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The Delaware Valley
Rail Passenger
February 1993
Vol. XI, No. 2
(C) 1993 DVARP
Electronic Edition
The Electronic Edition is edited and posted by Matthew Mitchell.
Distributed to the TRANSIT and RAILROAD lists.
Permission is granted to retransmit to rec.railroad.
For all other retransmission or archiving permissions, contact DVARP
We hope you consider joining DVARP; your financial support makes possible our
many activities on your behalf. Annual dues are $15.00. send to address
below.
send your comments and suggestions to <iekp898@tjuvm.tju.edu>
or <iekp898@tjuvm.bitnet> or call 215-222-3373, message box 3
Published by the Delaware Valley Association of Railroad Passengers in the
interest of continued, improved, and expanded rail service for the present and
potential railroad and rail transit passengers of southeastern Pennsylvania,
southern New Jersey, and nearby areas.
For more information about DVARP and good rail service, please contact us:
P.O. Box 7505, Philadelphia, PA 19101 215-222-3373
President: Chuck Bode for other officers and committee chairs, see page 10
Inside The Delaware Valley Rail Passenger...
1 Operation Conshohocken: DVARP works to rebuild R6 ridership
2 Amtrak closes track on Paoli line: why? SEPTA marketing resurgence
3 On the Railroad Lines: Parking improvements in MontCo,
R3 Media construction starts next month, 69th St .blackout
4 SEPTA Treasurer explains office financing.
5 Ridership statistics: 60% recovery after RailWorks, but service cuts hurt
Wilmington, Paoli
6 Close the budget hearing loophole!
7 Stony Creek line reopens for freight service.
8 Amtrak News: Make your summer train reservations now! Now you can ride the
X2000.
9 Clinton economic plan could mean $200 million for Delaware Valley
transportation
South Jersey Update: PATCO pays off City, Rebuilt Arrows in service.
10 Dates of Interest: SEPTA Board, DVARP, Delmarva RPA set meeting dates
11 Up and Down the Corridor, DVARP Directory
Opinions expressed in The Delaware Valley Rail Passenger are not necessarily
those of DVARP or its members. We welcome your comments: call 215-222-3373
BULLETIN: Shuttle buses will replace trains between Wayne Junction and
Jenkintown on one weekend later this month. Watch for posters at your station
announcing the project and its effects. Some inbound trains are expected to
run 15 minutes earlier, and there will be no R1 local service between
Jenkintosn and Glenside.
Schedule Change Alert: SEPTA commuter trains will run on a weekday schedule
Presidents' Day February 15th, not a Saturday schedule as published in
timetables. 200-series buses will run.
DVARP Launches "Operation Conshohocken"
by Tom Borawski
DVARP member Bob Bodan puts 7,000 timetables into the mail. Photo: Tom
Borawski
DVARP initiated phase one of its program to reverse the RailWorks(R) ridership
loss. Operation Conshohocken is a Regional Rail marketing effort funded
entirely by DVARP whose goal is to study the effects of an intense mail
marketing effort in an area which can be isolated and studied. All residents
of ZIP code 19428 (7025 households) were sent an R6 Norristown schedule and
promotional material.
If the results are positive, DVARP will take its show to area business groups
and chambers of commerce to convince them to fund similar efforts in their
communities. The premise will be that whether natural or man-made, a disaster
is a disaster. If RRD revenue continues to run well below budget targets,
communities may lose their rail service entirely.
The measure of success for Operation Conshohocken is how soon the cost of the
program is recouped in increased ridership. The program cost DVARP
approximately $1,700. That means only 17 monthly TrailPasses would have to be
sold to pay for the program; three extra commuters for six months. We are
confident this modest goal can be achieved.
Why Conshohocken? First, the R6 Norristown Line had the most miserable
alternate service during the RailWorks shutdown. Those dependent on the line
for weekend and off-peak transportation were told to walk. The alternate
service was a series of disjointed bus routes versus an alternative which
followed the line thus preserving its future viability. An immediate priority
is to promote the lines whose future is in danger because of RailWorks.
Certainly R8 Fox Chase, R7 Chestnut Hill East will need much work, but may need
a different solution than a mass mailing. Much thought is still required for
this effort. DVARP would appreciate your ideas.
Meanwhile, SEPTA has started a similar targeted marketing effort, unrelated to
Operation Conshohocken, on the outer Main Line where R5 service cuts led to a
sudden and costly drop in ridership. We hope it succeeds.
Amtrak Puts SEPTA in Paoli Track Squeeze
by Matthew Mitchell
Amtrak has taken track 2 of the Paoli Line out of service, in an effort to shift
the burden of maintaining that track to SEPTA. Even though SEPTA runs 90
percent of the trains on the line, the track is owned and dispatched by Amtrak.
Amtrak's move may be intended to extract more money from SEPTA and the
governments that fund it: ironically, it is the same tactic used by freight
railroads to get improvements to their physical plant at the expense of Amtrak
and states supplying start-up money for new rail service. If SEPTA wants the
flexibility of a fourth track, SEPTA must pay the entire cost of maintaining
it.
Out on the line, as dispatchers have only 3 tracks to work with, reliability of
the R5 trains has suffered. There is some flexibility though. Even though the
remaining express track, track 3, is on the nominally 'outbound' side, its
automatic block signals work in both directions.
Can we go on using only three tracks? Metra's busiest line, the BN route to
Aurora, is a three-track railroad, as is NJ Transit's Morris and Essex Lines.
Changes in scheduling and dispatching would definitely be needed, and it would
be harder to recover from disruptions, but it is possible.
Next on the 'Hit List?'
Widespread speculation says Amtrak would also like to close the Bryn Mawr tower,
or shift the full cost of its operation and maintenance to SEPTA. Parkesburg
Tower is already closed, hindering operations there.
Amtrak's Keystone Corridor service to Harrisburg continues to be in a state of
decline, despite financial support from the Commonwealth. The fundamental
problem is that it is a mostly a commuter service rather than an intercity
service, and the best way to solve it is to transfer control of the operation
(and the Paoli Line) to a commuter operator.
Marketing Revival at SEPTA?
by Matthew Mitchell
Members of the Citizen Advisory Committee to SEPTA heard some reassuring news
when Richard DiLullo, SEPTA's head of marketing came to address them.
CAC had sharply criticized top SEPTA management for ignoring the need to promote
its services; DiLullo's briefing described a number of projects now underway,
and the rationale behind SEPTA marketing decisions.
Regaining riders lost due to RailWorks(R) was first among many members'
concerns. DiLullo said he had a budget of half a million dollars, but the
majority of it would be spent in 1993, when there were no more looming
shutdowns. DiLullo and the Committee played Monday morning QB of last year's
ad campaign: do's and don'ts for this year were identified.
SEPTA often uses local media for targeted advertising like a promotion of SEPTA
tokens as a holiday gift or a free ride coupon in phone books delivered to new
residents; most people see only a few of these campaigns and conclude SEPTA
doesn't market its services.
Another piece of good news is that a study is underway to determine why people
drive their cars instead of riding SEPTA's trains. Surveys are being
distributed to people parking in City-owned garages, while focus groups of
present and former rail passengers have been held to determine likes and
dislikes. The results will guide future marketing plans; but will the
operating managers take part too? As has been said many times before in this
space, the best promotional efforts are worse than worthless if the quality of
the service is poor enough to turn off the new riders.
Looking for Leverage
The key for an affordable marketing plan is leverage; letting other people carry
the message for SEPTA. This is what made the Area Coalition for Transit
successful. Now this and similar resources must be harnessed in encouraging
people to use transit instead of their cars, and encouraging municipalities to
end car-dependent planning.
The new Clean Air Act is the biggest lever yet, but SEPTA hasn't grasped it to
date. (see November, December DVRP) Employer support of transit has been
mostly employer-driven. SEPTA ought to hold up the best examples (such as
Thomas Jefferson University) as models for others to emulate.
DiLullo is intent on making sure that SEPTA takes advantage of opportunities at
the soon-to-open Convention Center. His department has an agreement with the
Convention and Visitors Bureau to supply travel information to meeting planners
and maps to convention-goers. The Citizens Advisory Committee will watch him
closely.
On the Railroad Lines...
R1
New Timetable
We're glad to report that SEPTA has finally issued the official combined
timetable for service between Fern Rock and Glenside. However, it was
immediately out-of-date. Until a revision is printed, check posters at your
station for extra reverse-peak service to and from Melrose Park.
R3
Work to Begin in March
The SEPTA Board has given the go-ahead to a 2 1/2 year, $28 million
reconstruction project on the Media-West Chester Line. Renewal of 16 miles of
track is promised along with bridge and signal repairs and more parking.
R5
Passenger Attacked
On Thursday, January 14th a woman was assaulted at the Downingtown Station at
about 5:50 pm. According to the Inquirer there have been complaints to the
Downingtown Borough Council about station lighting. Council President Peter
Duca is quoted: "It's a lot better than it was." Passengers are asked to call
Downingtown Police at 269-0263 if they were in the area on January 14th between
5 pm and 6 pm.
Man Hit By Train
A 19 year-old Horsham man was struck by a inbound R5 train in North Wales at
7:15 am January 5th. The man was running across the tracks to catch the train,
which was traveling at about 15 mph.
Once again, we have to say it: in a car, on foot, or any other way, don't try to
beat the train. When there's a tie, you lose!
Parking Lot Progress
Much work is being done to improve the parking situation for Regional Rail
riders. The new parking area at Ambler is complete thus increasing parking
revenue for SEPTA and saving commuters a walk in the mud. Fort Washington
commuters continue to be pawns in a dispute between a landowner and Upper
Dublin Township; however, help is on the horizon as the Authority has acquired
a nearby property for parking purposes.
According to The Reporter, plans are moving ahead to add parking at Colmar
Station, where the Doylestown Line crosses Route 309. The the lot will be
tripled in size and a traffic light will be added to the lot's entrance. We
hope that those driving from Quakertown and Allentown to use the station would
use their local stations if Bethlehem service is restored.
R6
Extra Parking Coming
133 parking spaces are to be added at Norristown Transportation Center. A grand
opening is scheduled for this month.
MFSE
DisruptionsReturn
Frankford El reconstruction is under way again, with shuttle buses replacing
trains from Huntingdon to Bridge-Pratt evenings after 8:00 and all day
weekends. Express bus service will also run from Frankford to Center City on
weekends.
Work will soon begin on an 18-month reconstruction of the Girard station.
SSL
Yeadon Shuttle
Route 13 cars are being turned back at Mount Moriah while track construction
continues. Shuttle buses are in service to Yeadon, with Darby service
suspended.
Trolley Wires: An all-day fare is now in effect on the Chestnut Hill Historic
Trolley. One cash fare or token is good for multiple trips the same day: a
great idea for shoppers and sightseers.
STD
69th Street Blackout
The storm on December 17 caused a power blackout in Upper Darby, leaving 69th
Street Terminal without light. Remarkably, the emergency lighting in the
newly-renovated terminal failed to work. Because traction power for the
Market-Frankford El and the trolley lines come from other sources, they kept on
running, discharging their passengers into the darkened terminal.
DVARP has not received word from STD management yet about the cause of the
failure and what will be done to get the terminal into code compliance.
N-5: No News Not Good News
The prototype car for the Norristown High-Speed Line is still not in service, 18
months after arriving in Upper Darby, leading to rumors that the whole project
is in trouble. SEPTA vehemently denies the rumors, but remains closed-mouthed
about progress in resolving clearance, brake, and other problems.
News compiled by Matthew Mitchell and correspondents: Tom Borawski, John Pawson
"Black Budget": SEPTA CFO Says It Ain't So by Tom Borawski
In the December DVRP we reported that the SEPTA headquarters project will be
funded out of the Capital Budget through bond revenue raised from a line item
called "debt service." We received this information from a reliable source:
the presentation of the FY '93 Capital Budget to the Board.
From the official minutes of the September 24, 1992 Board Meeting (pp 4-5):
In response to a question from [Board Member Edmund] Jones as to whether or not
provision had been made in the Capital Budget for the acquisition of a central
administrative headquarters building for SEPTA, [Budget Director Carol]
Lavoritano said that there is no specific provision, but there was a provision
for debt service. As this project moves forward, she said, it can be
incorporated into the Capital Program."
Since the Request For Proposal (RFP) for the headquarters building had already
been issued and no mention of the building is in either the FY '93 Capital
Budget or the Capital Plan; DVARP thought that "black budget" accurately
described the situation.
Now it seems that this information given to the Board was incorrect. In a
letter to DVARP, Feather Houstoun, Chief Financial Officer, says:
"I am writing to you to put straight a misconception reported in the newsletter
dated December 8, 1992. In an article titled "Dedicated Funding Going for a
'Black Budget,'" Carol Lavoritano is quoted as suggesting the $5 million for
debt service in the capital plan for Act 26 might be intended to be used toward
the purchase of a consolidated office building for SEPTA. That is not correct,
though I can see how the misunderstanding may have arisen.
"First, presentation of the Act 26 Budget containing the $5 million debt service
item predated the active solicitation of bids for a purchase (rather than
lease) of a headquarters facility. I consistently identified the $5 million as
a tentative allocation in anticipation of a possible working capital borrowing
during the course of the fiscal year. This was highly tentative pending
appointment of a financial adviser to help us structure a long-term financial
plan for capital debt issuance.
"Secondly, it is not our plan to use Act 26 funds to pay for the purchase of a
building. Our occupancy costs are currently in the operating budget, and it is
our objective to continue that practice. Our financial adviser has suggested
that we pledge a portion of Act 26 funds permitted for asset maintenance to
secure a borrowing for a building; however, this would be essentially for
collateral to achieve a strong bond rating; it would not affect the amount of
available funds for capital projects. Having said this, however, it is
important to note that capital leases do continue to be eligible under the
capital program, and capital funds have been used to pay such lease obligations
in order to relieve the operating budget.
"Unfortunately, the manner of presentation of the Act 26 'budget' may make it
appear that debt service is a 'black box.' I don't believe that to be the
case. SEPTA must establish the eligibility of every project for which either
bond proceeds or pay-as-you-go funding is spent. We also have to show how, in
any given year, Act 26 funds will be spent. The act of tentatively budgeting a
certain amount of Act 26 for 'debt service' doesn't give SEPTA carte blanche to
spend the proceeds without the normal capital program review procedures to
assure eligibility. Indeed, the process associated with bond issues bring even
higher scrutiny to the use of funds, since the eligibility of planned uses of
proceeds must be assured for bondholders for both security and tax purposes."
This is not the first time that necessity born of financial stress has resulted
in innovative plans from SEPTA's financial people. Many of these deals need to
be looked at three or four times before they stop looking shady (remember the
lease financing of the push-pull trains).
But the issue isn't whether it is appropriate to use debt financing for a new
headquarters. It's whether SEPTA ought to build a headquarters at all and
whether the passengers and taxpayers who ultimately foot the bill no matter
what creative financing method is used are allowed to have a say in such a
decision. We still call for a complete public disclosure of the costs and
benefits of the project as part of the normal Capital Budget hearing process.
New SEPTA Board Member
Daniel Wood has replaced Sen. Lois Hagerty as the SEPTA Board appointee of the
Senate Republicans. Wood, an architect by training, is Chief of Staff for
Joseph Loeper (R-Del. Co.), Senate Minority Leader.
RRD Weekday Ridership
Commuter rail ridership continued to lag both SEPTA projections and last year's
results in November. Readingside ridership is recovering, but still down over
20% in the second month after the RailWorks shutdown.
DVARP Rider Index shows partial recovery of passengers lost due to RailWorks(R)
On the Pennsy side, the Paoli line suffered a distressing drop of 2,000 daily
passengers, attributed to the October cut in express service. Some trains were
restored in December. (see Jan. DVRP) Service cuts were also blamed for the
huge decline in R2 Wilmington ridership, and as reported here before, running
times are too slow to compete effectively with the automobile. Reduction of R6
Cynwyd service to 5 peak hour trips caused almost a third of its riders to
leave the line.
line Nov. 92 Nov. 91 change
R1 Airport 1,818 2,271 -19.9%
R2 Wilmington 6,216 7,193 -21.8%
R3 Media-Elwyn 8,260 8,447 -2.2%
R5 Paoli-Parkesburg 20,248 22,237 -8.9%
R6 Cynwyd 288 418 -31.1%
R7 Trenton 8,405 8,515 -1.3%
R8 Chestnut Hill 4,329 3,548 +22.0%
PRR SUBTOTAL 49,564 52,629 -5.8%
R2 Warminster 4,113 5,261 -21.8%
R3 West Trenton 5,787 7,099 -18.5%
R5 Doylestown 8,924 10,466 -14.7%
R6 Norristown 2,747 3,769 -27.1%
R7 Chestnut Hill 3,646 4,934 -26.1%
R8 Fox Chase 2,814 3,919 -28.2%
RDG SUBTOTAL 28,031 35,448 -20.9%
GRAND TOTAL 77,595 88,077 -11.9%
Data from SEPTA Revenue and Passenger Analysis, provided courtesy of John McGee
DVARP Begins Work on 1994 SEPTA Budgets
The important annual job of reviewing SEPTA's proposed budget and service plans
has begun here at DVARP. We are in contact with SEPTA management and hope to
be a constructive influence early on in the budget process
An Operating Budget Task Force has been set up, and is soliciting your input.
What should SEPTA do to make ends meet? Is money being spent wisely? Are
fares too high or too low? Are the priorities right? Call DVARP voice mail:
215-222-3373, message box 8 to make your suggestions or join the task force.
Bus Rerouting Modified, Approved
In response to public outcry, SEPTA service planning staff amended the proposal
to revamp bus service in South Philadelphia and other neighborhoods. The new
tariffs were ratified by the Board last month and will go into effect March 28.
The biggest controversy was once again in the 'Italian Market.' SEPTA had
sought to move Route 47 to 7th St., as cars and trucks frequently block 9th
Street, but merchants are afraid that the two block walk to 7th or 11th would
deter shoppers from coming to their businesses. A compromise similar to the
original Route 47 deal two years ago will establish a branch route on 9th St,
with free transfers to the base route on 7th.
Another SEPTA/community compromise will keep buses on 8th St. through part of
North Philadelphia, closer to several senior citizens' centers than in the
initial proposal. The Jefferson and Master Sts. bus, now part of Route 57 but
scheduled for elimination, won a reprieve as part of revised Route 89.--MDM
Act 26 Hearing Loophole
The procedure for hearings on SEPTA's Capital and Operating Budgets is laid out
in Act 26, SEPTA's enabling legislation. It states: "A public hearing shall be
conducted prior to the adoption of the final operating budget and tentative
capital program. Notice of such public hearing shall be published... not fewer
than 30 days prior to such hearing."
The loophole is that the law does not specify when the subject of the hearing,
the tentative budgets, will be available for public review. The current
process is like announcing a wedding without knowing who is going to be
married. In past years, DVARP has had to scramble to prepare its testimony as
SEPTA has been releasing tentative budgets only two weeks prior to the
hearings. This interval could be cut down to a week or a day with no legal
consequences
This is where you come in. DVARP is asking you to write your State
Representative and State Senator, asking them to amend Act 26 so that copies of
the tentative budgets will be made available at least 30 days prior to the
budget hearings. Sample text is below. Make copies for friends, colleagues
and the family pet to send to their public officials.--TB
The Delaware Valley Association of Railroad Passengers (DVARP) is calling for
reform of the SEPTA budgeting process, so the riders and taxpayers who pay the
bill have a chance to review and comment on SEPTA's plans.
Act 26, Section 1534(b) provides for public hearings on SEPTA's Capital and
Operating Budgets, but does not mandate that the budgets be made available for
public inspection before the hearing.
I support DVARP's position that the proposed budgets should be made available at
the same time the hearings are advertised, and ask you to amend Act 26 so this
will be the case.
25 Years Ago: The Penn Central Merger
A quarter-century ago this month, the long-anticipated coupling of the
Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central was made. Penn Central filed
for bankruptcy less than 2 1/2 years later, the victim of two managements which
distrusted each other instead of working together, and mounting losses from
deteriorating passenger train service, including that of the bankrupt New Haven
which was forced into the merger by the Federal Government.
From an operating standpoint , the merger was also a disaster; thousands of
freight cars got lost. Out of the ashes over a decade later rose a now
profitable Conrail. A fine retrospective of the debacle can be found in Joseph
R. Daughen's The Wreck of the Penn Central (Little, Brown: 1971)
More Anniversaries: PaoliHarrisburg electrification 1/15/38, arrival of
Silverliner II 1963, Jersey Arrow I 1968, Locust St. subway 2/15/53.
Stony Creek Line Reopening by Tom Borawski
At the October 1991 DVARP meeting there was a slide presentation of conditions
on the SEPTA owned/Conrail leased Stony Creek Line, a single track from
Lansdale to Norristown. The slides formed a kaleidoscope of rotted ties,
decrepit track and washouts which made the Newtown Line look like a TGV test
track.
A washout on the Stony Creek Line.
The communities through which the line runs, including East Norriton and Upper
Gwynedd, sought to have the freight service delayed until crossing gates were
installed. But the PUC ruled operation with crews flagging traffic was safe
and that the reopening can proceed. "We're not opposed to them using the rail.
We're opposed to them using it in an unsafe manner," Upper Gwynedd Board
President James Santi told the Inquirer.
Large signs have been installed to warn drivers of the line's imminent
reactivation at all crossings. At Township Line Rd and West Point Pike no
other safety measures have been made beyond the signs. New crossing signals
hve been installed at Route 73. The line crosses North Wales Road twice, and
stop signs have been installed at those locations.
How effective are the stop signs? The author recently spent five hours watching
cars at one of the North Wales Road crossings:
Date Time Total Cars Cars Not Stopping
1/17/93 1:20-2:20PM 153 28 (18 %)
1/17/93 6:30-7:30PM 84 13 (15 %)
1/18/93 6:20-7:20PM 172 24 (14 %)
1/19/93 + 6:35-7:35PM 183 19 (10 %)
1/20/93 6:25-7:25PM 224 28 (13 %)
+ Construction equipment was parked at the crossing.
Besides Conrail, the other player in this story is a group of North Penn
businesses who formed a corporation, North Penn Rail Shippers, Ltd. According
to The Inquirer one of the members of the consortium is anticipating the
ability to ship "increased height containers" to Philadelphia. As reported in a
previous DVRP, all bridges on the line have a 22 feet clearance. The only
height restrictions are catenary heights past Elm Street in Norristown and on
the Lansdale side. With the Governor's announcement of the double stack route
to the Port of Philadelphia, it seems that the line has a solid future.
The Stony Creek line today. Photos: Tom Borawski
The safety issue may come across to the general public as business arrogance,
but those who attended that October '91 DVARP meeting know what a tremendous
feat it was to bring this line back to life. It may have a visible impact to
drivers in the area as truck traffic should decrease noticeably. The members of
the consortium have to justify the investment in Stony Creek to their
stockholders. The Wall Street six-month mentality may be the real force which
is pushing for the line's pre-crossing-gate opening.
Book Your Summer Train Trip Today
If a train trip is in your summer plans, start making arrangements now. Even
though the big improvements won't start coming until late this year, there is
some good news for rail travelers both in North America and Europe. Amtrak has
received the first of its new GE locomotives, which should improve the
reliability of long-distance train service. In April, the Sunset Limited will
be extended to Miami: Amtrak's first coast-to-coast train. Amtrak also now
takes minivans on Auto-Train, thanks to modifications to some car carriers.
However, the Superliner II order will not be received by Amtrak until next year.
You must book early to get sleeping car reservations for the train and date
you desire. Call 1-800-USA-RAIL or your travel agent today. Remember to ask
about 'All Aboard America' fares and the Air-Rail travel plan.
Rail Upgrades in Europe
In Europe, the opening of the Channel Tunnel is a year away, so the news to
report is in the east. The Euro-City network of fast long-distance trains has
expanded into Eastern Europe, with a hub in Prauge. The German Railways are
adding new links to and from Berlin and the east. They and France have both
opened new high-speed lines in the last year. Sample high-speed rail today,
and see what is possible in America.
The best way to travel Europe by train is with the various 'flexi-passes'
offered by Eurrailpass and the various national railways. With the pass, you
can travel on a specific number of days, which do not have to be consecutive.
If you want to take a train trip in Europe this summer, a visit to your travel
agent is a good idea. Good travel agents have brochures about all your various
options, and can find you the best buy.
X2000 Enters Revenue Service
Amtrak passengers have a chance to sample the future, now that the X2000 train
from Sweden is covering regularly scheduled Metroliner trips. Signalling
constraints limit top speed to 135 mph instead of the 150 mph reached in tests
last month. The schedule for the new train is below: but please confirm it
with Amtrak when you make a reservation.
Want an inexpensive way to sample X2000? Take a trip from Philadelphia to
Wilmington, returning on SEPTA's R2 line or vice versa. One-way Metroliner
fare is $16.00.
Dates days train # route
Feb. 2-12 M-F 112, 223 WAS-NYP-WAS
Feb 15-Mar 19 M-F 114, 125 WAS-NYP-WAS
Feb 6, 20, Mar 20 Sat 108, 125 WAS-NYP-WAS
Mar 22-Apr 2 M-F 202, 223 WAS-NYP-WAS
Apr 5-May 10 M-F 202+, 223* WAS-NHV-WAS
+except May 3, 10 * except Apr 30, May 7
NOTE: trains 202, 223 do not stop at Philadelphia
AmNotes
Amtrak had one of its worst holiday seasons in recent years in terms of train
performance, especially in the Midwest and West. The root of the problem is
too little equipment, which leads to deferred maintenance when equipment is
rushed back into service to meet passenger demand. The worst of the motive
power problems seem to be behind Amtrak, but regulatory crackdowns on toilets
and other sanitation issues have cut into the number of available sleepers and
diners. The only solution to this long-term problem is a combination of
increased investment and good management.
Hauling the U.S. Mail is an increasingly profitable enterprise for Amtrak. Much
of the mail in Pennsylvania and throughout the Northeast Corridor is carried
overnight by train, and mail contracts are the catalyst for increased Amtrak
service on a variety of nationwide routes. To expand the possibilities for
capturing mail revenue, Amtrak is testing RoadRailer(TM) truck/rail trailer
technology. Putting rail wheels on highway trailers is a decades-old idea
which is gaining popularity in the 90s as the technology has improved. Savings
in switching time and loading expense can offset the relatively high capital
cost. Before it makes a committment to replacing boxcars with trailers, Amtrak
is testing the trailers at speeds up to 100 mph.
The line from Washington to Richmond, VA has been selected for improvement under
the Federal ISTEA legislation. Grade crossings are to be eliminated so train
speeds can be increased to at least 90 mph on this southern extension of the
Northeast Corridor.
Amtrak finally placed a production order for the Viewliner sleeping cars and
diners. They will be used to replace the Heritage cars on long-distance trains
in the east, giving increased capacity and more comfort. 50 cars are expected
to arrive in 1995; Amtrak has an option for up to 222 more.
Amtrak President W. Graham Claytor, who turned 80 last year, has announced plans
to retire, effective on the appointment of a successor. One twist though: If
the Board, which is still controlled by Bush appointees, proposes a replacement
who doesn't share Claytor's goals of expanding the system and making it
self-sufficient, Claytor will withdraw his resignation. Claytor favors an
inside candidate.
New Amtrak Thruway bus service to Norfolk Naval Base runs on Fri, Sun.: call
Amtrak for schedules
Clinton: $5-10 Billion for Transportation?
Washington insiders are floating trial bal-loons as President Clinton shapes his
promised economic stimulus package. Construction spending is expected to be a
major part of the deal, with some five to ten billion being spent on
transportation projects.
This is likely to add up to a windfall of $200 million or more for our region's
transportation infrastructure, enough to reopen dormant commuter lines like
Newtown, Pottstown, West Chester, and Ivy Ridge; and accelerate work on
repairing transit infrastructure like the Market St. El. But will the money be
targeted to make-work projects for friendly unions and plums for congressional
representatives to bring home or will it fulfill real transportation needs?
Under the old order, politicians dumped money on pet projects such as the Blue
Route and Temple University Station. Because the routine but expensive repair
of transit infrastructure isn't as attractive to politicians as cutting
ribbons, important parts of our region's transit system were neglected; but if
a new decision-making order led by local officials and planning organizations
allocates Federal grants, the money may be spent on smaller, but more numerous
projects. Economic stimulus might be more effective with small renewal and
repair projects, as they need less lead time to start.
New Secretary of Transportation Frederic Pena is the former Mayor of Denver, and
there thought 'local planning.' Will he continue to do so now that he is in
Washington, or will he succumb to the old political pressures?--MDM
Renewal Premium a Success: Held Over!
Since DVARP offered a free copy of Car-Free in Philadelphia to members who join
or renew with membership contributions of $25.00 or more, the number of members
at those increased levels of support has reached an all-time high.
We are extending the offer one more month; until Feb. 28. If you have sent us
your renewal and are waiting for the book, we want you to know the order has
been placed and the books will be in the mail to you soon.
If you haven't, pick a membership category listed with a star on the page 11
coupon, fill in the coupon, and mail it along with your dues check to DVARP,
Box 7505, Philadelphia, 19101.
Rebuilt Cars on Trenton Line
The first rebuilt Jersey Arrow MU cars have returned to their home rails. After
work costing almost a million dollars per car, the MUs boast the latest AC
traction motors and control equipment, a new braking system, new toilets and
electronic destination signs, and new reversible seats with safety locks. The
rebuild is taking place at the upstate NY shops of the Morrison-Knudson Co.,
which did the rebuilding of SEPTA's Silverliner II cars.
Nights on Broadway
NJ Transit is teaming up with a New York firm called City Fun for escorted trips
to Broadway's biggest shows. The night begins on a chartered car of a
Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast train, with hors d'oeuvres and wine.
A special bus and guide take theatregoers to the show and back, and NJ Transit
even provides souvenirs on the trip home. Call 1-800-CITY-FUN for
reservations.
Garden State Notes: A few NJT bus schedules in South Jersey were changed in
January. Pick up latest schedules at Greyhound Terminal or Camden
Transportation Center, or call NJ Transit.
NJ-ARP reports that NJ Transit will fund the restoration of the Cape May Bridge,
raising hopes for the trains' return to Cape May in 1993. Cape May Seashore
Lines wants to start park/ride service for beachgoers, but is having difficulty
in getting action from Southern Jersey Railway on track maintenance.
PATCO, City Settle on Rent
As the City of Philadelphia looks to all quarters for revenue to cut its budget
deficit, other public agencies are not excluded. The squabble over lease
payments for the use of City-owned subway tunnels in Philadelphia (see Nov 92
DVRP) has been resolved. PATCO will pay $15 million in back rent, and annual
payments of $3-4 million in the future.
There is no word that a 'Renewal and Replacement Fund' will be set up by the
City to funnel lease payments back into the subway as matching funds for
Federal capital grants. SEPTA and the City have had such an agreement ever
since the SEPTA takeover of PTC.--MDM
Volunteers Wanted:
Want to help DVARP, but don't have much time or can't travel to meetings? We
would appreciate a volunteer who can transcribe the taped proceedings of one or
more of our general meetings into meeting minutes.
How about some office space?
Just like SEPTA, DVARP is considering an Office Consolidation Project; our needs
are much more modest. If you or an organization you are part of has some low
cost or no cost space available for files and phones, etc. please call us at
215-222-3373.
New Newsletter Format
We hope you enjoyed last month's Delaware Valley Rail Passenger 10th Anniversary
Special. With this edition, we move permanently to a larger and easier-to-read
format than we used in our first ten years. The size change may even save
money!
Thank you for the comments and suggestions which guided the newsletter
"makeover" which took place last year. The results of the voice-mail survey on
type styles mirrored the results of the earlier survey: an even split! Without
a strong mandate for the change, we are retaining the existing font and size,
but will keep looking for ways to improve the newsletter: Our goal is to bring
you the best passengers' newsletter in the nation.
SEPTA Board, DVARP Announce Meeting Dates
We erred last month when printing the date of the SEPTA Board Meeting. The
correct date was January 28. The dates for the rest of the year were provided
to us by Board Secretary Mary Donahue and are as follows: Jan. 28, Feb. 25,
Mar. 25, Apr. 22, May 27, June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, Sept. 23, Oct. 28, Nov.
18, Dec. 16. All the meetings are Thursdays at 3:00 pm, except for November
and December, they are the fourth Thursday of the month.
Meanwhile, DVARP has set dates and places for its general meetings the first
eight months of the year: Jan. 16-TUCC, Feb. 20-TUCC, Mar. 20-Lansdowne, Apr.
17-Lansdale, May 15-Collingswood, June 19-Center City, July 17-Jenkintown, Aug.
21-annual picnic.
Delmarva Rail Passenger Assn. released its meeting schedule, too: Mar. 4, Apr.
1-Wilmington (Amtrak Stn.), May 3-Dover (Senate Chambers, Legislative Hall),
June 3, July 1-Wilmington, Aug. 5-Dover, Sept. 2, Oct. 7-Wilmington, Nov.
4-Dover, Dec. 2-annual dinner.
Dates of Interest
SEPTA on Site (RRD): Thursday mornings: 7:30 to 9:00 am, at Suburban Station or
Market East Station.
DVARP Commuter Rail Committee: Sat., Feb. 13, 12:00 at Chestnut Gourmet, 1121
Chestnut St., Philadelphia.
Center for Greater Philadelphia-Region at the Crossroads Forum: "Where do we go
from here?" Tues., Feb. 16, 8:00 at IBM Commerce Square, 2005 Market St., room
203. Call 215-898-8713 to register.
SEPTA Citizen Advisory Committee: Tuesday, Feb. 16, 5:45 pm at SEPTA Board
Room, 714 Market St., Phila.
SEPTA on Site (Suburban Transit): Wed., Feb. 17, 7:30 to 9:30 am at 69th St. &
Norristown.
DVARP General Meeting: Sat., Feb. 20, 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Temple Univ. Center
City, 1616 Walnut St., Phila.
SEPTA Public Hearing on Route 8 Minor Change: Thu., Feb 25, 10:00 at Magee
Rehab Hospital, 1200 Tabor Road
SEPTA Board Meeting: Thu., Feb. 25, 3:00, SEPTA Board Room, 714 Market St.,
Third Floor, Philadelphia.
New Castle County Civic League Transportation Forum: Sat., Feb. 27, 9:00-noon
at Wilmington Station, Antique Waiting Room (Stairway C). Guest speakers
expected. info: Doug Andrews, 302-995-6419.
Delmarva Rail Passenger Association: Thurs., March. 4., 6:30 pm at Wilmington
Station, Antique Waiting Room (Stairway C). info: Doug Andrews, 302-995-6419.
IEEE Vehicular Technology Society: Wed., Mar. 10 (?) please call Harvey
Glickenstein, 215-569-1795 to confirm date, place, topic.
DVARP Commuter Rail Committee: Sat., Mar. 13, 12:00 at Chestnut Gourmet, 1121
Chestnut St., Philadelphia.
DVARP General Meeting: Sat., Mar. 20, 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Temple Univ. Center
City, 1616 Walnut St., Phila.
NARP Region III Meeting: Sat., Mar 27 at Station Square, Pittsburgh. See
January DVRP for details. Registration information: KARP, P.O. Box 126,
Pitcairn, PA 15140-0126.
New Jersey Transportation Conference: "2001, A Transportation Odyssey" Tues. &
Wed. March 30, 31 at Trump Plaza Hotel, Atlantic City. Workshops and exhibits.
Registration information: TransAction Conference, c/o Morris County DOT, P.O.
Box 900, Morristown, NJ 07963-0900
Listings based on information provided to DVARP. Contact sponsor to confirm
time & place.
Up and Down the Corridor
News of other Northeastern commuter rail and rail transit services
LIRR Claims Record Performance
Long Island Railroad officials reported a record on-time performance rate of 93%
last year. A number of factors account for the improvement, including repair
of the crucial Harold interlocking, a new train mainten-ance facility, and new
slower rush-hour schedules which were easier to meet.
Metro-North Goes Cellular
Commuters on the Hudson, Harlem, & New Haven Lines can now make telephone calls
on board their trains. Cellular One provides the service; calls cost $1.75 per
min. MTA will take an 18% commission, a million dollars or more in extra
annual revenue.
NJT Breaks Ground on Kearny Connection
Construction of the track connecting the NJ Transit Morris and Essex Lines to
the Northeast Corridor began last month. The new link will allow trains to run
from the electrified M&E lines directly to Penn Station in New York.
Light Rail Wins NJ Converts
Politicians from both sides of the aisle are endorsing the plan for light rail
service in North Jersey, and rejecting competing plans for more roads or
busways. Supporters include Sen. Lautenberg and Assembly Speaker Haytaian.
Kudos to NJ-ARP for their efforts in building this coalition.
Second Thoughts About Boston "Big Dig"
Gov. William Weld of Massachussetts is reportedly reconsidering the decision to
leave a rail connection between North and South Stations out of the
multi-billion dollar Cenral Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel highway project. NARP
and local rail advocates fought long and hard against the car-only design.
However, it may be too late to include tracks in the design.
MARC Buys Metra Locomotives
Six of the E9 locomotives which carried Chicago commuters on the Burlington
Northern will continue in service on MARC. The classic streamliners are
expected to be used on the Brunswick Line, replacing the last of MARC's RDC
cars. A number of other cities, including Houston and Dallas, are eyeing the
diesels for new or expanded commuter train service.
Compiled from BITNET, NJ-ARP newsletter, New York Times, Railpace
Join DVARP today!
Use the coupon on page 11
Upcoming DVARP Meetings:
Saturday, February 20, 1:00 to 4:00 Temple Univ. Center City, 1616 Walnut
please see message board in lobby for room assignment
food, drinks, smoking prohibited in meeting room
Saturday, March 20, 1:00 to 4:00 Lansdowne (Delaware Co.)
Saturday, April 22, 12:30 to 3:00 Lansdale (Montgomery Co.)
Agenda for the February meeting:
1:00 Call to order, introductions,
agenda, minutes
1:15 Issues requiring immediate action:
RRD ridership rebuilding
RailWorks(R): shutdown II
NARP Region III meeting
Atlantic City-Philadelphia
2:15 Other business:
Commuter Rail Committee:
Newtown
Cross County Metro
Transit Committee:
Rider Report Card
Rapid transit extensions
General:
SEPTA Operating Budget
Community outreach
Office space
Committee Meetings:
Commuter Rail Committee: Sat., Mar. 6, 12:00 to 2:00
at Chestnut Gourmet, 1121 Chestnut St. note new location!
Topics: call DVARP Voice Mail, 215-222-3373, message box 2.