Hotline #9 - November 21, 1997

NARP testified today at the Federal Railroad Administration's public hearing on its proposed rule on Passenger Equipment Safety Standards. NARP questioned the need for four side doors on each car, suggesting that additional emergency window exits might be better, and that analysis should reflect a car's seating capacity and layout. NARP supported FRA's proposal to increase the distance between Class I Brake Tests on long-distance trains from 1,000 miles to 1,500 miles. NARP opposed requiring all cars to comply by January 1, 1998, with the requirement of an 800,000-pound end loading (buff) strength. This would outlaw two existing Talgo trains and three Talgo trains under construction and force costly structural analysis on Amtrak and commuter railroad owned Heritage cars. Talgo says future train sets will be compliant. NARP said train crews should continue to perform certain inspections so long as the individuals are properly trained. Finally, NARP urged that long-distance trains not be required to set out a car with a brake failure en route unless the failure occurs in the last car of a train or results in braking capacity falling below 85 or 90%.

The next step in the development of this rule will be a December 15 FRA Working Group meeting in which NARP will participate, so tell us if you disagree with our statement or think we overlooked something important. The entire proposed rule is in the September 23 Federal Register.

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe has approved running the newest series of Amtrak 60-foot express cars at speeds up to 90 mph on the Southwest Chief. Recent ride quality tests performed by Amtrak and BNSF proved satisfactory. The Chief runs for 2,230 miles, with a 90-mph speed limit on almost 1,000 miles of that.

Ed Ellis, who directs Amtrak's mail and express initiative, has been promoted to Vice President, Mail and Express, in Chicago. The new director for marketing for mail and express is Stephen Schott, who comes from BNSF's intermodal business group. The new mail and express director of services support will be Tracy Davis, currently the Crescent product line manager.

Thanksgiving is coming. Amtrak Northeast will add 51 extra trains and extra coaches starting Tuesday, November 26, with most of the added capacity occurring Wednesday and Sunday. Other added trains will run to Albany and Harrisburg. Amtrak West will run one extra train between Seattle and Portland Wednesday and Thursday, and two extra trains Sunday. California trains will have added coaches and staff.

As always, purchase your tickets in advance to avoid lines at the station; buy round trip tickets; allow extra time at the station; use self-service ticket machines where available; and reserve a seat to be sure of not having to stand.

Canadian Transport Minister David Collenette on November 17 told the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships in a speech in Toronto that some sort of public-private partnership may have to be considered for VIA Rail to get new equipment. He did not elaborate, and the next day told a radio audience that he wishes to keep a national system and have some sort of public discussion on how to raise private capital for VIA's needs.

Stockholders have filed a class-action suit against Union Pacific, accusing the railroad of misrepresenting its safety record and failing to disclose problems with its merger with Southern Pacific. The suit is on behalf of shareholders who bought stock between March 4 and October 1. The stock was over $72 in mid-July but closed today at $58-1/2.

Gov. Roy Romer of Colorado announced November 18 that the state DOT would apply for federal funding to build a southern extension of the Denver light rail line. That breathes new life into the project, which was hurt earlier this month when Denver voters rejected a sales-tax increase for light-rail and bus improvements.