Volunteers hit the streets to spread the word over Labor Day

As rail passenger advocates, we’ve recently found ourselves in a best of times/worst of times situation.

Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo provides a number of exemplary points as to why it's a great time for rail in a letter he sent to Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell (R) and the State of Virginia this week, congratulating them for their work in restoring Amtrak service to Norfolk:

Today, Amtrak’s overall performance is best characterized as a Cinderella story. Ridership is booming and robust in nearly every region of the country over the last decade, with annual ridership records set eight out of the last nine years:

·         In the Northeast, Amtrak accounts for 75 percent of the Rail/Air travel between Washington and New York;

·         In the Southwest, ridership between Oklahoma City and Texas is up 28 percent;

·         In Michigan, the ridership between Detroit and Chicago is up 57 percent;

·         In the Pacific Northwest, ridership between Seattle and Portland is up 68 percent

·         In Wisconsin, the ridership between Milwaukee and Chicago is up 91 percent;

·         In California, ridership between San Jose and Sacramento is up 123 percent;

·         In Pennsylvania, ridership between Harrisburg and Philadelphia is up 128 percent;

·         In North Carolina, ridership between Charlotte and Raleigh is up 155 percent.

The carrier’s overall financial performance is much stronger today. Amtrak’s total long-term debt is projected to be reduced to just 39% of what it was a decade ago. Its net unit cost per passenger mile has been reduced to a nickel – an all-time low – compared to 35 cents in 1981. 

The turnaround was not by accident. It was a concerted effort by Amtrak to identify and conqueror new markets, revamp its customer service, forge new partnerships with the states to provide regional services, and reinvest in its infrastructure.

And yet, despite this good news, passenger rail finds itself the target of a seeming endless barrage of attacks.  Attacked in the GOP platform statement.  The subject of a series of negative hearings held by the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.  Called out at the national level by popular columnists (with NARP’s response here).

That’s why it’s worth taking the time to shine a spotlight on the men and women who take the time to get out there and spread the word about the benefits of passenger trains.  The Lippert Family hit the Greenbelt Labor Day Parade in Maryland to talk about the environmental benefits of trains, equipped only with a NARP sign and some brochures.

“Glad to get the word out,” said John Lippert.  “And there apparently is quite a demand—I only passed out the brochures and newsletters to those who asked for them.”

The Lipperts were joined in their efforts by NARP Vice President Jim Churchill.  A Cadillac salesman by trade, he made good use of the NARP sign in capturing the above photo along the MARC Camden Line (featured at top).

Have stories about your own advocacy for trains?  Send them to narp[at]narprail.org, with the subject line “stand up for trains.”