CAROLINAS ASSOCIATION FOR PASSENGER TRAINS

 

 

MINUTES

 

 

DATE: April 5, 2008   Site: Greystone Restaurant   CITY: Charlotte, NC

In attendance:     John Stein Ernest Robl Jim Haymaker Bill Cole Ralph Messera Jim Frierson Charles Hiatt Barkley Hendrix Donald Bell Bob Bischoff Martin Wheeler Ralph Ward Ed Locklin John Hall Gene Kirkland Jim Davis Jim Gregory Bill Guller     Barry Stanfill

 

 

The meeting was opened with Jim Frierson, of the South Carolina DOT -Planning Office, speaking. He said the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester COG is pursuing state funding for a commuter rail service between Charleston and Summerville. As part of a commuter rail study they examined existing rail lines owned by Norfolk Southern to see if they could be used for future commuter or intercity rail service.

 

Martin Wheeler indicated he is willing to serve again as President of CAPT.  Jim Frierson said he would be willing to serve on the board of directors, and in addition, serve as S.C. Vice President.

 

The following were elected for 2 year terms:

 

Martin Wheeler - President

Jim Frierson   - S.C. Vice President and Director

Ralph Messera  - Director (N.C.)

 

Martin said Don Stewart reported that the revisions to the CAPT brochure are nearly ready and he hoped to have them ready for National Train Day on May 10th.

 

Gene Kirkland suggested we simplify the CAPT newsletter to one folded sheet with the meeting notice included. Gene said he plans to get out newsletters in April and June.  Gene reported on the Durham station progress and talked about the new train coaches that will soon be available. He said Allan Paul thinks the third frequency Charlotte to Raleigh train could be in operation sometime next year.

 

Martin said Don wanted volunteers to call him if they would like to help with National Train Day on May 10th. Martin said a recent poll taken by Elon University indicated 72 per cent were in favor of improved intercity passenger train service. He reported that the next mass transit rail project to be undertaken in Charlotte might be the North Corridor commuter rail line up to the Lake Norman area. That would likely be followed by the Northeast Corridor light rail line up to the University (UNCC) area.

 

Martin said NRHS is having their next Charlotte area meeting on May 12th at St. Thomas Church. The subject will be trolleys and everyone, members and non-members are invited.

 

It was announced our next meeting will be held in Raleigh on June 14th. This was later changed to June 23rd.

 

Bob Bischoff - Acting secretary