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Delaware Valley Rail Passenger Vol 11 No 08
The Delaware Valley Rail Passenger
August 1993
Vol. XI, No. 8
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 & good rail service, please contact us:
P.O. Box 7505, Philadelphia, PA 19101
215-222-3373 internet: iekp898@tjuvm.tju.edu
We encourage electronic edition readers to join DVARP and support our
efforts to improve public transit. Members receive the printed copy of
this newsletter, along with other benefits. Introductory membership for
the remainder of 1993 is $10.00
*DVARP Membership Coupon
Yes, I want to support improved passenger train service in our region!
Here are my DVARP membership dues for 1993!
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Please choose a membership category below, enclose check and mail to:
DVARP, PO Box 7505, Philadelphia, PA 19101
( ) Regular: $15.00 ( ) Family: $20.00( ) Supporting: $25.00
( ) Sustaining: $50.00( ) Patron: $75.00( ) Benefactor: $100.00
( ) Introductory rate-new members only: $10.00
**Schedule Change Alert: Route 100 schedules will change August 16
Certain Frontier Division bus schedules changed last month
**Inside The Delaware Valley Rail Passenger.
1 Michigan ARP, passengers like you save Ambus service,
tell Congress: Hands Off Amtrak!
2 Singel scratches "Cross-County Metro"
3 RailWorks Roundup: PR and marketing spending to be upped,
FR parking squeeze worsens.
4 On the Railroad Lines: R2 Newark coming?
Newtown Short Line drops bid, learn how RRD works.
5 Transit News: NHSL service will speed up,
Trolley celebration in October, Route 211 saved.
7 More byzantine SEPTA HQ doings.
Will Kravco, King of Prussia become more transit-friendly?
8 Pro-car group claims DVARP support, DVARP demands retraction.
SEPTA contractor revealed as director of highway lobby group.
10 DVARP, NJDOT exchange letters on Mt. Holly right of way.
12 Feds deciding on transit funding levels, Ampenny fails again.
13 X2000 is back-ICE on Corridor and new Amtrak locos,
SEPTA trains, trolleys shine on Fourth.
14 Dates of Interest: DVARP annual picnic slated for August 21.
CETC tour on tap for September.
15 Up and Down the Corridor: Baltimore light rail completed,
DC Green Line opening in December
DVARP Directory: revised voice-mail numbers
Computer Corner: new on-line rail magazine!;
DVARP President: Chuck Bode Newsletter Editor: Matthew Mitchell
for other officers and committee chairs, see page 15
entire contents copyright (C) 1993 DVARP, except photos (C) 1993
credited photographers
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
**ARPs Save Amtrak from Congress Threat
by Matthew Mitchell and Chuck Bode
Rail passengers, led by Michigan ARP, saved Amtrak from a Congressional
proposal which would have if enacted hindered Amtrak's ability to meet
the travel needs of small-town residents across the nation. The worst
of the appropriations bill amendments sponsored by the aptly named Rep.
Bob Carr (D-MI) have been knocked out as of press time, but several
harmful provisions remain, and now its our turn to write or call
Committee members like Tom Foglietta (D-PA), Arlen Specter (R-PA) and
Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) to ask that those too be stricken.
Apparently acting at the behest of Greyhound, Carr amended the House
transportation appropriations bill to immediately ban all of Amtrak's
"Thruway" connecting bus services. The train-bus packages compete with
Greyhound in many markets across the country, and the steady flow of
Amtrak passengers has meant a steady flow of revenue for numerous small
bus companies which compete with Greyhound. If this amendment had
passed, Greyhound would have delivered a crippling blow to much of its
competition. Michigan ARP reports that "Greyhound has virtually
declared war against the independent [bus companies] by raising docking
fees at its stations and eliminating much interline ticketing." [see
box: "More Greyhound problems"]
It may help to recall transportation planner Ed Tennyson's study of the
effect of rail cutbacks on bus service. Expecting an increase in
business, local bus companies bought new equipment and increased service
in preparation for SEPTA's abandonment of rail service to Bethlehem and
Pottsville. Instead of increasing, bus ridership plummeted. Tennyson's
investigation revealed that the former passengers wanted to use the
train, but because of inconvenient schedules, could only go one way by
train and had to use the bus the other way. When the train service
stopped, these passengers stopped using public transportation
completely- they could not endure using the bus service both directions.
*Legislation still would allow Congressional meddling and delay high-
speed rail
One part of the amendment that is still in the bill would put Amtrak
back under Congress's thumb, making intercity train service just more
"pork" for Representatives like Carr to trade for political favors. No
rolling stock would be able to be reassigned without Congressional
permission, which means in effect that Congress would decide where and
when Amtrak could add new or increased service. This would turn back
the clock to the time when powerful Congressmen like Harley Staggers (D-
WV) could force Amtrak to run money-losing services in their states
instead of in places where the service would be more useful. Such
interference defeats the purpose of Amtrak being constituted as a quasi-
private corporation: to allow it to work with the business-led
efficiency of a private company.
Continuing the pork attack, Carr's amendment stripped funds for purchase
of trains from Amtrak's appropriation; this puts Congress solidly in
charge of the future of the Northeast Corridor. Amtrak's supporters
will have to give Carr a piece of pork in order to get Amtrak the trains
it needs to accommodate its ridership.
*Passenger Action Needed
Turning Amtrak back into a pork barrel has obvious attraction to
lawmakers, so Amtrak's continued health depends on your letters and
calls to Congress. Michigan ARP's formula for success was simple: hard
work by MichARP volunteers made members aware of the threat. The
members' letters of protest put Carr on the run, and networking with
Train Riders Association of California led to the added pressure which
brought down much of the amendment.
Again, look closely at the paragraphs above, and decide if you want your
Amtrak service to be a political football in Washington every year.
Then mail your comments to name, House of Representatives, Washington
DC 20515 or name, United States Senate, Washington DC 20510.
To contact Michigan ARP for latest info, phone John DeLora at 313-772-
7842.
Thanks to John DeLora and to Alan Gelbauer of Wolverine Passenger for
contributing to this story
*More Greyhound Problems
After absorbing the Trailways national bus system, discontinuing half
of its service , and causing a multi-year strike by drivers, Greyhound
is going on to such passenger-hostile absurdities as discontinuing
publishing an timetables and withdrawing from the national bus schedule
directory.
The latter may be intended as another way to kill off competition, by
keeping bus passengers from patronizing travel agents who might tell
passengers about other bus companies. Now passengers have no way of
planning a Greyhound trip short of calling the company.-CB
**Singel Vetoes Transit Projects
by Matthew Mitchell and Tom Borawski
As Pennsylvania's Acting Governor, Lieutenant Governor Mark Singel
surprised many by using his line-item veto to strike numerous projects,
transit and otherwise, from the FY 1994 state capital budget.
Projects which were blue-lined (with their budgeted costs in thous of
dollars) included
Frankford El Reconstruction 8,334
Cross-County Metro 16,000
Additional Federal Match 2,000
Morrisville Trans. Center 25,000
Stony Creek Line Study 500
Projects which were approved by Singel included
Light Rail Transit Upgrade 1,374
Eastwick Station (R1) 1,050
Chestnut St. Transitway 4,067
PATCO Station Upgrades 1,000
Matching funds for
Fed. formula grants 14,494
Power substations 376
Midvale Bus Garage 3,208
North Philadelphia Station 521
Infrastructure Safety
and Renewal 40,000
Vehicle Overhaul 35,000
Singel also lined-out most of the funding for purchase of two trains for
new passenger train service from New York to Pittsburgh via Allentown,
Reading, and Harrisburg. Only two million of the original ten million
dollars remain, and it will be interesting to see whether PennDOT can
advance the new service using the partial amount.
*Cross-County is Vetoed
The Acting Governor "blue lined" initial capital funding for the Cross
County Metro. The fact that the feasibility study for the project had
not been completed was a major factor in the veto decision, for it would
mean funding a potentially unworkable project. The study is due in
September. The Bucks County Courier Times quotes Budget Office
spokesperson Sue Grimm, "We had to exercise fiscal restraint."
DVARP hopes the veto will turn into a blessing for the project, which
has gained support in the suburbs. SEPTA should take a hard look at the
travel markets it intends to serve along the former Trenton Cutoff, and
rework the project so it can fill those needs at lower cost. If SEPTA
can come back with a more rational plan, the chances of it getting the
necessary funding next year will be much better.
**RailWorks(R) Roundup
RailWorks(R) is a registered trademark of SEPTA.
*RailWorks PR Contract Amendment
The SEPTA Board voted on a $500,000 extension to the RailWorks PR
contract awarded to McAdams, Richman & Ong of Bala Cynwyd. The total
contract value is boosted to $3,297,236 out of a total PR budget now at
$5,500,000.
*Jazz Down Under
Free music performances have been offered at several North Philadelphia
Broad St. Subway stations as part of the North Philadelphia Pride
campaign.
SEPTA is redoubling its efforts to minimize the alienation that everyday
subway passengers feel because of all the attention paid to the RRD
passengers who are forced to use the subway during RailWorks.
*Ticket Windfall
The crush of commuters driving to Fern Rock because they are unwilling
to endure the RailWorks shuffle has strained the park and ride lots
there to the breaking point. Unable to find a space, frustrated drivers
are parking at aisle ends and anywhere else there's room. This has
brought a windfall of parking fines in to SEPTA.
The City too has shared in the booty, despite signs which sometimes are
virtually impossible, the two-hour parking restriction on neighborhood
streets surrounding Fern Rock is being enforced. For the sake of
commuters and neighbors, SEPTA should line off and legalize some of
those 'found' parking spots in their lot.
*Parking Squeeze Will Get Worse!
DVARP is flabbergasted that the City has decided that the week of August
9 to 14 will see the Fern Rock parking lot closed for maintenance. Take
a vacation, a business trip to LA, or schedule those dentist
appointments you've been putting off-just stay away from Fern Rock that
week!
*DVARP Passenger Counts
The latest total of peak-period RRD riders passing through Fern Rock is
holding steady at 3,757. Below is a graph of the number of people in
each 5 minute segment, taken with a computerized system which takes the
hassle out of counting heads.
**On the Railroad Lines.
*Accident Claims Engineer
A SEPTA engineer fell to his death June 2 when the cab door of the non-
revenue train he was operating blew open in the wake of a passing Amtrak
train along the Paoli line. The engineer fell under the train and was
killed. Railpace reports that SEPTA received previous complaints about
the problem, which seems specific to Silverliner IV cars.
Pressure waves caused by the passing of high-speed trains and their
running through tunnels are a serious challenge facing the engineers who
design high-speed trains. Pressure-sealing is now obligatory.
While such incidents are fortunately rare, they are the reason
passengers are prohibited from riding in the vestibule of a moving
train. Please heed those warnings!
**Make it a Night!
SEPTA continues to offer a $2.00 Wednesday night round trip fare on its
regional rail lines for passengers arriving downtown after 5:00 pm.
PATCO is not reviving the free ride home it offered last fall.
**R1
Crews at "Charm School"
The master of Transit HUMINT, Phantom Rider, reports that Airport Line
crews attended a two day "charm school." The program included colonial-
era history, museum and hotel information as well as information on the
city's 600 restaurants.
*Jenkintown Almost Finished
The renovation of outside facilities at Jenkintown is nearing
completion. Sheds, platforms and railings are complete, and the
pedestrian tunnel is freshly painted. Workmanship of these jobs is
excellent. The next step is protecting this reinvestment from vandalism
and neglect.
The information kiosk on the inbound platform has been reloaded with
regional and local maps and current schedules. However, its location is
far away from the place where passengers arrive and are likely to need
the information
The refurbished Jenkintown Station should be a model for the whole
system, as should be the work of the Jenkintown Station Improvement
Committee, a volunteer watchdog and beautification project.
**R2
Return to Newark?
Delaware DOT and the Delaware Railroad Administration are negotiating
the terms of an extension of train service to Newark. Talks are snagged
on how much Delaware must pay to support the trains. SEPTA has insisted
that Delaware pay over $2 million per year for its R2 trains, according
to the News-Journal. DelDOT feels it should only have to pay only for
the extra cost of running the trains south of Marcus Hook, a figure
about $900,000.
Delaware has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise-bleak
SEPTA rail picture, thanks to the interest and involvement of state
officials there and their healthy distrust of SEPTA management.
Three stops would be added: Newport, Newark, and the Sandy Brae
Industrial Park. Initial train service would be at rush hours only,
with buses covering off-peak travel.
*211 Abandonment Stopped
See page 6 for details
**R5
Employees Earn Stars
SEPTA Passenger Attendants Patricia Soto, David Bolden, Engineer Joseph
Rein and Conductor Benjamin Wright were presented Star Awards for their
handling of a service disruption on December 11, 1992.
An R5 train was stranded due to severe weather conditions. The crew
escorted the passengers across the track bed to a car dealership, then
took the names and work numbers of the passengers and telephoned their
employers to advise them of the delay. They also went to a nearby
supermarket and provided breakfast to them.
Newcomer VRE has the right ideas
One railroad is finding inexpensive ways to help their crews handle
major service disruptions. The April edition of Railway Age mentions
that Virginia Railway Express offers free ride certificates which are
distributed "on a case by case basis." This resembles the RailWorks
service guarantee due to be discontinued after August. The article also
mentions that VRE conductors carry cellular telephones to make up for
"radio dead spots."
*The Track is in the Mail
SEPTA ordered a million dollars worth (16 miles) of continuously welded
rail to be installed between Gwynedd Valley and Lansdale.
**R8
Regensburger Pulls Out of Newtown
In response to SEPTA's turning down his plan to switch from diesel to
electric power at Fox Chase, Robert Regensburger has withdrawn Newtown
Short Line's proposal to privatize train service to Newtown.
Regensburger also accused SEPTA and Bucks County of favoring a rival bid
over his.
That proposal, from Rodney Fisk's firm Rail Easton, is still on the
table. The County is reported to have approved in principle Fisk's
request for a $31 million loan guarantee for diesel trains.
Regensburger says he prefers electrification of the line.
*Bucks Planner Says Decline Intentional
In an interview with the Bucks County Courier Times, Bucks County
Planning Commission Director Robert Moore blamed SEPTA's poor service
for the decline and fall of the original diesel service to Newtown.
Moore stated: "They [SEPTA] killed that line on purpose, I'm convinced
of that. Restoration of service would be the greatest thing that could
happen."
*More Filling, Less Track
The 150 foot hole in the Newtown Line right-of-way has been filled;
however, the ballast and track have yet to be replaced.
**Neighbors Want Octoraro Bridge Out
A portion of the SEPTA-owned, but long-dormant railroad between Chadds
Ford and Wawa is at risk. Chester Heights residents want an old stone
bridge demolished; their new fire engine can't fit under it, and
residents claim their safety is jeopardized.
**Grab A Riders Guide
The spiffy guide produced last year entitled "Rider's Guide to the
Railroad Division's Transportation Department" can be found in the
schedule racks and is a must read. It explains who does what in
managing and operating the railroad. If you can't find a copy, write to
SEPTA RRD, 1515 Market St., Philadelphia, 19103. "Attaways" to those
involved in this production.
**100
Speedup Coming This Month
While expressing his enjoyment of last month's cover story, SEPTA
Schedule Section manager Tom Collins has given us that good news that a
new NHSL schedule is expected to take effect August 16. By that time,
five N5 cars should be in service. Four minutes will be trimmed from
the end-to-end running time, a savings over 10 percent! Collins says
to expect continuing schedule updates as more N5s enter service.
*N5: 25 Bucks a Pound
As reported last month, the SEPTA Board OKed a settlement of the N5
debacle. The settlement was based on a $25 per pound penalty. Each car
was 12,450 pounds over the contract specification, yielding $311,250 per
car. No comment was reported from Jenny Craig.
*Man Struck by Trolley
A 28 year-old man was struck and killed by a trolley in Haverford late
one night last month. Police were unsure of what the man was doing on
the tracks at that hour, but passengers boarding at Haverford are often
seen walking across the tracks, even though there is a pedestrian bridge
over the tracks right at the station.
*Strafford Cars on Flood Duty in Illinois
The Inquirer reports that four 160-series Strafford cars sold by SEPTA
in 1991 are pulling emergency duty hauling people over the flood-swollen
Mississippi. The trolleys run over a dam between Keokuk and Hamilton,
Ill and is operated by the Keokuk Junction Railway.
BLOOPER: Due to an error by our printer, each of the three photos which
accompanied last month's cover story were printed backwards. We're
surprised none of our readers noticed it!
**CTD
Work Underway at Girard
Reconstruction crews are building a new Frankford El station at Girard
Ave. SEPTA will spend $7 million installing a station similar to the
one at Margaret-Orthodox. However, only 4,000 commuters get on the El
at Girard each day, much fewer than at Margaret-Orthodox.
*City Transit Notes: The SEPTA Board voted on a proposal to purchase a
half acre of property near the Bridge Street terminal, to be used for
"construction staging and interim parking."
A $358,000 contract for improvements to the surface loop at Richmond and
Westmoreland was approved by the Board.
SEPTA's first all-over advertising bus made its debut a month ago. It
promotes the $5.00 DayPass, and will be dedicated to Route 76 service.
A special paint process lets passengers see out the windows, while
outside the ads continue right onto the windows.
More news on page 13
**SEPTA Planning Trolley Celebration
SEPTA Light Rail Chief Kim Heinle has announced plans for a special
celebration of trolleys in Philadelphia the weekend of October 2 and 3
to more properly commemorate the centennial of streetcar transit in
Philadelphia. Shop tours, guided excursions over city and suburban
lines, and a sale of memorabilia are planned by SEPTA, while independent
groups like the Buckingham Valley Trolley Association (operators of the
Penn's Landing trolleys) will also participate.
Also planned is an auction sale of more of SEPTA's remaining PCC car
fleet. Details about the entire weekend are available from Heinle's
office at 215-580-3508.
Meanwhile, there is also speculation about a second historic trolley
loop, but surprisingly not in Center City. The PCC cars would run
between 40th St. Portal and the Woodland Shop at 50th St. -MDM
**211 Bus Saved for Now
In a surprise move, SEPTA cancelled the abandonment hearing on Route 211
scheduled for late last month. DVARP's Transit Committee was prepared
to argue the case for continuing the R2 feeder bus service in Ivyland,
Bucks County, while proposing ideas for cutting its cost.
Informed sources say that the core problem with Route 211 is a dispute
over who pays the guarantees which make up the difference between fare
revenue raised by the 211 and the cost of its operation. Bucks County
bankrolled the first year's operation with the intention that the
businesses who benefit from the County's first 200-series service would
pick up the tab in subsequent years. Those businesses got accustomed to
the "free ride" and refused to pay up.
Meanwhile, poor service on the 211 caused frustrated riders to seek
alternate transportation in order to get to work or catch their train.
DVARP documented missed train connections, late buses, and even trips
which were never made, and informed SEPTA of the problem well over a
year ago, but few improvements were made.
*What does 211 connect to?
One cause of the problems is that a significant number of 211 riders use
the City Transit Division's Route 22 bus to get to Philadelphia instead
of the R2 Warminster train. The connection hassles are doubled. Like
several other transit services in the suburbs, the 22 now carries more
"reverse commuters" than traditional Center City-bound traffic.
Meanwhile, R2 trains run with much extra capacity in the reverse commute
direction. If SEPTA can entice the reverse commuters to change from bus
to train, not only would Route 211 problems be reduced but SEPTA could
save money.
But what will work? SEPTA has already given reverse commuters a fare
concession: they pay zone 3 fares where peak-direction train riders pay
for zone 4. The fare difference between bus and train is now only one
zone. Though the new station at Fern Rock makes connections easier, it
has not caused much of a shift to the train.
*It's the Wrong Time to Kill 200 Routes
SEPTA would have sent an awful message to businesses had it went ahead
with abandonment of the 211. With new environmental regulations forcing
businesses and employees to finally face up to the consequences of car-
only planning, SEPTA could position itself as a provider of solutions.
But if businesses hear that SEPTA service may be cut back or eliminated
at the drop of a hat, they will look to more reliable transportation
alternatives, or demand that elected officials give them an exemption
from the responsibility.
That's why SEPTA has to make a strong commitment right now to serve
suburban employment centers, and to make sure that when the service
starts up, it is done right. Employer trip reduction is a once-in-a-
lifetime opportunity for public transit agencies to change people's
views. -MDM
*Routes Need an Evangelist
The fortunes of SEPTA's innovative 200-series service have been in
steady decline since the departure of former SEPTA planning head Eugene
Skoropowski. He brought the privately-supported feeder bus concept to
life, and personally called on suburban businesses to show how
supporting the routes made good business sense.
But with Skoropowski gone, no one within SEPTA has taken over this
crucial 'evangelist' role. With cautious business owners resistant to
change and seemingly wedded to the idea that cars are the only way to
commute, only a persistent and charismatic messenger will change their
minds and secure the needed support.-MDM
**Two Sellers Angry, Third has Head Cut Off
by Tom Borawski
SEPTA has done an admirable job of antagonizing the persons who would
sell it a new headquarters building. The first choice, 1234 Market
Street, was lost when the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation decided
to take bids on the building instead of selling it to Brickstone Realty-
the developer who wanted to rehab the building for SEPTA.
Negotiations opened with the owner of the Board's second choice: 1650
Arch St. Now Brickstone has come back with an apparent winning bid for
1234 Market and is offering the building to SEPTA again. SEPTA has
dropped 1650 Arch like a prom date with bad acne. The owner of 1650
Arch has accused SEPTA of "bad faith" (as reported in the Inquirer).
Meanwhile Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Brickstone's
"winning" bid for 1234 Market Street may not be the highest. The paper
reports that Tishman Speyer Properties of New York bid $22.6 million-
$500,000 higher than Brickstone. The New York developer is crying foul.
The final result may, by chance or design, resurrect SEPTA's plan to
build the truncated headquarters on top of Gallery 2-a move opposed by
Philadelphia's Building Owners and Managers Association who are
suffering in the worst real estate market in decades. A recent Inquirer
article speculates that Philadelphia's office vacancy rate will not
improve until the late 90's. The Gallery site is also opposed by City
Council President John Street who chopped off the top 4 floors of the
proposed building with a few strokes of his pen.
Whatever happens, the acquisition of SEPTA's headquarters has certainly
reflected the Byzantine practices of its intended occupants. The
question is now whether Constantinople will stay on Market Street or
move to Arch or be completely rebuilt.
**SEPTA Board Telecommuters
A special meeting of the SEPTA Board in June added a new novelty: Three
Board members attended the meeting via telephone. The members, Stewart
Cades (Delaware Co.) Floriana Bloss (Montgomery), and Franklin Wood
(Bucks) voted by telephone on the delay to the Market-Frankford car
contract. Board Member Edmund Jones of Delaware County spoke out
against the practice and said he would try to ban it.-TB
**Board Date Shift This Month
The SEPTA Board will meet on August 19 instead of August 26.
**RR Boss in National Engineering Group
SEPTA Railroad AGM Jim Palmer has been appointed as a director of the
American Railway Engineering Association.
**MontCo Insists on Transit Improvements at King of Prussia Mall
County planning officials in Montgomery County are insisting that Kravco
Inc., developers of the Court and Plaza malls at King of Prussia,
provide significant improvements to the bus center at the malls as a
condition for approval of mall expansion.
Kravco is dragging its feet, denying responsibility for the problems.
They expect state and local governments to pay for the roads, and claim
that a new bus stop would be a security risk. That argument must not
apply to Kravco's parking lots, despite the recent rash of armed
carjackings at the King of Prussia malls.
Like many other mall developers, Kravco has followed a car-centered
development plan, which has led to gridlock and pollution for miles
surrounding the mall, as well as the abovementioned crime wave. Transit
there is just an afterthought, stuck away in a corner as if Kravco wants
to treat riders as second-class citizens. Well its time that the
transit riders who made Kravco's profits possible get their just due.-
MDM
News compiled by Matthew Mitchell and correspondents: Howard Bender,
Chuck Bode, Tom Borawski, Larry Joyce, Mike McEnaney, Don Nigro,
John Pawson.
Additional news from BITNET, Bucks County Courier Times, Delaware County
Daily Times, Philadelphia Business Journal, Philadelphia Daily News,
Philadelphia Inquirer, Railpace, USENET, Washington Post, Wilmington
News-Journal
**DVARP Annual Picnic
August 21
See page 14 for details
**Pro-Car "Coalition" Signs Up "Members" Without Permission:
DVARP Demands Retraction
The Penjerdel Council, a regional business forum, established an
"Employer Trip Reduction Coalition" intended to fight new Federal and
state regulations designed to reduce the number of cars that people use
to get to work. The lobby group claims over 250 members, but it appears
that Penjerdel simply signed all its members up for this coalition
without obtaining their permission first. Penjerdel included DVARP in
this so-called "coalition," even though we had led the fight for
sensible rules to reduce the many problems caused by auto-centered
development. DVARP has sent a strongly-worded letter to Penjerdel
demanding a public retraction of the list of "coalition" members.
Further action will be discussed at the August DVARP general meeting.
Meanwhile, DVARP is notifying other groups, such as the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation (an environmental group), whose names may also have used by
Penjerdel without permission. DVARP Vice-President for Communications
Tom Borawski issued a press release alerting the media to Penjerdel's
deception, as a preemptive strike before the bulk of the Penjerdel
campaign begins. DVARP is also sending to the media a fact sheet
refuting some of the more hysterical claims made in the Penjerdel
release.-MDM
**SEPTA Contractor Directs Anti-Transit Lobby Group
by Tom Borawski
The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA)
gives state and local governments freedom to chose where some Federal
highway funds are spent. They are no longer required to spend on new
roads when other solutions-most notably transit-are needed. This is the
story of one response by the Asphalt-Petroleum Complex to hold onto its
piece of the pie. This is also the story of a Railworks(R) Part I
contractor who is a Director of an organization which seeks to halt the
diversion of highway funds for projects like RailWorks Part II.
The Road Information Program (TRIP) is an organization sponsored by big
oil and insurance companies, highway equipment manufacturers and highway
contractors, among others. TRIP produced a report comparing costs and
benefits of highways and transit which in their words "showed how costly
investments in mass transit fail to achieve a proportionate increase in
usage and ridership." A sample: "A single tax dollar spent on highways
in 1990 equaled over 21 times more miles traveled than a dollar spent on
mass transit." We leave it as an exercise to ponder the logic of
equating pollution-filled, imported fuel consuming travel with return on
a taxpayer dollar. It also is yet to be found out if TRIP found all the
hidden subsidies of automobile travel.
TRIP is waging "A Campaign to Stop Diversion," an effort to influence
the media and encourage local highway groups to stop the "flexing" of
highway funds to transit. The flavor of this campaign can be found on
the second page of their "Truths About Transportation" booklet: A
1930's era photo is shown, captioned: "Scenes like this breadline from
the Great Depression could be just around the corner."
*SEPTA's plans for diverted funds
For the current fiscal year SEPTA plans to apply "flexed" funds toward
the purchase of new Market-Frankford cars, priority bridge
repair/replacements for the Regional Rail and Suburban Transit
divisions, park and ride lots at key stations along I-95 (in conjunction
with that road's reconstruction) and start up costs for the Frankford
(Bridge-Pratt) Transportation Center.
Future "flexed" funds will be used for bridge restoration on the RRD
main line between 30th Street and Suburban Station, Newtown Line
electrification, completion of the Frankford Transportation Center, Blue
Route park & ride facilities and RailWorks Part II (now known as R5
Systems Improvements, Wayne Junction to Glenside).
*The RailWorks Connection
RailWorks contract GC-2T for $27.4 million (as of Change Order #7) was
awarded to IA Construction Company of Concordville, PA. The President
of IA Construction is Mr. George Searle. Searle is on the Board of
Directors of TRIP.
DVARP asked Searle about the apparent conflict between working for SEPTA
while a director of an organization which seeks to stop the flexing of
funds for SEPTA. Mr. Searle responded that all transportation projects
should be fully funded (including RailWorks Part II), but one
transportation segment should not take from the other.
Again, the author leaves it as an exercise to research the reasons for
the creation of SEPTA-government taxing railroads while subsidizing
highways.
DVARP asked SEPTA GM Lou Gambaccini about having a TRIP director as a
RailWorks contractor. The APTA president diplomatically pointed out
that as the construction industry learns that it can make money on SEPTA
contracts, opposition from that quarter will be reduced. He added that
SEPTA contracts are competitively bid-the contractor's attitude toward
SEPTA can be completely hostile-SEPTA cannot use its buying power to
alert them that their support of TRIP is not appreciated.
Other companies which do business with SEPTA are supporters of TRIP,
most notably Bethlehem Steel and Gannett Fleming. Some TRIP sponsors,
like Hershey Foods, leave one wondering what their angle is.
TRIP is a nationwide effort. National organizations like NARP and the
Sierra Club should let TRIP and its sponsors know that state and local
governments waited a long time for the right to control their
transportation destiny and TRIP's efforts to turn back the clock are not
appreciated. For more information [ed. note: giving or getting!] write
to: TRIP, 1200 18th Street, N.W., Suite 314, Washington, D.C. 20036
**DVARP Seeks "Roads-To-Trails"
DVARP members who keep an eye on asphalt utilization are encouraged to
propose a road for conversion into a nature trail. Roads which pass
through rural areas and whose function has been superseded by a bypass
are especially desirable. "Roads-to-Trails" nominees may be added to
our DVRPC Transportation Improvement Program testimony.
*Highway Lobby in Disney World
If you will be in Florida between January 26th to 30th you might want to
check out the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC) Convention in
Disney World. Apparently Pennsylvania is too boring for its road
builders, although the 5th Annual APC Golf Invitational was held in
Hershey.
The APC is concerned that "heavily financed environmental groups
continue to pressure MPOs [e.g. DVRPC] and state planners to shift
transportation investments from highway(s)." Talk about the pot calling
the kettle black! We'll trade our "heavy financing" for APC's anytime!-
TB
*Feds Require 8 Foot Bike Lanes
The Inquirer reports that New Britain Township, Bucks County will be
turning away federal ISTEA dollars for a bike path project because it
would require the path to be 8 feet wide and have "banked curves." The
article quotes Township Manager Robert Bender: "We don't want something
that looks like a road and smells like a road." It is also reported
that Bender asked PennDOT for an exemption but was refused.-TB
**Small Cities Think Commuter Rail!
While SEPTA continues to cut its rail service to the 6th largest city in
the nation, some surprising newcomers are considering getting on the
commuter rail bandwagon.
Believe it or not, there is serious talk of a commuter operation in
Syracuse, New York (metro area population of only 600,000) Who could
have such a visionary idea? The New York, Susquehanna, and Western
Railway, a small but aggressive freight railroad who sees passenger
service as an opportunity instead of a burden.
The Susquehanna has just taken over operation of the Binghamton to
Syracuse freight line with assistance from New York State. It has
acquired four RDCs for a tourist train operation and is thinking about
running them from Jamesville (about 10 miles southeast of the city) to
downtown Syracuse during the rush hour and in stadium park and ride
service. Unlike public agencies, NYSW is putting the plan on the fast-
track. Service could start as soon as this fall.
DVARP welcomes this spirit, and is pointing out opportunities like the
Newtown, Bethlehem, and Pottstown lines to the Susquehanna. Because it
now has several operating freight short lines, Susquehanna may have an
advantage over other possible contract operators.
Meanwhile, Harrisburg has studied the possibility of having its own
commuter rail service. Four lines were included in the study along with
the existing Amtrak service from Philadelphia and Lancaster. No go-
ahead has been given; the anticipated start-up date would be 1999.-MDM
**State is Missing Mt. Holly Opportunity
by Don Nigro
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) continues to ignore
its responsibility to acquire the Mount Holly to Fort Dix right of way.
Conrail, who currently owns this property, is planning to sell a 10-acre
segment in Mount Holly to the Rancocas Conservancy, a local
environmental group. The right of way is one of ten that, through the
initiative of a 1989 state-wide referendum and New Jersey Public Law
1991, Chapter 224, were to be acquired by NJDOT.
The federal ISTEA law places great emphasis on the identification and
protection of transportation corridors. NJDOT's inaction regarding the
right of way indicates both a lack of multi-modal commitment and a
failure to plan long term for transit alternatives. The Department's
recalcitrance demonstrates a disregard for ISTEA which is clear in
listing the protection of transportation corridors as a priority for
both transportation planning and funding.
Following are the letters that DVARP and NJDOT have exchanged on this
matter.
Dear Commissioner Downs:
It has come to the attention of the Delaware Valley Association of
Railroad Passengers that the New Jersey Department of Transportation has
not negotiated with the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) to
acquire the right of way from Mount Holly to Fort Dix. As I'm sure you
know, this right of way is one of ten, that through the initiative of a
1989 state-wide referendum and Senate Bill No. 3025 of 1991, were to be
acquired with a $10 million appropriation.
It is public knowledge that Conrail has contracts drawn up to sell a 3/4
mile portion of this right of way in Mount Holly to the Rancocas
Conservancy for one dollar ($1.00). The sale of this section would
sever the bulk of the Senate bill designated right of way from that of
the active railroad south of Mount Holly. Ownership of this Burlington
County right of way must not be broken up away from state ownership,
especially for non-transportation uses. Since Conrail has set such a
low price for the property, NJDOT should be able to acquire the segment
from the freight railroad at a minimal amount through negotiation or
condemnation. Even if funds from the $10 million 1991 state
appropriation are dwindling, there should be significant means remaining
from the 1992 $15 million appropriation, an allotment designated to
acquire far fewer rights-of-way.
The voters of New Jersey let their opinion be known on preservation and
acquisition of railroad right of ways for future transportation needs.
In the 1989 state-wide referendum, New Jersey voters approved the
spending of $25 million to acquire unused railroad right of ways so that
these strategic properties would remain physically and politically
accessible for future rail transportation needs. NJDOT's present
inaction on a right of way that has become so reasonably priced goes
directly against the electorate's wishes.
I would greatly appreciate you giving this matter your utmost attention.
Sincerely,
Donald Nigro,
South Jersey Coordinator
Dear Mr. Nigro:
I am writing in reply to your letter concerning the Conrail right of way
from Mount Holly to Fort Dix.
The sale of a portion of this abandoned right of way to a local trail
group has been confirmed by my staff. The primary reason for this sale
is to give local authorities the ability to clean up this one-half mile
parcel which runs through a section of parkland in Mount Holly. The
Department originally identified the line from Mount Holly to McGuire
Air Force Base as a potential candidate for acquisition. In the ensuing
years between the abandonment and the passage of the ROW Appropriations
Bill, however, several non-contiguous segments of the line have been
sold to private developers and adjacent property owners. These sales
have virtually eliminated the line's usefulness as a transportation
corridor. Additionally, we believe that most of the available resources
will be consumed by the purchase of the top priority lines: the
Lackawanna Cutoff, Jersey City Coal Yards, and the Southern Secondary.
Thank you for writing.
Sincerely,
Thomas M. Downs
Commissioner
Dear Commissioner Downs:
I am writing in reply to your May 14th response to my March 8, 1993
letter concerning the Conrail right of way from Mount Holly to Fort Dix.
There are a number of elements of your reply and the Department's
position that I find disconcerting.
Your letter indicates that a portion of this right of way has already
been sold to a local trail group. To the best of our knowledge, this is
inaccurate; to date, only negotiations for sale have occurred.
You state that "the primary reason for this sale is to give local
authorities the ability to clean up" a portion of the right of way.
Although, we support the clean up of the portion, the issue of ownership
of the right of way is superfluous to it and should not be implied as
justification for allowing this strategic property to slip away.
You assert that "several non-contiguous segments of the line have been
sold to private developers and adjacent property owners." To the best
of our knowledge, Burlington County is the only other owner of parts of
the right of way. If there are others, would you please identify them,
their segments and dates of acquisition? Since NJDOT has long regarded
the line as valuable, why has the department looked the other way when
segments of the line, as you have represented, have been sold to private
developers and adjacent property owners?
You state, "These sales have virtually eliminated the line's usefulness
as a transportation corridor." What do you mean by "virtually"? The
Delaware Valley Association of Railroad Passengers (DVARP) is confident
that there are no significant physical obstructions on the right of way.
With this in mind, regardless of the extent to which the ownership is
fractured, the right of way should still be acquired by the state as
mandated by Public Law 1991, Chapter 224.
In the letter, you state, "we believe that most of the available
resources will be consumed by the purchase of the top priority lines:
the Lackawanna Cutoff, Jersey City Coal Yards, and the Southern
Secondary." This is especially troubling in light of the following:
DVARP understands that, despite the Department's belief, there will be
significant funds remaining from the $10 million 1991 state
appropriation;
There also should be extensive means remaining from the 1992 $15 million
appropriation, an allotment designated to acquire far fewer rights of
way; and,
There is also the option that NJDOT could use a fraction of the $3
million allocated for unspecified right of way acquisitions in its
Fiscal Year 1994 Capital Budget. As I had stated in my previous letter,
Conrail is preparing to sell a 3/4 mile portion of this right of way in
Mount Holly for one dollar. Since such a low price for the property has
been set, NJDOT should be able to acquire the segment from the freight
railroad at a minimal amount through negotiation or condemnation.
The right of way east of Mount Holly is a strategic property, especially
now, in the aftermath of New Jersey Transit's Burlington/Gloucester
Corridor Assessment. DVARP, along with the New Jersey Association of
Railroad Passengers, have been advocating the following:
In respect of the historic character of Mount Holly, the seat of
Burlington County, service should include a community walk on station
within the center of town and should extend eastward with a park-and-
ride station in proximity to Route 206.
A station near to Route 206 would allow Burlington County residents
north, south and east of Mount Holly convenient access to the
transportation corridor without snarling traffic in the county seat and
competing for scarce parking. We have indications, including an
enclosed copy of a letter from Alfred H. Harf, Assistant Executive
Director for Planning for New Jersey Transit, that our Corridor
Assessment ideas are being seriously considered; many in the
transportation community, in fact, are embracing them.
DVARP would appreciate you clarifying and reconsidering NJDOT's position
expressed in your May 14, 1993 reply.
Sincerely,
Donald Nigro
South Jersey Coordinator
**NJT Takes Travel Management Lead
Unlike SEPTA, NJ Transit is taking an active role in helping businesses
shift their employees out of single-occupant autos and into less-
damaging modes of transportation.
The transportation management association, called "Transit Plus," will
cover Essex and Union counties. Even though NJT is organizing the plan,
it will promote car- and van-pools and other alternative transportation
as well as NJT's own services.
**NJT Rail Teams Win "Roadeo"
An "attaway" to the NJ Transit Operating and Maintenance teams which
each took first place in the APTA Rail "Roadeo" held at the transit
industry group's Rapid Transit Conference.
The Operating team took top honors for knowledge of safety procedures,
train equipment, and other skills, while the Maintenance team's
competition involved a written test and several troubleshooting
problems.
Also in the kudos department, NJT Bus Operations won the APTA Alan Boyd
Silver Safety award
*Correction: The next NJ Transit Phillies train will be on August 15,
not August 25. The last trip is September 26. Call NJ Transit at 609-
343-7163 for reservations. The DVRP regrets the typographical error.
**Fed. Budget in Conference
As we go to press, House and Senate members are building a compromise
between the two chambers' versions of the FY 1994 Federal budget. Tax
policy is the linchpin of the negotiations, with a tax on gasoline,
diesel fuel, and other transportation fuels expected to be implemented
for deficit reduction purposes. Transit lobbyists like the American
Public Transit Association (APTA) are concerned that the precedent of
dedicating a portion of gas tax revenue to mass transit may be broken
this year. There is good news, in that public transit and commuter rail
operators will be exempt from the tax. Commuter rail was subject to the
2.5c per gallon tax imposed for deficit reduction in 1990.
Passenger Transport reports that the House Appropriations Subcommittee
on Transportation would increase total appropriations for mass transit
by 18 percent to $4.47 billion, with all that increase on the capital
side. Operating assistance would be cut by $50 million. Once again,
the effort to dedicate one cent of the Federal gas tax to Amtrak (the
'Ampenny') failed.
*Reform Possible in Congress?
Tired of their "pork-barrel" image, members of the House Appropriations
Committee Transportation Subcommittee announced new investment-based
criteria for evaluation of projects. Unfortunately, the pork habit is
hard to kick.
Political clout counted more than hard economic benefits in the past, so
some dubious projects got Federal dollars. When these projects fell
flat and failed to attract riders, automobile and airline lobbyists and
anti-transit politicians used them to tar all public transit investment.
**Taxi Bullpen at 30th St.
To clear the taxi line away from the south side of the station and
reduce the incidence of improper passenger pickups line-jumping and
other rules violations by taxi drivers at 30th Street, Amtrak has
created a taxi holding area on the north side of the station. When a
cab arrives to pick up a passenger, the driver obtains a numbered ticket
at the holding area gate. Cabs are then let out of the holding area in
the order they arrived, and as they are needed at the station exits.
Horror stories are fewer now, but some passengers can still tell of
being refused service because their trip was too short or to an unsafe
area (both practices are illegal) or of being nearly run over by a
taxi.-MDM
**X2000 Back on Corridor
After generating lots of excitement about the future of passenger train
service in America, Amtrak's X2000 high-speed train is back in everyday
Metroliner service.
The Swedish train will operate as trains number 106 and 117 on weekdays
(except Labor Day) until September 24, and trains 206 and 211 on
Saturdays August 14, 28, and Septermer 11.
Metroliner service is all-reserved; please call 1-800-USA-RAIL to
confirm schedules before planning a ride.
*ICE Taking Test Runs
Passengers will get another perspective on high-speed rail when they try
out the ICE (InterCity Express) train which Amtrak has leased from the
German Federal Railway. The train broke the X2000's speed records in
Northeast Corridor test runs, and is reported to have hit 161 mph.
The ICE has just gone on a nationwide publicity tour for its builder,
Siemens, and for Amtrak. It will not be on public display in our area
at least until the second part of its tour. Like the X2000, ICE is
expected to see regular Metroliner service, beginning October 5.
*And Another New Face
Passengers travelling to Washington and other points on the Amtrak
system can't help noticing the new AMD-103 locomotives which made their
debut early this summer. The GE units deliver 3,200 horsepower in a
striking shovel-nosed package. They are built right here in
Pennsylvania, and include many high-tech features. But most important
is that they will ease Amtrak's power crunch, allowing the old F40s to
get much needed servicing.-MDM
**DVRPC Has Good News for Future of SEPTA RRD
A Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission study projects a 24%
growth of Center City jobs over the next three decades while overall
city population will decline only slightly. Commuter rail ridership is
heavily dependent on the job figure.
**New Fare Great for Seniors
The new ten-trip senior citizen off-peak ticket is now available at
SEPTA commuter rail stations. It costs $8.50.
**SEPTA Does the Job for Fourth
SEPTA atoned for its mediocre holiday service last year by meeting the
challenge of extra travel demand during the Freedom Week festivities
last month. RRD trains of four cars or more were observed, while the
added service was well-publicized in advance. On the Subway-Surface
lines, cars were staged at 49th Street so they could be placed into
service just at the time people were ready to go home from the
fireworks. Supervisors and even office staff were on site until
midnight to help passengers and make sure operations ran smoothly.
Just one problem was observed. Despite the extra SEPTA service, nearly
everyone drove downtown, resulting in traffic jams and flared tempers.
On Saturday the 3rd, this writer was able to use the subway-surface and
Market-Frankford Lines to go to, watch, and come home from the fireworks
on Penn's Landing. On the 4th, the commuter train platform at 30th
Street was the place to be. By fireworks time, the parking lot was well
filled, but the more spectacular show came after. Furious motorists had
jammed the intersection of 30th and Market and all approaches. Selfish
drivers went the wrong way on one-way streets and completely clogged the
area. In a few minutes, the people who rode the train were home,
wondering how long the horns would keep honking at 30th Street.-CB
**Two-Car Subway-Surface Trains
SEPTA is testing the use of two-car trains on the 10 and 13 lines as a
means of improving the reliability of service through the tunnel. If
the test is successful, the operation may be spread to the other lines
at next month's schedule change.
**Garden State Museum Limited
United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey is sponsoring a trip
from Newark and Trenton to Landisville, NJ via Lindenwold and the
Southern Railroad Company of New Jersey line on Saturday, August 28.
South Jersey passengers can pick up the excursion in Lindenwold and ride
to Landisville. The fare from Newark or Trenton is $43.00, from
Lindenwold $15.00.
Optional destination activities include a visit to the Haluwasa
Shoreline (miniature) train ride or the New Jersey State Aquarium.
Contact URHS at 609-443-4746 (7 to 10 pm weekdays) for details.
**DVARP Picnic: Aug. 21
Ralph Page has again offered to host our annual picnic at his home in
Willow Grove. The address is 3140 Woodland Ave, phone 659-4953. Only a
limited amount of business is handled at the August meeting, talking
about train trips past and future and recalling the people who have
helped DVARP is the more important agenda item.
If you come, please bring a dish to share; a grill will be available.
You can get there on the R2 train (remember RailWorks is in effect) or
the 22 or 98 bus. It is expected that rides will be available from the
Roslyn R2 station.
**DVARP to Tour Amtrak CETC Before Sept. Meeting
DVARP has arranged for a special tour of the Centralized Electrification
and Traffic Control Center, the nerve center of the Northeast Corridor,
for the morning of September 18, prior to the DVARP General Meeting.
CETC is located inside 30th St. Station, the meeting will be at 1616
Walnut.
Because of the special nature of this tour, we must pre-register all
members who wish to go on it. If you plan to join the tour, you must
contact Bob Machler by DVARP's voice-mail line, 215-222-3373, message
box 6. The deadline for registration is Sept. 15.
**DVARP Staffs Convention Table
Conventiongoers from the National Model Railroad Association were
welcomed by DVARP volunteers at an attractive display of photographs and
stories about how passenger train service improves communities. DVARP
also answered the visitors' questions and provided schedules for area
trains, trolleys, and buses.
When the conventiongoers got the information, they also were given
literature encouraging them to support the real-life passenger trains in
their home states by supporting our peer organizations.
Matt Mitchell planned the effort, while Chuck Bode, Lucia Esther, Ellen
Kadransky, Tom Borawski, and Bob Machler staffed the table. DVARP and
our peer ARPs thank the NMRA (especially Convention Manager Jim Cope)
for providing the space, and thank SEPTA Schedule Section manager J.
Thomas Collins, KARP President Larry Joyce, Amtrak, BARTA, and Capitol
Trailways for materials.
**Trolley Coalition: New Address
The Philadelphia Trolley Coalition can now be contacted at 616 Carpenter
St., Philadelphia 19147, phone 215-755-7717.
**Dates of Interest
SEPTA on Site (RRD): Thursday mornings: 7:30 to 9:00 am, at Suburban
Station or Market East Station.
SEPTA on Site (Suburban Transit): Wed., Aug. 18, 7:30 to 9:30 am and
3:30 to 5:30 pm at 69th St., 7:30 to 9:30 am at Norristown
SEPTA Board Meeting: Thu., Aug. 19, 3:00 at SEPTA Board Room, 714
Market St., Third Floor, Phila.
DVARP South Jersey Committee: Sat., Aug. 21, 11:00 to 12:00 at 104
Edison Ave., Collingswood, NJ.
DVARP General Meeting and Annual Picnic: Sat., Aug. 21, 1:00 to 4:00 at
3140 Woodland Ave., Willow Grove, PA. See back page for directions.
DVARP Transit Committee: Wed., Aug. 25. Call DVARP voicemail, 215-222-
3373, box 3 for time & place.
Deadline for September newsletter material: Thurs. Aug 26 to Matthew
Mitchell or in DVARP mailbox.
URHS Rail Excursion from North Jersey and Lindenwold to Landisville via
SRRNJ: Sat., Aug. 28. Proceeds benefit Garden State Railway Museum.
Call 609-443-4746 evenings for information and reservations.
Delmarva Rail Passenger Association: Thu., Sept. 2, 6:30 pm at
Stationmaster's Office, Wilmington Station. info: Doug Andrews, 302-
995-6419.
Philadelphia Trolley Coalition: Sat., Sept. 11, 11:00 at Chestnut Hill
Trolley Loop.
DVARP Commuter Rail Committee: Sat., Sept. 11, 12:00 Call DVARP
voicemail, 215-222-3373, message box 2 to confirm location.
DVARP Tour of Amtrak CETC Facility: Sat., Sept. 18, 11:00 at 30th St.
Station. Registration required, phone 215-222-3373, message box 6 to
register.
DVARP General Meeting: Sat., Sept. 18, 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Temple Univ.
Center City, 1616 Walnut St.
Listings based on information provided to DVARP. Contact sponsor to
confirm time & place.
Call 215-222-3373, message box 3, to add your event to this calendar.
**Up and Down the Corridor
News of other Northeastern commuter rail and rail transit services
*Penn Station Tours
A free guided tour of Penn Station is offered by the 34th Street
Partnership on the 4th Monday of each month at 12:30 pm. Tours start
from the 34th Street Partnership Office in the Rotunda of Penn Station.
For more information call 212-868-0521.
*Baltimore Light Rail
Phase I of the MTA Central Light Rail Line is now complete, with the
opening of the segment to Glen Burnie.
*DC Doings
Washington Metro has been forced to spend scarce capital dollars for
headhouse enclosures to keep vagrants out of two of its downtown
Washington stations. Meanwhile, Metro GM and ex-SEPTA GM David Gunn is
becoming a lamer and lamer duck. Gunn has already announced he will not
stay in DC after his contract expires next March, and WMATA Board
members are talking about a buy-out. *The outer Green Line (Fort Totten-
Greenbelt) will open December 12.
**Computer Corner:
New Online Magazine
We welcome Rail Online, a new magazine which is 'published' over
computer networks. Editor Peter Kirn says the magazine will combine
latest news from around the world with a selection of the best
discussions from various on-line forums.
DVARP is supporting the project by providing articles from this
newsletter to Rail Online. You can contribute by sending mail to
73232.3534@ compuserve.com or 25777 Tara Dr., Barrington IL 60010.
Readers can download the magazine from various hosts or email Dan Dawdy
at dawdy@ tellabs.com for a subscription.
If you're just getting started on line, see the last few editions of
this column, or call or e-mail us for some hints.
*DVARP Phone & Voice-mail Directory
DVARP main number (voice mail line) 215-222-3373
1 Chuck Bode, President 215-222-3373
5 Tom Borawski, VP-Transportation 215-552-4198
6 Robert H. Machler, VP-Administration 215-222-3373
5 Sharon Shneyer, VP-Public Relations 215-386-2644
3 Matthew Mitchell, Newsletter Editor 215-885-7448
4 Betsey Clark, Volunteer Coordinator 215-222-3373
8 Mark Sanders, Treasurer 215-222-3373
2 John Pawson, Commuter RR Comm. 215-659-7736
(6 to 9 pm please)
3 Transit Committee 215-885-7448
7 Don Nigro, South Jersey Committe 609-869-0020
Computer e-mail address (internet)iekp898@tjuvm.tju.edu
**Upcoming DVARP Meetings:
Saturday, August 21, 1:00 to 4:00 Annual Picnic, Willow Grove
At the home of Ralph Page, 3140 Woodland Ave.
Broad St. Subway connecting with SEPTA R2 train leaves City Hall 11:49
22 bus leaves Broad and Olney 12:30
See page 14 for details
*Saturday, September 18, 1:00 to 4:00
Temple Univ. Center City, 1616 Walnut St.
DVARP tour of Amtrak's CETC Facility before the meeting
call 215-222-3373, message box 6 for reservations
*Saturday, October 16, 1:00 to 4:00 Collingswood, NJ
**Agenda for the August meeting:
1:00 introductions, agenda, minutes
1:15 Issues requiring immediate action:
Amtrak legislation
Penjerdel Council
SEPTA budget
2:30 Picnic
**Committee Meetings:
South Jersey Task Force: Sat., Aug. 21, 11:00 at 104 Edison Ave.,
Collingswood, NJ
Transit Committee: Wed., Aug. 25. call 215-222-3373, message box 3 for
time and place.
Philadelphia Trolley Coalition: Sat., Sept. 11, 11:00 at Chestnut Hill
Trolley Loop, Germantown Ave and Bethlehem Pike.
Commuter Rail Committee: Sat., Sept. 11, 12:00 at location to be
announced, call 215-222-3373, message box 2 for more information.
Light Rail Committee: no meeting this month
