Just wondering….

The Coast Rail Coordination Council met at the Paraiso Winery in Soledad on Fri 9/22.

Meeting in Soledad was mainly a good-will gesture, and to familiarize the council members of the growth and potentials of the area persuant to a Coast Daylight stop in Soledad.

After the normal opening business (minute approval etc) was over a lively discussion commenced on getting the Daylight started. Tom Mulligan of UP stated that they would need a formal request from Amtrak (on behalf of DoR) to start service. This request “shall include a start date”. A joint evaluation of the road would also be required as the last capacity study has a “limited shelf life”.

Jonathan Hutchison of Amtrak stated that lease (Amtrak) rolling stock is available from Beech Grove (both single level and Superliner). This equipment would need refurbishing and would fill the need till new cars come online. Chair Dave Potter emphasized how we all have to get behind Prop 1B [The Sierra Club after much arguing is neutral on this ballot measure, mostly because of the excessive highway components. -Pat] and that CRCC is striving to get local support from cities and counties. 1B would yield $450 M for transit, $125M needed for rolling stock and $50M required for track and signals. [In other words a small token percentage goes to transit] Art Lloyd emphasized that key persons from the counties make appeals to Bill Bronte (DoR) to persue the Amtrak cars.

Art Lloyd will make a Daylight presentation to the Peninsula Joint Powers Bd (Caltrain) on Oct 5th persuant to obtain a “Bullet” slot in their 96 train schedule.

Hutchison (Amtrak) reported that “The Starlight” has been badly bruised by the On-time Performance (OTP) [1 train on time in January - see this post for more information] with ridership and revenue plummeting and in name (e.g “Starlate”). Amtrak and UP are now in “High Level” meetings addressing the OTP.

Mulligan (UP) stated that track gangs have now moved to the Zephyr route and UP is striving to keep a max 90 minute “down” time on #11 and 14 north of Sacramento.

The meeting started with several local (Merced, Mariposa) speakers advocating service to/from Yosemite. One speaker from Mariposa Cnty was endeavoring to gain a seat on the committee (being considered) . A visual presentation was made entitled “Blueprint for San Joaquin Valley” which includes all the counties. The big pitch was control of air polluton and need for improved public transit. This was a good lead into the “Resolution for Rail” on the UP line in Tulare Cnty (Holscher). This could be “dovetailed” into “The Blueprint”. The “Resolution” was tabled and will be on the next mtg agenda. In the interim, there will be dialogue with UP, Division of Rail, SJVRC (as suggested by UP rep Jerry Wilmoth who was in attendance).

Rick Depler of BNSF stated that OTP was up to 88 to 92% and they predict 95% soon. Asked how the OTP was improved, he replied “thru dispatcher stabilization”, i.e. utilizeing dispatchers familiar with the territory and keeping them there. A tie (85k) and rail (120k ft) replacement program between Stktn and Bkrsfield will commence Jan 14 and finish Feb 15. Work scheduled to minimize slow orders . Electronic Train Management System (ETMS) moving along (in Tx) Expect FRA approval shortly.

Bill Bronte, Chief, Division of Rail reported that the San Joaquins surpassed the Capitols in ridership gain last month (7 1/2%). Fuel prices are cutting into fare box return bigtime. Plans for a joint mtg of all Bds (CCJPB, SJVRC, LOSSAN, CRCC, SANDAG etc) to coincide with APTA in San Jose in Oct. to gin up support and sign a letter of support of S1516 (80/20 Capital Grants).

Chair Hall, who is also Mayor of Bakersfield, reported that he had held successful meetings in his office with BNSF, DoR and SJVRC members to gain a good understanding of problems and to achieve solutions. It is this writers opinion that Mayor Hall is a definite asset and makes a very positive contribution to this committee.

Bad News: Chair Hall announced that Eric Schatmeier of Division of Rail is leaving and will join Marin County where he will lead a new Transportation Planning Group. Eric has been the Marketing Group leader for the San Joaquins these past years. Prior to coming to DoR he was with Caltrain.