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 or 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.