Washington, D.C.—Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Trent Lott (R-MS), appearing at a joint news conference this noon at Washington Union Station, announced that they were introducing today their Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act. The new bill, S. 294, is similar to S. 1516 in the last Congress, except for changes in the dates and technical amendments. S. 294 also includes the rail security package that the Senate has passed unanimously three times, most recently as H.R.4954, the SAFE Port Act (109th Congress).
Both senators alluded with humor to the change in control on Capitol Hill. Lott said the bill “used to be Lott-Lautenberg. Now, it’s Lautenberg-Lott. We never miss a step...There are some things in Washington that are truly bipartisan, including transportation...There are limits to how many lanes we can build, how many planes we can fly.”
Lautenberg said, “We have a chance to get Amtrak back on track...The future of Amtrak is looking bright...Congress is ready to pass a bill to revitalize Amtrak...I chair the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine. This bill is my top priority.”
NARP Executive Director Ross B. Capon said, “We applaud the continued, strong, bipartisan work of Senators Lautenberg and Lott to get this reauthorization passed. This lays the foundation for meaningful federal support for state corridor development. It also should encourage the appropriations committees to focus on funding and not on micromanaging legislative provisions.”
[More comments by the two senators from today’s news conference can be found here on our website.]
Washington, D.C.—The Fiscal 2007 continuing resolution passed by the House Wednesday contrasts sharply with today’s report on climate change.
On one hand, H.J. Res. 20 freezes Amtrak at fiscal 2006’s $1.294 billion. This is:
• $304 million or 19% below Amtrak’s “basic” request of $1.598 billion, and
• $579 million or 31% below Amtrak’s full request of $1.873 billion [see note at bottom].
Amtrak’s requests were developed by a board of directors composed exclusively of Republicans appointed by President Bush; one Democrat, R. Hunter Biden, joined the board later, on July 26.
The house also has, and the Senate likely will approve, a $3.532 billion or 9% increase in federal highway funding. On the bright side, transit gets a boost of $480 million. The continuing resolution must be enacted by February 15 to avoid shutting down much of the government.
According to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Amtrak is 18% and 17% more energy efficient per passenger-mile than airlines and cars, respectively. (A passenger-mile is one passenger traveling one mile.)
On the other hand, the world’s top climate scientists report a 90% probability that human activities have caused most of the earth’s warming in the past 50 years. They foresee temperature increases this century that could put as many as four billion more people at risk of serious water shortages, and sea levels rising from 7 to 23 inches or more, covering land occupied by millions of people, especially in south and east Asia. One of the scientists, Paul Valdes, professor of physical geography at the University of Bristol, said “it is possible to reduce our emissions without endangering the economy or changing our way of life but we must start to act now” (today’s Financial Times).
NARP Executive Director Ross Capon said, “While we understand that the path of least resistance in quickly disposing of Fiscal 2007 issues is to ignore the Amtrak board’s request and comply with the ‘guarantees’ in SAFETEA-LU, that does not make this good policy; it is not ‘acting now.’
“Even more appalling is the fact that criticism of the House’s Amtrak number as ‘excessive’ was the only transportation reference in the Bush Administration’s lengthy policy statement on the resolution. It will be interesting to see how the Administration handles these issues in Monday’s budget release, particularly in light of projections that the Highway Trust Fund could be $9 billion in the red during Fiscal 2009. Americans need transportation policy to give them more choices—not increasingly confine them to auto reliance—so the first, post-election transportation results are not encouraging.”
Meanwhile, in the U.K., airport departure taxes doubled yesterday. BBC said this was “because [Chancellor of the Exchequer] Gordon Brown says airlines should pay more for damaging the environment.” Brown, according to Reuters, “said the extra money will pay for public transport and environmental measures.”
[Amtrak’s higher, $1.873 billion request for this year, included four “strategic investment initiatives”--$100 million each for a U.S. DOT-administered state corridor development program and for Amtrak debt reduction; $50 million to help freight railroads address “chokepoints” that cause delays; and $25 million for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.]
About NARP
NARP is the only national organization speaking for the users of passenger trains and rail transit. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 22,000 individual members.
Washington, D.C.—Beyond giving Amtrak’s Administration-appointed Board of Directors credit for making “some progress in 2006 to strengthen [Amtrak’s] finances by increasing revenues and controlling costs,” President Bush’s budget released today is a big disappointment, and yet another departure from reality.
The Administration’s recommended Amtrak funding level is actually down $100 million from last year’s request.
NARP Executive Director Ross Capon said, “The Administration is trying to take credit for creating the long-awaited federal-state partnership program without providing new money. They simply reduce an already comically-inadequate $900 million request by $100 million, and assign the latter amount to ‘capital matching grants to States for intercity passenger rail projects.’”
In any event, at either funding level the vital foundation that Amtrak provides would disappear--both for existing state services and for the improvements that the $100 million might help fund.
Once again, the President’s budget makes no provision for Amtrak’s debt service needs of roughly $300 million. The Administration did not fund this debt service last year either, dismissing this very real cost as “Amtrak’s problem.” [Note: Amtrak has taken on no new debt since June 2002 and has paid off about $400 million since then.]
It is well known that even if Amtrak eliminated the overnight trains (and thus all service in 27 states):
(1) There are no first-year savings; and
(2) Congress would not fund the 21-state group of isolated corridors that would remain.
Eliminating those trains also relegates many communities with few or no other public transportation alternatives to isolation. There are also increasing numbers travelers who must--for medical reasons--take the train rather than fly.
Furthermore, the overnight trains facilitate start-up of commuter rail and short corridor services. If the New York-Florida trains had stopped running when Amtrak was created, the architect of the Capitol likely would have commandeered the First Street tunnels for non-railroad purposes, making it impossible to offer Washington-Richmond or Virginia Railway Express service today. For a more recent example, the existence of Amtrak’s Southwest Chief made it easier to start up Albuquerque’s commuter rail service.
To say that the long-distance trains consume “most” of Amtrak’s “operating subsidy” is to take an artificially narrow view of the system’s costs. Amtrak will receive just shy of $1.3 billion in Fiscal 2007. Based on their grant request, a total of $546.2 million was for the long-distance trains ($438.2 million operating; $108 million capital). That is only 34% of what Amtrak requested, and 42% of what it got.
In his State of the Union address, President Bush called for a reduction in oil consumption. Oak Ridge National Laboratory figures show that Amtrak, on a per-passenger-mile basis, is more fuel efficient than airlines and automobiles (18% and 17%, respectively).
Capon noted, “In a world that must emphasize environmentally benign and energy efficient transportation, cutting Amtrak funding makes no sense either as a stand-alone proposal or in context of this Administration’s proposal to continue increasing highway spending.
“Once again, passenger rail advocates look to Capitol Hill to dramatically improve on the White House’s transportation proposal and views.
“The real message of today’s budget request is that after six years of being on the Amtrak Board and selecting board members, becoming more intimately familiar with Amtrak’s needs, and observing the good work that has been accomplished, they still don’t get it.”
About NARP
NARP is the only national organization speaking for the users of passenger trains and rail transit. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 22,000 individual members.
Washington, D.C.—Two major organizations representing railroad passengers, the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) and Trainriders/Northeast, welcomed the decision of the Vermont House Transportation and Appropriations Committees to support the purchase of new diesel multiple unit (DMU) rail cars for Vermont passenger service. The five new state of the art cars would come from the Colorado Rail Company, which has agreed to refund 90% of the purchase price if the DMU program proves unsuccessful over the first three years of use.
The new cars are more efficient, quieter, and more environmentally friendly than the existing equipment. Moreover, assuming that the Senate appropriately alters the House-approved resolution, service frequency over most of the “Vermonter” route would double, from one to two daily round-trips. These advantages are expected to more than offset the need for passengers traveling below New Haven, Connecticut, to change trains.
Senate consideration should begin next week in the Senate’s Transportation Committee.
If the full legislature supports purchase of the new cars, Vermont would contract with Amtrak to operate them. At New Haven, connections would be made with Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor trains to New York City, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington, Richmond and the Tidewater area, and intermediate points.
This purchase marks a major step in the Vermonter’s recovery from the loss of service to Montreal. After an initial drop in ridership north of Burlington, passengers have steadily returned to the state supported route. A Burlington Free Press article in November 2006 noted that the train was completely sold out in advance of Thanksgiving holiday travel.
Ridership since June of 2006 has increased 14%, despite ridership losses in months when Amtrak had to provide bus service for the route due to maintenance work by the freight railroad companies that own the tracks.
NARP and Trainriders/Northeast are optimistic that the DMUs will prove successful and allow for future expansion of train routes throughout New England. The cars have been tested for ice and snow in Alaska, and one is running successfully in commuter service in southeast Florida.
Washington, D.C.—Monday morning, NARP Executive Director Ross B. Capon appeared before the National Surface Transportation Policy & Revenue Commission on a panel that also included American Public Transportation Association President Bill Millar, Peter Pantuso of American Bus Association, Bill Graves of American Trucking Associations and Association of American Railroads Vice President for Policy and Economics Craig Rockey.
NARP staff notes from most of the day’s other panels may also be forwarded upon request.
Greene’s testimony was interesting in that so much of preserving our present lifestyle depends on scientific breakthroughs whose feasibility and timing remain unknown. He also provides a sobering cautionary note about the “path of least resistance”--that “oil sands, extra-heavy oil, coal and oil shale” could keep our same old way of life going “through mid-century and beyond” but with unacceptable environmental consequences.
Capon was at the hearing from the start, so he used much of his speaking time to respond to some of what he considered to be misstatements and omissions by speakers from the previous panel. Below is a rough paraphrase of what he said:
Thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of our 23,000 individual members who believe passenger and freight rail must be much more fully developed than has been the case. It should be a source of concern how little we’ve heard this morning about global climate change and the energy supply situation, particularly since non-OPEC, non-former-USSR oil production has been flat for about five years. New technology will not preserve low-fare air service and will not save us from the need to change many aspects of how we live. So Amtrak’s superior energy efficiency—illustrated here—is important. These are real-world numbers, not based on idealized load-factor assumptions.
Amtrak is a charter member of Chicago Climate Exchange, a voluntary exchange for trading greenhouse gases in which Amtrak trades carbon dioxide credits. Going forward, a new California law, A.B. 32, will be very important because it contains the first mandatory carbon caps in the U.S.—possibly the world—for all activities, including transportation, rather than just for power plants. We think it’s important for Amtrak—and indeed Mr. Pantuso’s members—to be involved in implementation of—and to benefit properly from—this law, which could prove to be a model for future laws in other states and at the federal level.
The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change precipitated a major change in public attitudes in the U.K., with climate change going in six months from something that gets lip service to something that actually defines people’s everyday lives. A previous witness dismissed London tolling, saying “London is unique.” Well, Stockholm in a similar program found that traffic was reduced by 100,000 vehicle passengers per day, and train ridership grew 40,000. City buses run so much faster that schedules had to be redrawn; parking fines are down 29%. This illustrates that, contrary to what you heard earlier, the linkage between GPP and VMT (highway vehicle miles traveled) has been broken. In the U.S., as you know, VMT has been flat in recent years, but transit ridership has grown significantly as Mr. Millar said, and the economy has not collapsed.
It also was suggested that “Europe is becoming more like us than the other way around.” That is an out-of-date observation that misses the question of degree. The average U.S. vehicle travels 42% more miles than the average car in Germany. As a low-tax nation, we’re more vulnerable to world oil prices. In the two years ended last August, the average fuel cost per year per vehicle rose $290 in Germany but $600 here, and the pump price (including taxes) increased only 22% in Germany but 59% here. Even compared with Canada, we use 21% more fuel per vehicle per year, and that’s before taking into consideration higher U.S. per capita car ownership.
We are optimistic about funding passenger rail through tax credit bonds, as contemplated under S.294, but if that doesn’t work out, passenger rail may need to be part of the next gasoline tax hike. We need an 80% federal match for state corridors and it was encouraging that the DOT Inspector General endorsed this in recent testimony.
Further Comments from NARP Executive Director Ross B. Capon
As soon as I had finished, Secretary Peters read the first paragraph of section II of my prepared statement [reprinted immediately below] and asked weren’t the funds invested in other modes paid by the users. I responded that today’s mode-specific trust fund system is set up to give us more of what we’ve already got, which many would argue is an overemphasis on roads, and that the situation would be different today if a rail trust fund had been established back in the 1940s or 1950s. I also commented that we are a nation of “travelers,” not “highway users,” “transit users,” etc., and mentioned that on Sunday (the day before the hearing) I had used a bus, an airplane, a train, Metro and a taxi.
The paragraph that attracted Sec. Peters’ attention: “U. S. transportation policy is biased in favor of the road and air – the two least efficient forms of transportation in terms of energy consumption, environmental impact, land foot print and capacity returned per dollar invested. This bias must be eliminated by providing federal matching funds for intercity rail passenger projects States’ decisions about transportation spending priorities are heavily influenced by how many federal dollars they can leverage. The result is that they generally ignore rail—even in situations where rail would be most efficient option.”
Another commissioner asked each witness to suggest two things the Commission should recommend to Congress and “two things that we should not do.” My responses:
Do find a way to invest in passenger rail.
Do change FTA New Start criteria so that rail is credited with its ability to influence pedestrian-friendly development.
Do not continue business as usual with the present emphasis on highways.
Do not let the national passenger rail network die.
Commissioner Weyrich asked me to identify a successful line that developed from nothing. I gave as examples the Capitol Corridor which did not exist 20 years ago and has over one million annual riders today, and the much longer San Joaquin route which was a single frequency in Amtrak’s early days and now is approaching one million riders. [Follow up note: The Capitol Corridor started with three daily round-trips on December 12, 1991, just over 15 years ago. Actually, the San Joaquin likewise “grew from nothing,” with the first frequency inaugurated as an Amtrak-funded service on March 6, 1974.]
In response to a discussion about freight capacity and “what can be done about it,” I noted the freight benefits of some passenger investments—Metrolink in southern California and the double-tracking west of Sacramento—where the capacity is there “24/7” but the passenger need is not.
Commissioner Cino asked about some of those long-distance trains, “in the Northwest I think,” where the subsidy per passenger is $400 according to the DOT Inspector General and wouldn’t I agree that we should get rid of them. I responded that we do not agree with the IG’s numbers, and that the system is already skeletal, having been reduced several times. It works as a network. Thus, elimination of everyone’s favorite whipping boy, the Sunset Limited, would have a domino effect as the New Orleans terminal charges would increase on the two remaining routes there—from Chicago and New York. I also noted that previous Amtrak attempts to adjust the national network had not produced the projected bottom-line benefits.
[Follow up note: Elimination of the Sunset Limited also would put the Texas Eagle on the chopping block. The Eagle would become responsible for 100% of San Antonio costs, and would lose the significant “through revenue” generated by the Chicago-Texas-Los Angeles cars that the Sunset carries between San Antonio and Los Angeles.]
Washington, D.C.—Citing increased demand for passenger rail service and rising gas prices, the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) urged Congress to invest $1.68 billion in Amtrak next year and to steer clear of route-cutting discussions. This amount is what Amtrak requested, and includes $100 million for matching grants for a state corridor development program.
In a statement submitted to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, NARP Executive Director Ross Capon noted that expanding Amtrak’s network would drive economies of scale. “The most effective strategy to improve the economic efficiency of all of its routes is to focus on actions that increase volume and revenue, not reduce or eliminate service,” Capon said.
Capon noted that Amtrak ridership has been strong, and that overnight trains saw a three percent increase in passenger-miles traveled during the first half of fiscal year 2007 from a year ago.
The Bush Administration requested just $800 million for Amtrak plus an additional $100 million for the corridor development matching grant program, an amount Amtrak has testified would make it difficult to keep the system running.
Capon noted the importance of keeping all existing routes.
Millions of Americans, in travel markets large and small, do not want to or cannot fly or drive;
Many communities lack alternative public transportation;
Overnight trains often facilitate start-up of shorter-distance intercity services and commuter rail operations by allowing shared use of tracks or facilities; and
Rail is one of the safest and most energy-efficient forms of travel, highways are the least safe, and rail is more energy efficient than both highways and aviation.
Capon questioned the relevancy of proposals to identify and excise the routes with the worst performance records. He said, “No matter how many routes get cut, there always will be another set of ‘worst performing routes,’” and also noted that, measured in loss per seat-mile, no route stands out as significantly worse than other routes.
NARP is the only national organization speaking for the users of passenger trains and rail transit. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 22,000 individual members.
Washington, D.C.—The Burch Family and the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) announced today that J. Wes Wilkins of Wilmington, Delaware has won the 2007 Dr. Gary Burch Memorial Safety Award.
The award, which honors individuals who have significantly enhanced rail passenger safety, is sponsored by the family of Dr. Burch, who died in a 1991 passenger train derailment in South Carolina. “We are delighted to be able to bestow it this year on a railroad employee who has shown diligence, enthusiasm, and innovation,” said Bette Burch.
A thirty year railroad veteran, Wilkins works for Amtrak in its Wilmington maintenance facility.
Wilkins was chosen for his commitment to and promotion of rail safety. In his role of Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWE) Safety Liaison, he has influenced the work practices of almost 500 employees in Amtrak’s engineering department. During Wilkins’ tenure, his unit has seen a 63 percent reduction in employee injuries while increasing the quality and quantity of work performed.
Wilkins is also credited with helping to implement the Switch Exchange System (SES) that constructs and installs high-tech, high-speed panel switches in new interlockings throughout the Northeast Corridor, enabling safe and efficient high speed service throughout the Corridor. This process has served as a model for other types of trackwork, and commuter railroads now contract with Amtrak for this service, specifically requesting Wilkins’ expertise.
“Wes has an exemplary record of safety achievement and represents the inspiration and dedication that have contributed significantly to the success of our company in reducing safety risks and injuries,” said Amtrak President and CEO Alex Kummant.
The Burch family established the $1,000 award in 1994 and has sponsored it ever since. More information on the award, and past winners, can be found here on our website.
About NARP
NARP is the only national organization speaking for the users of passenger trains and rail transit. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 22,000 individual members.
Washington, D.C.—The National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) announced today that U.S. Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT) is a recipient of the George Falcon Golden Spike Award, which honors individuals for their contributions to the advancement of passenger rail.
Rep. Rehberg was honored for his sustained leadership in funding intercity passenger rail. He chairs the Congressional Rail Caucus and was instrumental in securing funding for Amtrak in the last appropriations bill, fighting off amendments that would have crippled the railroad, or eliminated long distance trains.
“Even in his earliest days as a freshman member of Congress, Representative Rehberg spoke out clearly and forcefully against efforts to bankrupt and shut down Amtrak, steadfastly supporting both Montana’s Empire Builder and the entire national network,” said NARP Executive Director Ross Capon. “Every railroad passenger in Montana – and in America – each day reaps the benefits of Congressman Rehberg’s hard work.”
“Rail service is vital to Montana, where rural communities need affordable transportation and where many people have no access to airports or bus service,” said Rehberg. “However, this service is often overlooked. It’s important our western voice is heard on rail-related issues. As Montana’s lone Congressman, I’m proud to lead the charge in ensuring the needs of Montana’s, and our nation’s, rail lines are met. I look forward to continuing to work with NARP to ensure financial stability for America’s rail system.”
Rehberg also noted Amtrak accounts for over $3.2 million in wages for the Montana economy, while direct spending by Amtrak travelers in Montana is estimated at more than $5.3 million annually.
The George Falcon Golden Spike Award honors public officials for their support for a fully developed rail network and leadership in promoting rail development. The award is named for George Falcon, a Los Angeles area publisher and early member of NARP, who created the award. Prior winners include U.S. Senators, Members of Congress, the people of Los Angeles and Baltimore, and individuals who have shown a dedication to and commitment to passenger rail in a way that has advanced a stronger rail network. A complete list of past winners can be found here on our website.
About NARP
NARP is the only national organization speaking for the users of passenger trains and rail transit. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 22,000 individual members. http://www.narprail.org.
Washington, D.C.—The National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) announced today that U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) is a recipient of the George Falcon Golden Spike Award. The award honors individuals for their contributions to the advancement of passenger rail.
Senator Durbin has worked diligently to ensure adequate funding and operational support for commuter and intercity passenger rail, utilizing his own enthusiasm as well as his leadership and committee roles in the House and later the Senate to secure funding for Amtrak, expand state-supported service through Illinois, and protect long-distance trains during transportation funding debates.
“Since he came to Congress more than two decades ago, Senator Durbin has been among the strongest supporters of intercity passenger rail and of rail safety. His leadership made possible the expansion of Amtrak service in Illinois last year, leading to a near-doubling of ridership on those lines,” said NARP Executive Director Ross Capon.
“Rail expansion is moving in the right direction while creating jobs, promoting travel and spurring economic development,” said Durbin. “The state’s commitment to fund Amtrak is a wise investment into our transportation future. I am honored to receive this award and proud to have played a part in creating this partnership that has helped boost service to Illinois residents.”
The George Falcon Golden Spike Award honors public officials for their support for a fully developed rail network and leadership in promoting rail development. The award is named for George Falcon, a Los Angeles area publisher and early member of NARP, who created the award. Prior winners include U.S. Senators, Members of Congress, the people of Los Angeles and Baltimore, and individuals who have shown a dedication to and commitment to passenger rail in a way that has advanced a stronger rail network. A complete list of past winners can be found here on our website.
About NARP
NARP is the only national organization speaking for the users of passenger trains and rail transit. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 22,000 individual members.
Washington, D.C.—The National Association of Railroad Passengers welcomes the release this week of Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s newest data on national energy consumption, which show that Amtrak continues to be more energy efficient than either airlines or automobiles.
The data show that domestic airlines on average consume one fifth (20.5%) more energy per passenger-mile than Amtrak, while cars consume over one quarter (27%) more than Amtrak. Looked at the other way around, Amtrak uses 17% and 21% less energy per passenger-mile than airlines and cars, respectively.
The figures are even more encouraging when additional factors are considered, such as the tendency of rail to stimulate pedestrian and transit-friendly development, the fact that short distance flights are less energy-efficient than aviation’s national average, and studies indicating that fossil fuel emissions at higher altitudes cause twice the warming effect on climate as those emitted at ground level.
Oak Ridge reported the following energy efficiency measures, stated in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per passenger mile--the lower the number, the greater the efficiency. One passenger mile is one passenger traveling one mile.
Amtrak: 2,709
Commuter rail: 2,743
Rail transit: 2,784
Certificated air carriers: 3,264 (excludes international services)
Cars: 3,445
The Oak Ridge study, which is Edition 26 of its annual Transportation Energy Data Book (published under contract to the U.S. Department of Energy), is in pdf on ORNL’s website; click on “Edition 26 download page.” See especially chapter 2 (tables 2.13 and 2.14 on pages 2-15 and 2-16).
Note: The new data currently is available only in pdf; Oak Ridge has yet to update Excel spreadsheets, whose previous (Edition 25) versions are still on ORNL’s website (click on the chapters to the left).
Washington, D.C., June 25, 2007 – With the average price of gas expected to top $4 per gallon in the near future, and travelers facing gridlock on the roads and in the skies, the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) on its 40th anniversary today outlined a vision to strengthen America and provide people with more transportation choices. NARP’s proposal will expand and modernize the country’s intercity rail system, helping to reduce both the nation’s carbon emissions and its dependence on oil and facilitating the efficient movement of people and goods.
NARP, the largest national membership advocacy organization for train and rail transit passengers, is calling on America to adopt a nationwide “grid and gateway” train network.
The gateways are major terminals, in many cases served by short- and medium-distance higher frequency and higher speed services, and the grid is an expanded national passenger train network connecting all major metropolitan areas. The vision also includes a dramatic improvement in linkages between airports and intercity rail, a concept where the U.S. lags as far behind Europe as in passenger rail development generally. A map of the proposed “grid and gateway” network and information on its benefits are available here on our website.
“In the near future, road and air congestion, worldwide competition for oil, and growing environmental concerns will make $4 a gallon gas seem cheap, today’s traffic jams modest, and affordable flights a distant memory,” said George Chilson, president of NARP. “Modernizing our rail network through a public-private partnership in which the federal government takes the lead is one of the most effective things we can do today to ensure our quality of life tomorrow. The U.S. is falling further behind the rest of the world in building a modern rail system. We know what is coming. We have an obligation to act now before it is too late.”
NARP’s goal is to have a nationwide “grid and gateway” system fully in place in the next 40 years, which can be achieved by utilizing existing resources. Public policy should:
Incorporate existing services, rail lines, and rights of way as well as corridor proposals already underway by states, localities, and freight railroads into a comprehensive national system;
Upgrade bottlenecks and capacity-constrained corridors already identified as causing congestion for passenger and freight rail; and
Support and enable future high-speed service in the most heavily traveled corridors.
According to Ross Capon, executive director of NARP, “Increasing the federal commitment to a national network will make rail service more attractive to shippers and travelers – giving people a safe, convenient, affordable, environmentally sound and energy-efficient alternative to flying and driving. It is in the national interest for the U.S. to get started now on a serious expansion of rail that is long overdue.”
Over the past 40 years, efforts by NARP’s members have not only fought off attempts to eliminate Amtrak funding, but have resulted in improvements to rail travel in the U.S. including increased attention to on-time performance by passenger and freight railroads, better-designed equipment and amenities on Amtrak trains, and new or reintroduced passenger rail corridors in Maine, California, Illinois, Washington and elsewhere.
About NARP
NARP is the largest national membership advocacy organization for train and rail transit passengers. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 23,000 individual members.
Washington, D.C., June 26, 2007 – At a Congressional hearing today, National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) Executive Director Ross Capon urged Congress to shift its traditional approach to transportation investment and instead ask itself: “What can we do to reduce our dependence on oil and further reduce carbon emissions, air and highway congestion and highway fatalities?”
The answer, Capon pointed out, is more investment in passenger rail.
Today’s testimony came one day after NARP unveiled a call to action for policymakers to adopt a nationwide ‘grid and gateway’ network connecting cities across the nation and expanding both freight and passenger rail capacity. “Utilizing existing rail lines and rights of way as well as corridor proposals already underway by states, localities, and freight railroads, the ‘grid and gateway’ network links the major metropolitan areas of America and enhances the capacity to move both passengers and freight by rail,” said Capon.
In his testimony, Capon emphasized that passenger rail:
Provides transportation choices. Harris, Wirthlin, and other poll results urging an increase in transportation alternatives, including rail travel, have been backed up by regional and state ballot initiatives and referenda over the past years. With an aging population more prone to mobility impairments and medical conditions that impede travel by air or car, another alternative must be provided.
Reduces environmental impact. According to Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s most recent data, automobiles and airlines respectively consumed 27 percent and 21 percent more energy than Amtrak in 2005. These numbers would be even more impressive if light trucks—heavily used for personal travel—were factored in.
Improves safety. Almost 4,000 people a month die on the highways, and automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers. In contrast, rail transportation has consistently remained one of the safest modes of travel per passenger-mile.
Provides system redundancy. An interconnected rail system in tandem with existing air and highway networks will allow various modes of transportation to better back each other up when weather, accidents, or national emergencies shut down parts of the transportation network.
Noting that any list will have a “bottom ten”, Capon urged Congress to shift its thinking from the annual ritual of demonizing Amtrak’s ten worst-performing routes. Instead, he urged federal policymakers to adopt a more realistic measure of passenger rail – much as states and regional governments are doing.
He called on the federal government to match state investments in passenger rail. This would correct the present situation in which--due to lack of federal match--"a passenger rail investment needs to be five times as good as a highway investment in order to justify state funding.” Those words came from another witness, Kevin Brubaker of the Chicago-based Environmental Law & Policy Center, who was referring to the fact that “the federal government pays 80% of the cost of highways, bridges, and even bicycle paths, but pays nothing toward state investments in passenger rail.”
Capon’s testimony was offered at a hearing on “Benefits of Intercity Passenger Rail” of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, of the U.S. House of Representatives. His full statement is available here on our website.
About NARP
NARP is the largest national membership advocacy organization for train and rail transit passengers. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 23,000 individual members.
The National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) has expressed its concern about the proposed sale of Norfolk Southern-owned railroad trackage in Michigan to a short-line railroad.
Norfolk Southern (NS) proposes to sell most of the lines it owns in the State of Michigan to WATCO Industries, an operator of so-called shortline railroads. While many of the NS routes are low-density branch lines well suited for acquisition and operation by a shortline railroad, NARP is concerned about the mainline segment between Kalamazoo and Ypsilanti, used by eight Amtrak trains a day.
In a filing with the Surface Transportation Board, the federal entity responsible for regulation and approval of such transactions, on Friday, NARP expressed “serious concerns” about the transaction, noting that “the Amtrak Wolverine service (the brand name for all Chicago-Detroit trains) carried over 324,000 passengers for the period ending June 30, 2007--four percent more than last year. Ridership is also up 4.7% on the Chicago-Port Huron Blue Water, which uses the NS line between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.”
NARP, along with other regional rail advocates, stated in its filing that it is concerned that “a short line operator could let the top speed for passenger trains fall below its current 79 mph...on a segment of this growing corridor. Such a decrease in speed would make the service less attractive and result in reduced ridership as travelers switched to other modes of travel.”
In closing, NARP requested that the Surface Transportation Board, “study this proposed acquisition carefully and if it does approve this transaction, condition its approval on the inclusion of adequate safeguards to maintain passenger rail service at no less than its current level of quality.”
About NARP
NARP is the largest national membership advocacy organization for train and rail transit passengers. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 23,000 individual members.
Washington D.C., September 20, 2007 – Ross B. Capon, executive director of the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP), has been selected as this year’s recipient of the W. Graham Claytor, Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to Passenger Transportation. Now in its 14th year, the award is given annually by Railway Age magazine to honor those who have contributed to the advancement of passenger rail in America.
“For 32 years, Ross has led the only national organization advocating for the users of passenger trains of all modes,” said William C. Vantuono, editor of Railway Age. “Ross’ credibility, political skills, and in-depth knowledge, as well as the respect he has earned from his constituents and Capitol Hill, have ensured that the concerns of rail passengers are heard and acted upon by railroads and by state and federal policymakers.”
Vantuono noted Ross’ role in NARP’s efforts to help break the tension between freight and passenger rail operators regarding on-time performance, and his leadership in advancing a visionary 40-year plan to improve America’s freight and passenger rail system as just two of the reasons for honoring Capon with the award.
Under Capon’s leadership, NARP has increased membership from 4,300 in 1976 to 23,000 today. Capon also played a role in establishing the Dr. Gary Burch Memorial Safety Award, which is presented annually to the railroad employee judged to have done the most to improve the safety of railroad passengers. In 1997, Capon helped establish Amtrak’s Customer Advisory Committee, whose goal is to improve the quality of service from the customer’s point of view and provide an avenue for direct input to management about customers’ perception of service. Capon is also a member of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Safety Advisory Committee, the Transportation Research Board’s Committee on Intercity Passenger Rail Systems, and the board of Travelers Aid International.
Capon will be presented with the honor at Railway Age’s Passenger Trains on Freight Railroads Conference in Washington D.C. on Oct. 23, 2007.
About the Claytor Award
Established in 1994, the W. Graham Claytor, Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to Passenger Transportation honors the memory of the late Amtrak President W. Graham Claytor, Jr. A decorated World War II veteran, Claytor served as CEO of the Southern Railway, Secretary of the Navy, and Deputy Secretary of Defense and had an illustrious legal career prior to his 12 years of service as president of Amtrak. His skillful leadership, railroad expertise, and political skills are widely credited with Amtrak’s survival during particularly turbulent years. Among past recipients of the Claytor Award are former Senators Claiborne Pell and Daniel Patrick Moynihan; former Amtrak President Paul Reistrup; former Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson and former Governor Michael Dukakis (both of whom were Amtrak board members), and former U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Mortimer L. Downey.
About NARP
With more than 23,000 individual members, NARP is the largest national membership advocacy organization for train and rail transit passengers, and has worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Its mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. In June, NARP unveiled a proposal to expand and modernize the country’s intercity rail system, helping to reduce both the nation’s carbon emissions and its dependence on oil, and facilitating the efficient movement of people and goods. More information on NARP and this vision can be found here on our website.
About Railway Age
First published in 1856, Railway Age covers developments in the $25 billion North American railway industry. The magazine’s editorial emphasis is on technology, operations, strategic planning, marketing, and other issues such as legislative and labor/management developments. Its circulation of 25,000 goes to railway management, railway suppliers, and consultants. Railway Age is the flagship publication of the Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation Rail Group, which also publishes Railway Track & Structures, and International Railway Journal and European Rail Outlook out of offices in Chicago, Ill., and Falmouth, England, respectively. More information on Railway Age can be found at their website.
“NARP applauds the approval by voice vote this morning of $900 million in annual bonding authority for states for intercity passenger rail capital projects as part of the American Infrastructure Investment and Improvement Act.
“The rail provision would be the first dedicated, multi-year federal financing assistance for intercity passenger rail investment by states. It covers calendar years 2008, 2009 and 2010 and lets states issue bonds where bondholders are entitled to an annual credit towards the federal tax liability, in lieu of interest payments from bond issue.
“This is an important first step towards addressing the needs of the traveling and voting public, who in poll after poll have said they want more passenger trains, and who in referenda and elections have approved rail passenger investments. Senators Kerry and Lott are to be commended for proposing and advancing this measure.”
About NARP
NARP is the largest national membership advocacy organization for train and rail transit passengers. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 23,000 individual members.
Charlotte, N.C., October 25, 2007 – The National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) opened its board meeting today by praising the contributions the City of Charlotte and the State of North Carolina have made to regional mobility.
“North Carolina and the City of Charlotte have exhibited sustained leadership, vision and investment that will make North Carolina’s passenger rail network the envy of the nation,” said George Chilson, president of NARP.
Chilson cited the state’s long-term support for Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont services as well as investments to upgrade track, increase speeds and improve stations and facilities throughout the state. Chilson also commended the City of Charlotte for its commitment to commuter and light rail.
“Charlotte has worked hard to blend transportation and land-use,” said Bob Bischoff, director of the Carolinas Association for Passenger Trains (CAPT). “These efforts have paid off handsomely even before service has started. We’re convinced all of our corridors will enjoy the same success.”
As part of the meeting, NARP and CAPT will present Charlotte Mayor Patrick McCrory with “Multiple Choices – Integrating Rail into America’s Future,” a painting of a multi-modal train station that is a gift to the people of Charlotte. On Friday, October 26, Patrick Simmons, Director of North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Rail Division, will address the NARP Board and participate in a panel discussion about ways in which other regions can replicate North Carolina’s success.
NARP is the only national citizen-based organization advocating increased use of trains to address the problems we face with energy, congestion and global warming. NARP’s goal is to have a nationwide “grid and gateway” system in place in the next 40 years—or sooner—by improving existing rail lines, by expanding the number of high-speed rail corridors in higher-density areas, and by growing capacity where bottlenecks create delays, reduce speed and limit frequencies.
“North Carolina’s plan, which predates NARP’s national grid and provides an even more expansive vision for the region, shows how this idea is a viable one that can be implemented on a regional basis,” said NARP Executive Director Ross Capon. “The key elements needed to make NARP’s vision a reality are leadership and commitment by elected officials and policymakers in Washington.”
State-supported Amtrak Carolinian and Piedmont trains provide daily service between Charlotte, Raleigh, and intermediate points, and the Carolinian offers continuing service to Richmond, Washington, Philadelphia, New York City, and intermediate points. Investments by the State of North Carolina have improved stations in Salisbury, Burlington, Cary, Greensboro, Hamlet, High Point, Kannapolis, Fayetteville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Selma, Wilson and Southern Pines. In October 2007, NCDOT received an award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Policy from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, honoring the agency’s railroad station improvement program. The State of North Carolina and City of Charlotte are developing a major new multi-modal station that will serve the region and the Southeast.
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has developed a hub-and-spoke system, with five spokes receiving transit improvements, supported by a one-half cent levy on the sales tax and by new guidelines favoring transit- and pedestrian-oriented real estate development. Light rail transit service begins November 26 on the south line; the Northeast line also will be light rail. The O Line to the north will receive commuter railroad service, and an extended east-west streetcar line is planned.
About NARP
NARP is the largest national citizen-based advocacy organization for train and rail transit passengers. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger train service in the U.S. Our mission is a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 23,000 individual members. http://www.narprail.org.
About CAPT
The Carolinas Association for Passenger Trains (CAPT) is an independent organization of citizens dedicated for over 25 years to the improvement and expansion of passenger rail service, as part of a balanced transportation policy, through and within the Carolinas. CAPT is not affiliated with Amtrak or any state Department of Transportation. Meetings are held every other month in various cities within the two states.
“NARP is pleased that the Senate passed S.294. The veto-proof margin of the vote (70-22, 8 Senators not voting) shows the strong, bipartisan, nation-wide support for passenger rail service in this county.
“The importance of passenger rail will only increase as the price of oil pushes towards $100 a barrel, increasing the cost of gas and making cheap airline flights a memory. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), one of the authors of this legislation, also noted on the Senate floor today that congestion on both highways and aviation make investment in passenger rail essential.
“We are appreciative of the efforts of Lautenberg and the bill’s other sponsor, Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) to press Senate leadership for floor time for the consideration of this bill. They also led the floor debate in an eloquent and knowledgeable manner, staunchly defending the entire Amtrak network--both short distance and long distance rail service--against several destructive amendments which would have dismantled the national network.
“We trust that the leadership in the House of Representatives will hear the message that this strong, pro-Amtrak vote sends and draft companion legislation for passage in that body as soon as possible.”
About NARP
With more than 23,000 individual members, NARP is the largest national membership advocacy organization for train and rail transit passengers, and has worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Its mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. In June, NARP unveiled a proposal to expand and modernize the country’s intercity rail system, helping to reduce both the nation’s carbon emissions and its dependence on oil, and facilitating the efficient movement of people and goods.
Washington D.C., November 5, 2007 – At its national board meeting in Charlotte on October 26, the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) unanimously approved a resolution honoring the State of North Carolina, City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County for their efforts on behalf of rail passenger service.
“The State, City and County have demonstrated that NARP’s vision for transportation policy is not only attractive, but viable,” said George Chilson, president of NARP. “By combining thoughtful land-use policies with investments in intercity, urban and regional passenger rail, these public agencies are providing the fast-growing Charlotte area with a streamlined transportation system that meets the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.”
The resolution approved on Friday, October 26, noted the two decades of support by the State of North Carolina for Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont services, as well as the state’s upgrades to track and infrastructure and improvements to stations throughout the state. These improvements last month won the state’s Department of Transportation the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s coveted 2007 John H. Chafee Trustees Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Policy.
The resolution also commended the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County for incorporating light and commuter rail into an integrated transportation network complementing intercity passenger rail. In addition, the State and City are developing a major, new multi-modal station that will serve the Charlotte region.
NARP is the only national, citizen-based organization advocating increased use of trains to address the problems we face with energy, congestion and global warming. NARP’s goal is to have a nationwide “grid and gateway” system in place in the next 40 years—or sooner—by improving existing rail lines, by expanding the number of high-speed rail corridors in higher-density areas, and by growing capacity where bottlenecks create delays, reduce speed and limit frequencies. A map of the proposed “grid and gateway” network and information on its benefits are at www.narprail.org/vision .
“North Carolina is showing that not only is our vision eminently achievable, it is actually being achieved in some parts of the country,” said Ross Capon, executive director of NARP.
Noting that, before passing the resolution, NARP Board members had heard from officials of both North Carolina and South Carolina Departments of Transportation, Capon said, “States are eager to move forward and replicate North Carolina’s success, but--as both state DOT officials made clear to us--they are frustratingly hampered by the lack of a federal partner. It is time for our lawmakers in Washington D.C. to step up to the plate. We are encouraged by positive action in the Senate October 30.”
The full text of the board’s resolution follows.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, CITY OF CHARLOTTE, AND MECKLENBURG COUNTY
WHEREAS the State of North Carolina has for two decades supported intercity passenger train service via investment in Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont services, upgrades to track and infrastructure and improvements to stations throughout the state, and
WHEREAS the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are developing a rail transit system that incorporates light rail and commuter rail into an integrated transportation network complementing long-distance passenger rail, and
WHEREAS efforts by the State, City and County all predate and surpass NARP’s own “grid and gateway” vision for the region, therefore be it
RESOLVED that the National Association of Railroad Passengers Board of Directors commends the State of North Carolina, City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County for their sustained and foresighted public leadership and vision in supporting rail passenger service.
--Approved unanimously October 26, 2007, by the Board of Directors of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, meeting in Charlotte, NC.
“Today’s report summarizes how we got to where we are today, and gives hard data about the environmental, energy and quality-of-life costs that result from our current over-reliance on automobiles,” said Ross Capon, executive director of NARP and a member of the Passenger Rail Working Group. “The report maps out a strategy of how we can begin to rebalance our transportation system by strengthening our nation’s passenger train network.”
Capon expressed his appreciation to Commissioner Frank Busalacchi for creating the Working Group and cited the hard work of Busalacchi, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation staff and others in creating today’s report.
“By fleshing out ideas and proposing both legislative and funding mechanisms, the Passenger Rail Working Group strengthens the initiative proposed by NARP last June,” added Capon.
NARP, the largest citizen-based organization advocating for train and rail transit passengers, last summer called on America to adopt a nationwide “Grid and Gateway” train network. The gateways are major terminals, in many cases served by short- and medium-distance higher frequency and higher speed services, and the grid is an expanded national passenger train network connecting all major metropolitan areas.
In addition, NARP’s vision includes improvements in linkages between airports and intercity rail, a concept where the U.S. lags as far behind Europe as in passenger rail development generally. A map of the proposed “Grid and Gateway” network and information on its benefits are available at www.narprail.org/vision .
The Passenger Rail Working Group’s “Vision for the Future” adopts many of the routes proposed in NARP’s “Grid and Gateway” proposal and additionally recommends upgrades in frequencies and speed on specific corridors, phases in proposed rail expansions over several years, and proposes funding mechanisms to implement this vision.
Washington, DC, December 19, 2007 — The 23,000-member National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) welcomed final passage today of the Fiscal 2008 omnibus spending package by the U.S. House of Representatives, clearing the legislation for presidential signature.
The bill contains the following provisions to improve passenger train travel:
$1.325 billion for Amtrak, a $31 million or 2.4% increase over the 2007 level, but $255 million less than Amtrak requested.
$30 million to reimburse states for capital costs of improving existing intercity passenger rail service and providing new service, with the federal share limited to a maximum of 50% of a project’s cost.
Permits the use of federal funds for new intercity passenger train routes.
“Congress has yet again rescued Amtrak from an Administration starvation budget. This legislation averts a shutdown, prevents backsliding, and lays the groundwork for a genuine federal-state partnership to fund better intercity passenger train service,” said Ross Capon, executive director of NARP.
Noting that even this budget only funds intercity passenger trains at a rate level with inflation, Capon continued, “We will continue to press for the sea change in transportation policy that will let us unlock the enormous benefits modern trains could bring to America’s gridlocked metropolitan regions and far-flung smaller communities.”
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative John Olver (D-MA) shepherded this section of the legislation through Congress, and Capon thanked them for their leadership in ensuring that Americans have a choice when choosing how to travel.
In June 2007, NARP proposed a vision for rail in America that this bill helps advance, a vision that was fleshed out by a subsequent proposal from Passenger Rail Working Group (PRWG) of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission released earlier this month. NARP’s proposal is available here on our website and the PRWG’s proposal is on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation site. The latter recommends initial federal funding of $5 billion a year.
About NARP
NARP is the largest citizen-based organization advocating for train and rail transit passengers. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 23,000 individual members.
