» May-June 2007 Newsletter

Empire
Passengers

State
Association

THE ESPA EXPRESS

NEWSLETTER OF THE
EMPIRE STATE PASSENGERS ASSOCIATION

The following is a summary of our association’s bi-monthly newsletter.
All ESPA members receive the complete unabridged version
(with photos, graphs, etc.) of this newsletter by mail or e-mail.

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May - June 2007

Vol. 31, No. 3

The View from the Cab

As I have stated previously, I am hopeful that 2007 may well be the year that we will actually start to see some meaningful progress towards the accomplishment of our many goals.

I continue to hear only positive things about our new Transportation Commissioner Astrid Glynn and her pro-active involvement with many rail projects in her previous positions in Massachusetts. And as reported below, the announcement that Karen J. Rae has been named Deputy Transportation Commissioner for Policy and Strategy is also excellent news. Ms. Rae’s rail background is outstanding.

Unfortunately however, the current reality is that the state lawsuit against Amtrak has yet to be resolved and until it is, little is likely to happen. The proposed Hudson Valley Express train has been removed from the spring schedules and the Senate High Speed Rail Task Force’s future is unclear. ESPA continues to push for a quick resolution to the lawsuit and hopefully when this occurs, Commissioner Glynn and Deputy Commissioner Rae can start to move efforts forward.

As I announced in the last issue, we continue to move forward with the creation of a new Not-for-Profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, which will operate in conjunction with ESPA and when established by the end of 2007, will provide us with greatly enhanced opportunities to generate the funds necessary to significantly increase our education and outreach efforts aimed at increasing awareness of the benefits of passenger rail services and public transportation among the general population. I will keep you informed as to our progress on this effort and we will announce when the new organization is formally created.

As always, I welcome your comments, critiques and suggestions, on how ESPA can better attain our goals of improved passenger rail service in New York State. Don’t hesitate to contact me at anytime.

Bruce Becker

New York State Ridership Falls West of Albany, Rises Elsewhere

Service disruptions due to severe weather, derailments, and poor on time performance have resulted in ridership reductions along the western Empire Corridor (down 20% from March ’06; down 4% from Oct.-Feb. ‘06), and Lake Shore Limited route (down 13% from March ’06; down 10% from Oct.-Feb. ‘06). The March 12 CSX freight derailment in the City of Oneida suspended through passenger service between Albany and Syracuse for about a week, and the February Valentine’s Day storm suspended service for several days on the Empire West and Adirondack routes due to snow-related engine failures.

These losses go against the general nationwide trend for Amtrak that shows a 4% Oct.-Feb. ’07 system ridership gain, and gains in all three types of services offered. North of Albany, ridership rose in March on the Adirondack to Montreal by 23% and on the Ethan Allen to Rutland by 13%. Also for that month, gains of 5% were reported on the Empire Corridor south of Albany to New York City.

Andrew Cabal

Amtrak Expands Government And Community Relations Staff in the Northeast

ESPA welcomes Ron Thaniel to New York City as an additional Director of Government Affairs. Ron joins Peter Cohen, also a Director in the Government Affairs office. With the addition of Ron to the Government Affairs staff Amtrak intends to expand its efforts to build relationships with State partners along the Northeast Corridor and other passenger rail routes in the Northeast and New England. The addition of a second staff person will allow Ron and Peter to attend more meetings and talk with more groups about the need to invest in Amtrak service in New York.

Ron comes to Amtrak from the U.S. Conference of Mayors where he had been the Assistant Executive Director since 2002. Prior to joining the Conference of Mayors Ron was a Public Safety and Transportation Policy Aide to Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Belton from 1998 to 2002.

If you know of a Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club or tourism group that needs to hear about the importance of passenger rail service in New York, give them a call. You can reach Ron at 212-630-6959 and Peter Cohen at 212-630-6373.

Steve Strauss

CSX Track Defects Target of FRA Investigations

The recent series of derailments on CSX lines in New York State (climaxed by the mid-March Oneida wreck and explosions) has sparked widespread public outcry from many groups, including ESPA. In addition, many in New York’s Congressional delegation called for prompt action from the Federal Railroad Administration to investigate CSX’s ongoing track safety standards.

Immediately after the Oneida derailment Joe Boardman, FRA Administrator (and former NYS DOT Commissioner) who is from Rome, NY, launched an exhaustive series of track inspections across the state utilizing several of FRA’s own test cars. The results of these inspections found 78 defects across upstate and included one serious violation which may warrant a fine being imposed by the FRA on CSX.

At a press conference held in Rochester on April 18, Administrator Boardman stated that as a result of the inspections, CSX has committed to strengthen track standards, deploy additional safety technology and develop a stronger safety culture. He added that FRA will be vigilant in making sure CSX undertakes these preventative measures, especially improvements in the way they manage routine track inspections and in fostering safety awareness among employees. “CSX can’t talk its way into a safer railroad,” said Boardman. “This company has to be ready to take the steps needed to improve operations and better protect nearby communities.”

ESPA remains deeply concerned that the ongoing derailments not only negatively impact passenger service delivery, but also cast rail travel as being potentially unsafe in the public’s mind, which statistically is unfounded. ESPA applauds the FRA’s efforts and the clear emphasis on safety that Administrator Boardman is forcing CSX to commit to.

Bruce Becker

Amtrak Wait Lists Sleepers

Although it’s not well known, Amtrak now maintains a wait list for those unable to get sleeper reservations. If you find no space available, call 1-800-USA-RAIL and ask to be put on the wait list for the train and date you want. Reservations are checked daily and when space becomes available those on the list are called on a first come first served basis. A message will be left if you are not home. However the price you pay may be higher than the initial quote. The wait list does not currently cover coach seats.

Frank Barry

Dep. Transportation Commissioner Named

Acting NYS Commissioner of Transportation Astrid C. Glynn has appointed Karen J. Rae as Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Strategy for the Department. In this position Ms. Rae will provide leadership within the department with the many complex tasks necessary for the agency to implement the ambitious agenda Governor Spitzer and Commissioner Glynn have set.

Ms. Rae comes to this position with a wealth of experience in various transportation positions in several states. Most recently she held the position of Deputy Secretary for Local and Area Transportation for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, where she was actively involved in both passenger rail and public transportation areas. Previously she was Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, where she worked on numerous rail projects, including the agreement with CSX providing for state funded improvements to the busy Washington to Richmond CSX mainline in exchange for additional commuter services in Northern Virginia.

Ms. Rae has also enjoyed an 18-year long and successful career in New York State where she served at various times as the Director/General Manager of transit systems in both Glens Falls and Buffalo.

ESPA applauds Ms. Rae’s appointment, particularly in light of her demonstrated commitment to and expertise in passenger rail development efforts.

Bruce Becker

New Niagara Falls Station Efforts Intensify

The City of Niagara Falls, NY is re-energizing efforts to develop a new Amtrak station adjacent to the Whirlpool Bridge. The project, which includes the rehabilitation of the historic 1863 Customs House, would house an office of U.S. Homeland Security’s border inspection agency, in addition to the Amtrak station and potential future commercial/retail space.

A new 14,800 square foot building would be Amtrak’s station and a new dedicated passenger track would serve a single 500 foot long high level platform.

The city views the overall $30-35 million redevelopment project as an important catalyst for the economic revitalization of the city’s North Main Street Business district, which is adjacent. Currently, over 40% of the required funding is in place and efforts are ongoing to secure the remaining balance. If such funding is found in the immediate future, project completion could be as early as 2010.

What is yet to be determined is the potential cost and operational effect on Amtrak. With Amtrak being a tenant in the new building, lease expenses would result and Amtrak has stated that the current layover and maintenance facility at the Lockport Road station would have to continue in operation. In addition, trains originating or terminating at Niagara Falls would have to be moved to and from the new station to Lockport Road.

While ESPA firmly endorses the need for a new Niagara Falls station, we feel the proposed single boarding platform is a concern, as two trains would be unable to be accommodated in the station at the same time. Also, any future expansion of service could be hampered by this lack of platform capacity.

Bruce Becker

Amtrak Names New Empire Superintendent

Tom Connelly has been named as the new Empire District Superintendent, replacing Jim Turngren who recently assumed a new position with Amtrak in Jacksonville, FL.

Tom is based at the Empire District offices in Rensselaer and is responsible for all aspects of the Empire Corridor, including train operations and passenger service. Tom most recently was assigned at Sunnyside Yard in New York as
and has been with Amtrak for over twenty-five years.

ESPA welcomes Tom to his new responsibilities and we look forward to working with him as we mutually strive to improve passenger service in New York State.

Bruce Becker

Senate Budgets More than Amtrak Asks

The first step in budgeting each year is the Budget Resolution, crafted by the Budget Committee in each chamber of Congress. Although not binding, it does serve as a blueprint for the actual appropriations process.

This year the Senate Budget Resolution allocates $1.78 billion for Amtrak in FY-2008 more than Amtrak requested! This figure coincides with the 2008 amount authorized in S-294, the Senate’s authorization bill, which allocates $590 million for opera--$250 million tions, $910 million for capital and $285 million for debt service and interest. (Amtrak requested $485, $760 and $285 million respectively).

This high figure is especially gratifying after so many years of cliff hanging survival for Amtrak. And it is noteworthy that Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D, N.J.), chairman of the subcommittee on surface transportation and chief sponsor for S-294, also serves on both the Budget Committee and the Appropriations transportation subcommittee that sets the final Senate amount. The high figure may or may not survive but it’s an excellent starting point. And it is also very satisfying to finally have such a dedicated rail champion so well positioned.

On April 25th the full Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved S-294 unanimously, sending it to the Senate floor. An amendment by John Sununu, (R, N.H.), to limit the per passenger subsidy in a way that would have gradually eliminated long distance trains, was withdrawn before the vote.

The next challenge will be to find time for its consideration by the full Senate, given the pressures from Iraq and other demands. S-294 now has 37 co-sponsors including both New York Senators and 10 Republicans. With this level of Republican support it will very likely pass if it comes to a vote. (A similar bill passed the Senate by 93 to 6 under Senator Trent Lott’s leadership in 2004 but was not taken up by the House).

Frank Barry (from NARP hotlines and newsletters)

House Begins Appropriation Process

The House subcommittee on transportation held a hearing on Amtrak funding on March 28. Oral testimony was received from Amtrak President Alexander Kummant and Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Boardman. Subcommittee Chair John Olver, (D., Mass.), a strong Amtrak supporter, read a statement decrying highway and air congestion and emphasizing the need to improve rail to end reliance on just one or two modes. The statement turned out to have been presented by House Commerce Committee Chairman Harley Staggers (D., W.Va.) at the hearing on the legislation that created Amtrak in 1970. Message: very little has changed in 37 years.

Boardman defended the Administration’s $800 million Amtrak budget figure (a 38% cut from current funding), saying it would “force tough choices.” Kummant said, “It really would be very difficult to keep running” with this amount--a rather diplomatic understatement.

Responding to a question about progress in reducing sleeping car cost, Kummant said he thought there is less savings available there and more risk of losing revenue than initially believed. Amtrak is focusing on improving the economics of dining car service, he said. Last year this subcommittee incorporated appropriation language requiring Amtrak to achieve savings in food and sleeping car service by July 1, 2007 (above and beyond savings mandated for Fiscal 2006) and to eliminate any deficit in these areas by October, 2008. But last year’s Congress failed to act on the appropriation and this wording was fortunately not taken up by the new Congress when it decided to simply continue all programs at 2006 levels for 2007.

The House is now beginning to move on Amtrak’s re-authorization. Although a comprehensive House bill to fund passenger rail capital projects has been developed (HR-1300), this is not an adequate counterpart to S-294 because it does not specifically authorize funds for Amtrak. However the House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee responsible for Amtrak plans to hold authorization hearings beginning this month. This subcommittee is now chaired by Corrine Brown, (D., Fla.), who last year received the National Association of Railroad Passengers Golden Spike Award for her outspoken support for Amtrak. Stay tuned

Frank Barry (from NARP sources and Congressional Record)

Bills Would Give Freight RR’s Tax Credits

Bills have been introduced in both houses of Congress to give freight railroads tax credits for investing in capacity expansion. The credits would apply to additional track, bridges, tunnels, signals and terminals as well as additional locomotives that will increase the railroad’s total horsepower. The value of the tax credit would be 25% of the cost of the investment.

The Senate Bill, S-1125, introduced by Sen. Trent Lott (R, Miss.), on April 17, has 12 co-sponsors, mostly Republicans. It will be considered by the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Max Baucus of Montana. The House bill, HR-2116, was submitted to the Ways and Means Committee on May 2nd by Kendrik Meek (D., Fla.). It now has two co-sponsors, both Republicans. The Ways and Means Committee is chaired by Charles Rangel, of Harlem. No New York representatives have signed on as co-sponsors as of this writing.

Tax credits for railroads would provide more incentive to expand capacity and would help reduce the inequity between government treatment of rails and highways. It could make it easier to run passenger trains on time--or simply allow for more freight trains.

Frank Barry

Transit Ridership Way Up

According the American Public Transit Association, transit ridership in 2006 was higher than at any time since 1957, amounting to 10.1 billion trips. During the last decade growth in transit ridership has outpaced growth in the population and growth in vehicle miles on highways. Transit use is up 30% since 1995, vs. 24% for vehicle miles and 12% for population growth.

During 2006 light rail grew by 5.6%, heavy rail was up 4.1% (with Staten Island showing the third highest increase at 9.4%) and commuter rail increased by 3.2%. Bus ridership went up only 2.3%. Total transit use was up 2.9% for the year.

Bus riders are more numerous than all rail riders put together, constituting 59.9% of the 10 billion total. Heavy rail (subways) make up 28.6% and commuter rail 4.3%. (Commuter rail makes up a larger percentage of passenger miles because trips are longer). Light rail makes up only 3.4% but is growing rapidly as more systems are beginning operation or expanding. Demand response, vanpools, trolleybuses, cable cars, ferries, monorails and other exotic modes make up the remainder.

Frank Barry (from APTA 3/12 press release)

Utica Mainline Update

The Utica Main line, which connects Binghamton and Utica, was heavily damaged during the flooding in June of 2006. Numerous washouts along the stretch of track between Chenango Forks and Sherburne has idled this 41-mile section of track since the flooding.

Local newspaper coverage of the line recently by the Evening Sun of Norwich has highlighted the problems with the railroad as a result of the floods and the estimated $400,000 required to make repairs to the tracks for through train movements. This section of track is within the 60.88-mile section of the Utica Mainline identified by the Railroad, New York Susquehanna and Western, as being under consideration for an abandonment or discontinuance notice within three years of September 2006.

The ability of the Railroad to handle all of its freight customers between Utica and Sherburne from the north end of the branch leaves the carrier with little incentive to reopen the heavily damaged line south of Sherburne. There are no freight customers between Sherburne and Chenango Forks. Sherburne and Norwich are the major places served along the out of service section of track

The New York Regional Interconnect proposal to use the north end of the mainline to co-locate a new power transmission line continues to electrify controversy and has resulted in the rail line being put back on the tax roll through Oneida County adding about $115,000 to the cost of doing business on the lightly used branch. The majority of business is around the crop center of Sangerfield in southern Oneida County. The Evening Sun quotes Chenango County Chamber of Commerce President Maureen Carpenter “This is just one more thing on our plate of infrastructure offerings to industry that if we would lose, would knock us out for potential development.”

The line offers a considerable transportation resource as an environmentally friendly connecting route in the transportation network and thus the need and interest for a track repair program. In sharp contrast to the railway, the parallel Route 12 highway corridor, which also connects Binghamton and Utica, is the focus of considerable political efforts to seek improvements to make the publicly financed highway eligible for more Federal and State highway dollars. There is no recognition in the highway proposal to make the Route 12 corridor multi-modal to seek these funds for the rail aspect of the corridor

Ben Gottfried

TSA Trial Baggage Inspections Continue Across Upstate

As was initiated by the Transportation Security Administration last November in Buffalo, a program of unannounced trial baggage inspections has been ongoing in recent weeks at upstate Amtrak stations, including Syracuse, Utica and Rome.

The inspections, which randomly target passengers, have reportedly not been disruptive or time consuming and have apparently not uncovered any items of concern. While TSA maintains that such inspections serve to protect the traveling public, others note that train stations (such as Depew and Utica) often have open access to the boarding platforms and passengers could easily miss going through the screening process.

Bruce Becker

NARP Reinventing Itself

The National Association of Railroad Passengers, which was instrumental in the creation of Amtrak after its founding in 1967, is undergoing a growth spurt. After many years of stagnant membership (now pushing 23,000), it has nearly doubled in size in the last two years. It is now in the process of doubling its office space in the old Railway Express building next to Union Station in Washington--and expects to add an additional staff member soon. And it is getting more visibility and more media exposure.

After years of grueling struggle just to prevent the current Amtrak network from being dismembered, NARP is now going on the offensive. It has upgraded it’s website and developed a concise mission statement: “NARP’s mission is a modern, customer focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want.” However in order to succeed in actually expanding rail service, it has had to take steps to expand its resources and outreach. To accomplish this it has hired a firm that specializes in modern marketing techniques to attract new members. Their work has been spectacularly successful, as new member revenues have far outpaced the cost of the firm’s service. This group is also helping NARP develop a way to encourage bequests--a source which has helped many non-profit organizations to ensure a stable future.

NARP has also learned that one of the most effective ways to expand rail service is to develop grass roots support and pressure at the local level rather than working mainly in Washington. Rick Harnish described his success in using these techniques to expand service in Illinois at our annual meeting in March (see our last newsletter). And NARP is now organizing Route Support Teams to promote various long distance routes based on a group effort that was instrumental in saving the Texas Eagle in the mid 1990’s.

NARP is using some of its new resources to employ a public relations firm to help disseminate its message more broadly. As a result, long time Executive Director Ross Capon, one of the most knowledgeable people in Washington on intercity rail passenger service, is now being heard and read more frequently than ever--and far beyond Washington.

Most of the changes have been initiated since George Chilson was elected President of the Association in 2004. Chilson is low key about his involvement, saying “All I did was to unleash the energy already in the organization.” Whether or not that is overly modest, the results so far have been dramatic and encouraging. ESPA members who do not already belong to NARP would be well advised to join; you can do so online at http://www.narprail.org.

Frank Barry, Member, NARP Board of Directors since 1984

Amtrak Responds to ESPA Website Suggestion

The opportunity to speak with Amtrak’s Vice President for Marketing and Product Management, Emmett Fremaux, Jr., at our Annual Meeting led to a follow-up letter and Amtrak’s removing a confusing notation about seating options from it’s website recently. In March ESPA Coordinator Steve Strauss pointed out to Mr. Fremaux that trains in the Empire and Keystone Corridors with only one class of service were displayed on the schedule with a confusing and prominent “View Seat/Room Options” button. Amtrak reviewed the matter and has now removed the button from all Keystone trains along with those trains in the Empire Corridor with only a single class of service. The Pennsylvanian, Lake Shore, Maple Leaf and other Empire trains with either Business Class or Sleeper berths continue to show the Options button. When Business Class or Sleeping berths are sold out on a train an “Other Options Sold Out” notation appears. This change eliminates some confusion on the website and may help highlight Business Class seats, an under-marketed opportunity for Amtrak.

Steve Strauss

Amtrak Launches .mobi Site to Provide Even Greater Online Access for Passengers

Continuing in its role as a leader in online access, Amtrak Friday announced the launch of Amtrak.mobi, a new domain for Amtrak.com users. The .mobi domain is designed to guide mobile users to made-for-mobile Internet content and services that can be accessed with the confidence of knowing a site will work on practically any mobile phone.

Because the Amtrak.mobi site is optimized for smaller screens, it provides easy access to the train reservation and information systems of Amtrak.com using most web-enabled mobile devices including cell phones and PDAs.

Amtrak.mobi is the first travel site in the United States to offer customers the ability to purchase a ticket using a mobile device. In addition, users may also access their booking profile and view up-to-date train status information. The site complements Amtrak Mobile, the mobile web-accessing system that Amtrak launched last summer. Like Amtrak Mobile, information viewed through Amtrak.mobi is available in both English and Spanish.

“With the growth of our online ticket sales—which now total 42% of all sales—providing our passengers with convenient access to Amtrak.com is a priority,” said Kathleen Gordon, Senior Director E-Commerce. “Launching our Amtrak.mobi site ensures that we are able to reach the greatest number of passengers because our .mobi domain is accessible from practically any web-enabled phone and PDA.”

Amtrak News Release

Empire Corridor Travel Tips and Discounts

•All Empire Corridor trains require reservations. While advance reservations are encouraged, last minute passengers will always be accommodated if space is available on a particular train. Booking as early as possible will provide the best possible fare. Amtrak accepts reservations up to 11 months in advance of your travel date! Travel during off-peak periods (mid-week, early morning or late evening) will generally be the least expensive.
•AAA and NARP members receive 10% off most regular fares, with a three day advance purchase requirement. Senior citizens, veterans and many students can receive a 15% discount off most fares.
Visit http://www.amtrak.com and select ‘Hot Deals’ for the latest discount program information.
•Join the Amtrak Guest Rewards program and earn points towards free travel and more.

Amtrak Responds to ESPA Website Suggestion

Steve Strauss

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