Association News

DOT: STB Should Move Quickly On Sunset

March Saw Little Improvement for Late Trains

Unsurprisingly, the largely Union Pacific-hosted Sunset Limited was once again the worst performer, running late 78 percent of the time as it has for the past 12 months. The average delay minutes per rider in March on that train was ever-so-slightly better than the 12-month average – the typical late Sunset rider was one hour and 51 minutes late in March, compared with the 12-month average of two hours and 32 minutes late.

The Lake Shore Limited came closest to meeting the new OTP standard, coming within three percentage points of making the grade. It’s also 11 percentage points better in March than the route’s 12-month average of 66.5 percent. However, when a Lake Shore passenger was late they were later than they had been during the previous 12 months: 78 delay minutes per passenger compared with a 67-minute 12-month average on that route.

Overall, the long-distance trains as a group were marginally better than the 12-month average in March, operating at just under 50 percent Customer OTP.

Even though the State-Supported corridors, as a group, failed to meet the Customer OTP standard many individual routes easily made the grade in March. The Cascades, the Downeaster, the Adirondack on the Empire service, the Ethan Allen Express, the Maple Leaf, the run between New York and Albany, the Pere Marquette, and the Hiawatha were solidly in the high 80s – the Adirondack and Hiawatha topped 90 percent on-time.

But the worst-performing state-supported routes looked as bad, or even worse than, what we’ve become used to seeing on the long-distance side of the ledger.

The Heartland Flyer posted a dismal 11.1 percent Customer OTP score in March, some 40 percentage points from its 12-month average. In other words, Heartland Flyer passengers were late 88.9 percent of the time, and the typical Flyer rider was 53 minutes late in March.

Northeast Corridor trains in March ran 86.3 percent on time by the Customer OTP standard, five percentage points better than the NEC’s 12-month average. And the Acela ran on time 88.7 percent of the time in March. You might be surprised to learn which train was Amtrak’s on-time champ in March, however: the Keystone service ran 94.7 percent on time in March, just a skosh under its 12-month average of 95 percent and the clear winner in Amtrak’s system for the past 12 months.

Surfliner and Coaster to Resume Full Service April 17

U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) hosted Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose this week to tour the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor (LOSSAN Corridor) corridor, which will resume service on April 17. The corridor has faced continual service disruptions due to coastal erosion and an increase in extreme weather.

The two federal leaders rode the COASTER commuter line from San Diego to Solana Beach to see firsthand the scope of the problem. The LOSSAN Corridor hugs the coast for much of its route, and a section of tracks along the Del Mar bluffs will need to be relocated.

The Coaster commuter service has been suspended since September 2023, when a storm surge from rare Pacific hurricane led to a shift in the ground beneath the tracks. The LOSSAN Corridor also carries Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains, making it the second busiest rail corridor in the U.S.

“This visit was timely because we’re seeing the detrimental effects of coastal erosion on this rail corridor in San Clemente and Del Mar right now,” said Rep. Levin in a press release. “The LOSSAN Corridor is the second busiest intercity passenger rail corridor in the United States and supports $1 billion in goods and services annually. That’s what’s at stake. I was glad to have Administrator Bose visit our district and to show him first-hand the urgency of this situation. I look forward to a continued partnership on solving this challenge.”

Rep. Levin has played a key role in securing federal funds to stabilize eroding coastal bluffs in Del Mar that threaten LOSSAN Corridor operations, and Rail Passengers Association members and staff met with Rep. Levin's officed to discuss this problem during our Rail Passengers Day on the Hill. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) invested $13 million in local funds to perform emergency work to stabilize key sections of track. The state is currently looking for additional federal funds to secure a long-term solution, and OCTA will conduct a study to relocate 11 miles of track.

“To see the effort, thought and planning already going into this is a big statement to me, to see the local solutions being sought here are very important,” Administrator Bose told reporters. “When we see that on the federal level, that makes it a very positive signal to us that if there’s an ability to contribute from the federal government those dollars will go further.”

Amtrak has been offering a Thruway connection between Oceanside and Irving, while Metrolink had suspended service south of the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station, forcing passengers onto overcrowded highways.
 

RailNation: Meridian - October 6-8, 2023

Our event page is now live!  Stayed tuned for more information in the coming weeks.
 

Rail Passengers Webinar Series
 

Field Reports
 

Rail Passengers Timetables Update!

Hotline Links
 

• Amtrak long-distance passenger rail study groups report back from six regions, Smart Cities Dive 
  
  Here’s a summary of key focuses identified in the regional FRA Corridor ID workshops held earlier this year. More engagement among NGOs, stakeholders, and officials are happening this summer.
   
• Oklahoma officials want to expand Heartland Flyer into Kansas, connect to east-west trains, Joplin Globe
  
  Officials in Oklahoma are seeking to expand the Heartland Flyer to include Wichita, Newton, and additional Kansas cities. Oklahoma DOT has requested $235,000 from Kansas DOT to support the expansion study and assess feasibility.
   
• AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Young Professionals in the Transportation Sector, AASHTO 
  
  Listen into the latest ETAP Podcast to hear guests share their insights and advice on career development, networking, and mentorship This episode features three guests, Amanda Wilson, structural engineer with HNTB, David Hurst, transportation planner for TN DOT, and Jessica Hutton, transportation engineer with Pennoni in Pennsylvania.
   
• Virginia seeks additional funding for Long Bridge project, Trains 
  
  More funding is needed for the construction of a new rail bridge over the Potomac River. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation estimates a project cost of $1.9 billion.
   
• Beltline's Eastside Trail transit plan rankles some residents, Axios 
  
  The City of Atlanta has announced plans to build a transit line along the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline, a multi-use trail that encircles the city. The transit line will be an extension of the Atlanta Streetcar and will include dedicated lanes for transit vehicles. The Eastside Trail is a popular destination for pedestrians and cyclists, and the addition of a transit line is expected to further increase its popularity and usage.
   
• Rail benefits eyed as MBTA completes $225 million land deal in Boston, WCVB 
  
  In continued efforts to modernize and expand, MBTA has purchased a 19-acre parcel of land in Widett Circle for $225 million from CSX to be used for development projects.
   
• Minnesota legislature appears ready to fund Twin Cities-Duluth passenger train, Trains 
  
  Legislation has been put forward in both MN houses to fund the Northern Lights Express, connecting the Twin Cities and Duluth via Amtrak for the first time since 1985. State DFL party members have voiced a desire to actuate the project and commit funding to better connect Minnesotans who face perilous road conditions for a great portion of the year.
   
• FRA links train configuration to 6 derailments, issues safety advisory, FreightWaves
  
  The FRA's advisory calls for increased awareness and monitoring of train configurations, which may help prevent future derailments and improve overall safety on the rails, and calls into question the length of trains allowed under current freight operating parameters.
   
• Berkshire Flyer Amtrak trains between NYC and Pittsfield returning this summer, Mass Live
  
  As summer travels approach, the Berkshire Flyer is preparing for big crowds and an economic boom to the region. The service will run on weekends from June 24 through September 4, 2023, with a round-trip on Saturdays and a one-way trip on Sundays.
   
• Illinois begins $68 million Springfield rail underpass construction, Progressive Railroading
  
  Expected to reach completion next year, IDOT has begun construction on an underpass to eliminate a major rail crossing and improve safety and mobility for pedestrians in the area as well as motorists as part of their larger infrastructure enhancement goal.
   
• Venture business-class cars debut in Midwest: Trip report, Trains
  
  If you haven’t yet learned about the new Venture cars entering service in Illinois, take a look at this piece with photos and details profiling the long delayed and much anticipated upgrades.
   
• Winston-Salem wants to be destination for trains. But not everyone is onboard, Winston-Salem Journal 
  
  Democrats in North Carolina are putting forward legislation to support and fund studies surrounding increased passenger rail service and population growth projections for the Winston-Salem area. Potential service expansion could include connections to Asheville, Wilmington, Raleigh, and Richmond.

#ICYMI - In Case You Missed It:

If you aren’t following along on social media, join us via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and our blog posts on RailPassengers.org  We are covering all the breaking news America’s passengers need to stay informed on local, regional, and national issues. 

Rail Passengers Staff Updates

Where are we, and what are we working on? This section will update you on what Rail Passengers HQ is up to…even when we’re all working online or from home
 

• Jim Mathews, President & CEO, spent a lot of time this week immersed in economic-benefits research, responding to requests for letters supporting many communities’ Corridor Identification Program submissions to the Federal Railroad Administration, as well as preparing materials to present to the Railway Interiors conference in Salt Lake City.
   
• Sean Jeans Gail, Vice President of Policy, took advantage of the Congressional Spring Break to work on legislation that will improve Amtrak transparency and codify passenger rights into law. He also fielded several reporter inquiries on the work being done to implement the rail sections of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and how states and Amtrak can best work with host railroads to add new service.
   
• Jonsie Stone, Chief of Staff, spent a good portion of the week working with YPTC, the Association’s accounting partner, to close March financials. She met with software vendors reviewing ways to enhance the Association’s operational efficiency. Also, Jonsie worked with the team and external partners to develop future engagement opportunities.
   
• Jeanne Lawrie, Director of Resource Development, worked on the May and June appeals this week, and spent some time speaking with donors and members. Additionally, Jeanne worked on other projects including starting some research for new grant opportunities and ideas for some possible new donor recognition programs.
   
• Joe Aiello, National Field Coordinator, has worn a couple of different hats this week.  Joe is working with fellow staff members on some potential fundraising opportunities, helping prep upcoming travel, starting setting up for some future data research projects, and planning out his own “field trips” to meet with advocacy leaders to highlight regional passenger rail projects
   
• Madison Butler, Communications Manager, met with software vendors, created digital materials for senior staff, spoke with reporters to discuss rail expansion, and attended workshops for on-board service improvements.
   
• Samantha Brown, Membership Associate, continues to answer questions, requests, and inquiries through phone, email, and mail. Sam extends her thanks to everyone who continues to help our organization in such wonderful ways. If you would like to renew your membership, make a contribution or have general questions about our organization, please contact us at 202-408-8362.

Member & Donor Notices

Remember, you can renew your Rail Passengers Association membership online through “My Account” on the home page. You can also make a donation online, here.

• The Rail Passengers Association is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Our federal tax identification number is 36-2615221

• To help facilitate dissemination of electronic thank you receipts in 2022, please make sure your contact information, specifically your email address, is up-to-date in your Neon profile.

• If you need assistance with your membership, please call the Office at 202-408-8362.

• While our staff continues to work remotely, we are unable to provide permanent membership cards. You can print a temporary membership card by creating an account at www.railpassengers.org (select “My Account” on the homepage). 

• Complete all information! -- Before sealing your envelope, PLEASE double-check the credit card information on the buck slip!

  • Print credit card information clearly.

  • Include an expiration date, month and year, as well as the CVV number. 

  • Without COMPLETE information your membership renewal or donation can’t be processed. 

• If you have your financial institution send a check on your behalf, without a buckslip, PLEASE instruct them to add:

  • a notation in the memo field if the payment is for membership dues or a donation, AND,

  • your Rail Passengers Association member ID. If we have multiple members with the same name, i.e., John Smith, it can be hard to identify the correct member to attribute the payment, without the member ID.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes new tax incentives for charitable giving. --- We’ve provided a quick overview here and encourage each of you to seek advice from a financial planner.

If you have a donor advised fund, please consider recommending a grant from your fund to be the Rail Passengers Association. It is a great way to maintain flexibility with your support throughout the year. For more information, go to http://myimpact.railpassengers.org/daf. As always, please feel free to contact Jeanne Lawrie if you have any questions. 
 

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