Paul Dyson, RailPAC President, gave the opening remarks and
introduction of the guest speakers. RailPAC Vice President,
North, Art Lloyd, personally introduced each of the Speakers.
The first speaker, Jonathan Hutchison told
about Amtrak’s increasing rider ship and revenues against all of
Amtrak’s problems. Jonathan went on to say that Amtrak has forty-one
Superliners and over one hundred Amfleet cars out of service in Beech
Grove, IN. This is an example of one of the many questions Amtrak is
faced with. Should they repair some of these cars, or a locomotive,
with the continuing budget limitations .Where, do we start? Jonathan
went on to mention that it was a major challenge to keep the level of
service that was needed with all of these types of problems.
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Additional comments and photos of the RailPAC September 15, 2007
meeting
By Bob Manning
The RailPAC board of directors held their morning meeting in the
auditorium of the Sacramento Railroad Museum with the general session
to follow in the afternoon. The board of directors unanimously agreed
to appoint Russ Jackson Director Emeritus. The board wanted to show its
appreciation to Russ for all of the outstanding work that he has
accomplished for this organization. In addition we also wanted to thank
him for being one of the original founders of RailPAC. Congratulations
Russ!
The featured speaker, Caltrans Director, Will Kempton, was overall very
supportive of passenger rail service in California and he made several
interesting comments.
First, Mr. Kempton stated that a group of investors from Las Vegas made
the statement that the last hotel built in Las Vegas cost several
billion. So, that would not be a problem adding passenger train service
from Victorville to Las Vegas. I know this statement raised many
questions and left many people wondering, “why Victorville”?
Mr. Kempton then stated that Metrolink train service should include the
Palm Springs area. I think Mr. Kempton meant to say Amtrak service to
Palm Springs as Metrolink has limited service on weekends and no
service on holidays. In addition, Amtrak is geared more for a longer
service train including café car and runs weekends and holidays.
However, the main point is any passenger train service would be
welcomed at this time!
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