse gases—principally carbon dioxide—from electric power, manufacturing and transportation sources.  It could also mandate furthering emission cuts from other sources including private homes, a measure applauded by the environmental community.  The bill’s ultimate goal is to cut annual emissions by 15 percent in 2020 and 70 percent by 2050 from 2005 levels.  This legislation differs from the current White House policy which encourages voluntary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.  In a Senate floor speech, Sen. Warner said, “We feel voluntary (actions) will not achieve the goal… The leadership of the United States of America must take on this issue.”  Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA) said that the bill “would be the strongest global warming program in the world in terms of its reach” if it is adopted.  Dan Lashoff, a climate expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said that, despite not covering all sources of greenhouse gases, the Lieberman-Warner legislation represents “a very strong bill.”

The House has also begun examining proposed measures to require mandatory caps on carbon dioxide emissions. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has pledged to make legislation addressing climate change a priority.  Some lawmakers, however, are concerned about the economic impact, such as higher gasoline prices and rising energy costs from the cost of capturing carbon from power plants.  According to Sen. Warner, “This is going to be a long, contentious piece of legislation.”

Metrolink responded to the deadly pile-up inside a truck tunnel on I-5 in Northern Los Angeles County last Friday by offering two additional frequencies on its Antelope Valley Line, adding cars to existing trains, and honoring passes from local transit agencies.  Three motorists perished in the accident, which caused the worst traffic disruption in the area since the 1994 Northridge Earthquake caused the collapse of the SR-14/I-5 interchange in nearby Santa Clarita.  That catastrophic event was a watershed moment in the history of Metrolink commuter rail, when the young system proved its strategic value to regional mobility while freeways were impassable.

Northstar Commuter Rail in Minneapolis is one step closer to reality as the project application for a Full Funding Grant Agreement has been approved by USDOT and the Office of Management and Budget.  The $156.8 million in federal funding now moves to a 60-day Congressional review period.

St. Paul Union Depot may be resurrected as a passenger station as the US Postal Service has agreed to sell the property to Ramsey County.  Unable to expand at the current site, USPS is looking to relocate its operations to Eagan, MN, providing the opportunity for the Union Depot to return to its original function of serving rail passengers.  The Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority will vote on Tuesday whether to move forward with the purchase of $49.6 million ($45.3 million if paid off by 2010).  The biggest variable is the prospect of other expenditures required to return trains to the site.  While the Central Corridor light rail between Minneapolis and St. Paul is targeted for completion in 2014, $110 million would have to be spent to rebuild the necessary infrastructure for Union Depot to host trains (including Amtrak) once again.

Amtrak and T-Mobile HotSpot have partnered to offer wi-fi Internet service in five Northeast stations.  The fee-based service is available in Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, and New York.  Plans (which include access to all T-Mobile HotSpots in the US) are $6 an hour, $9.99 a day, $39.99 a month, or $29.99 a month with a 12-month commitment.  Amtrak has stated that it has no plans to discontinue complimentary wi-fi access in ClubAcela lounges.

Four Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains will begin serving stations in Orange County, CA that up to this point have been served only by Metrolink commuter trains.  Effective October 29, southbound trains 566 and 578 and northbound trains 565 and 567 will call at Orange (OGE) and Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo (LNL).  These additions are not reflected in the new National Timetable, which comes into effect on October 29.

Richmond, CA improved its intermodal transit center as it unveiled a new, $6.5-million station building yesterday.  The facility, served by Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor, BART, and AC Transit adds retail space and a BART Police substation.  The City of Richmond continues aggressive construction of transit-oriented housing and office development around the station.

CSX trackwork will cause cancellations to Amtrak Regionals that travel south of Richmond to Newport News.  On November 5 and 6, trains 66, 67, 94, and 95 will be affected, in many cases with no service south of Washington.  Check with Amtrak for details.

A BNSF freight train derailment in Steilacoom, WA yesterday halted Amtrak Cascades and Coast Starlight service north of Portland.  Cancellations continue today, with buses provided between Seattle and Portland.  The Starlight is turning in Eugene, OR, with buses provided northward to Seattle.

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Oct 26, 2007: Hotline #524

S. 294, the bipartisan Lautenberg-Lott Amtrak reauthorization bill, reached the Senate floor for debate on Wednesday.  Yesterday, the Senate rejected two amendments from Sen. John Sununu (R-NH).  The first amendment would have eliminated any route that lost more than $200 per passenger initially ($100 after five years) and was defeated 28-66.  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) noted that this would end all Amtrak service in Texas, saying, “Texas rail passengers depend on these routes daily.  Amtrak must be ‘National or Nothing,’ and eliminating the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited would be a step backward in this pursuit.”

The second Sununu amendment would have opened all Amtrak routes to competitive bids from other operators and failed 27-64.  S. 294 as written would allow bids for up to two routes per year.  Numerous friendly amendments were adopted by unanimous consent.  Debate on the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act will continue next week, with voting expected on at least one hostile amendment expected from Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO) that would reinstate the self-sufficiency requirement for Amtrak that was passed under the last authorization (Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997).

In introducing S. 294 on the floor, Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) said, “One reason why the United States is addicted to oil, as President Bush puts it, is because the Government has not provided other options for travelers.  Where reliable rail service is available, people will run to the trains.”  Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) noted that, while S. 294 would bring reforms to Amtrak, it’s important to not throw the baby out with the bathwater.  “I want Amtrak to succeed.  If we are going to keep it, let’s fix it where it will work.  I do not think it is wise to continue putting money into a system that is not enough, and then complain because it is not doing the job.”

Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) filed cloture today to end debate on S. 294 early next week.  11 Democrats and six Republicans joined the petition.  Noting that cloture is usually a highly partisan process, Reid said, “I thought it was so refreshing to hear a cloture motion with Democrats and Republicans on it that I wanted to hear that, I’m almost anxious to have the clerk do it again.”

Tell your Senate members to support a sustainable, long-term Amtrak funding framework and matching federal funds for states, and to oppose any amendments that would cut Amtrak funding or impose crippling, micromanaging language.  Also, urge your Representative to push for the introduction of a House version of S. 294.  Go to our Action Alert Center for full details.

Nine Amtrak unions have rejected the National Mediation Board’s proffer for arbitration; yesterday was the deadline.  The next step, which could come soon, would be for the National Mediation Board to “release” the parties.  This would begin a 30-day period during which President Bush is likely to appoint a Presidential Emergency Board.  Then the PEB would have another 30 days to submit a recommendation, and the parties would have 30 days after that to reach agreement.  If, for example, the parties are released on November 1, a strike could come around January 29.  There is a danger that this process will play into the hands of those in the Bush Administration who seek to permanently shut down much of the Amtrak network. 

Although this is considered less likely, if the President does not appoint a PEB, Amtrak could impose a new contract and the unions could strike 30 days after being released.

Amtrak’s Fiscal Year 2007 concluded with record ridership of over 25.8 million passengers. Passenger-miles (one passenger traveling one mile) also increased 5.5 percent.  Amtrak’s release began a discussion of “long-distance trains recording above-average ridership” by noting that “the New Orleans-Tucson-Los Angeles Sunset Limited [rose] 22.1%.”

New plans for New York Penn Station as a converted Farley Post Office Building were unveiled on Tuesday as the Empire State Development Corporation began the public review process for two revised visions of the long-awaited Moynihan Station involving major public and private development in and around Penn Station’s area of Midtown Manhattan.  Madison Square Garden also could move to part of the Farley site, opening up the current area above Penn Station for a new passenger concourse and nearby blocks for new skyscrapers.

Beaumont, TX has formed a committee to explore creating an intermodal transportation center.  This would be a major step forward; currently there is just a forlorn platform and no shelter.

Amtrak Cascades service has resumed normal operations after the last sidelined Talgo trainset returned to revenue service last Sunday.  Amtrak had maintained interim service in the Pacific Northwest by dispatching Amfleet and Horizon equipment from elsewhere in the national system.

Amtrak and Metrolink annulled service south of San Juan Capistrano, CA on Wednesday due to wildfires on Camp Pendleton.  Amtrak turned Pacific Surfliners northward at San Juan Capistrano while Metrolink turned its commuter trains at Laguna Niguel.  Amtrak resumed service yesterday, honoring Metrolink tickets as far south as Oceanside.

Amtrak southbound Coast Starlight train 11 derailed its engines south of Portland, OR while slowly moving through a Union Pacific siding on Wednesday.  No passenger cars derailed; Amtrak dispatched new engines so the heavily-delayed train could continue south.

NARP’s Board of Directors is meeting in Charlotte, NC.  Yesterday, a Board members tour included visits to and presentations on beautifully rehabilitated stations at High Point and Greensboro, as well as a special ride on the 9.6-mile light rail line that is scheduled to enter revenue service November 24.  Last night, NARP and the Carolinas Association for Passenger Trains had a reception honoring the rail transportation achievements of the City of Charlotte.  Charlotte City Councilman Pat Mumford accepted NARP’s gift to the people of Charlotte—a J. Craig Thorpe painting of a multi-modal train station: “Multiple Choices – Integrating Rail into America’s Future.”  Commenting on a ballot issue that aims to repeal taxes needed to support area transit, Mumford said other cities are watching Charlotte closely, and a victory by the anti-transit forces would galvanize similar efforts elsewhere.  He said, “The challenge is preparing for the future when it’s hard for many people to see it.  You need both good transportation and good high-density development.  Those trying to repeal the tax don’t bother to point out that we are $200 million in debt for the light rail line and we are not going to default.”

Today, the Board heard presentations from NARP staff and consultants; Richard Phelps, Vice President, Transportation for Amtrak; and a panel discussion of regional and national visions for passenger rail featuring Patrick B. Simmons, Director of NCDOT’s Rail Division and Glennith C. Johnson, Esq., Division Director of Mass Transit for SCDOT.  Today’s special guest speakers also received Thorpe paintings from NARP.  Tomorrow, the Board will hear from Ronald J. Tober, CEO of the Charlotte Area Transit System, on lessons learned from Charlotte’s rail transit planning.

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