Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements, FYI

Strike has been averted; VIA Rail offering discounts

VIA Rail press release/announcement:

June 27, 2010

Hello,

VIA Rail Canada is pleased to announce we have reached an agreement with a portion of our unionized employees, represented by the Canadian Auto Workers’ union (CAW). All services, on all trains to all destinations will continue as normal.

For your next trip with us, take advantage of our incredible offers

This summer, kids travel for only $10!
See the country with the whole family: your kids can take the train for only $10 each. Click here for all the details.

Train packages
You prefer a getaway? Visit trainpackages.ca to learn more about our train-hotel-activity packages.

Supersaver fares
Tight budget? Compare our fares on our major routes and take advantage of super savings every day. Some conditions apply.
Click here to learn more.

We’ll be happy to welcome you on board.

Sincerely,
François-Yves Caya
François-Yves Caya
Manager, Loyalty Marketing

Announcements, FYI, News, Press Releases

Michigan by Rail Public Forums

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Summer, Fall 2010

The federal Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) requires states to prepare state rail plans in order to receive federal rail grants.  The Michigan Department of Transportation is in the early stages of putting Michigan ’s rail plan together.  Public participation and input is a requirement of a successful state rail plan.   

In the summer and fall, 2010, the Michigan Environmental Council, the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers and partner organizations will convene a series of public forums throughout the state in an effort to engage Michigan citizens in a discussion about their vision for the state’s passenger and freight rail system.    

  • An overview of the state’s existing rail system
  • An interactive rail mapping session 
  • A discussion of public financing issues for rail projects and service   
  • A statewide vision for freight, intercity passenger and commuter rail

Michigan by Rail Public Forum Dates and Locations
(Subject to change, check http://www.michiganbyrail.org)

July 8 – East Lansing – 6 p.m. at The People’s Church –  details
July 22 – Traverse City  – 7 p.m. at the Civic Center – details

Forums are planned for New Buffalo,  Jackson,  St. Joseph / Benton Harbor,  Holland/Muskegon, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor. A forum was already held in Royal Oak in June.

More information is available at:
http://www.michiganbyrail.org

Announcements, FYI, News

Ride the Michigan Northern Arrow special train to Petoskey this Labor Day weekend

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This year’s Labor Day weekend will feature a rare and nostalgic opportunity for Michiganians:  a train trip from south central Michigan to Petoskey and two full days in the popular Little Traverse Bay region.  The Michigan Northern Arrow will blend the leisurely ambiance of rail travel with the enjoyment of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, the Straits and the Soo.  Bluewater Michigan Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society is presenting this new ‘take” on a bygone tradition of rail excursions “Up North” with the cooperation of the Great Lakes Central railroad and the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Michigan Northern Arrow departs Owosso Friday morning, Sept. 3, with complimentary bus connections from metropolitan Detroit and west Michigan points.  The diesel-powered train of coaches, a sleeper, diners and lounges will take a day-long ramble through Mt. Pleasant, Clare, Cadillac, Manton, Kalkaska and Boyne Falls to the former GR&I (Pennsylvania Railroad) station in downtown Petoskey.  Refreshments, snacks, lunch and dinner will be served enroute.  At the end of the line, passengers will board buses to the Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Inn or Days Inn, depending on package selections.

Saturday will be spent relaxing, shopping Petoskey’s Gaslight District, strolling the shoreline paths or quaint Victorian-era Bay View, or visiting the new Odawa Casino. Side trips to Boyne City or Harbor Springs, including a bay cruise on the Pointer, may be reserved in advance.  Sunday affords more relaxation and shopping or a prepaid trip to Mackinac Island, Keewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie, or through the Soo locks by boat, with lunch on board. 

On Labor Day, passengers who make advance reservations to do so may take part in the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk, and will board the homebound train down line.  The Michigan Northern Arrow departs Petoskey at 8:00 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Owosso in the early evening. 

The excursion will feature Coach, First Class and Ultra Class packages, priced according to on-board and overnight accommodations and services.  Side trips away from Petoskey are priced separately, but in-town shuttles will be available at no additional charge.

Full information, including a detailed flier, is available from Bluewater Michigan Chapter, NRHS at 800-594-5162, or on-line at www.bluewaternrhs.com.

Bluewater Michigan Chapter of the National Railway Historical Chapter is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of rail traditions, equipment and artifacts, and is headquartered in Royal Oak.  Great Lakes Central railroad operates freight service between metropolitan Ann Arbor, Traverse City and Petoskey, and is headquartered in Owosso.

MEDIA CONTACT:  BILL HARMAN, 989-860-3900

Announcements, FYI, Meetings, News

Public forum scheduled for June 14 on passenger rail in Royal Oak

From The Royal Oak Daily Tribune

Public can help put modern rail system on track

ROYAL OAK — The first in a statewide slate of public forums on Michigan’s passenger rail transportation future takes place from 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 14, 2010 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 26988 Woodward Ave., which is at the southeast corner of 11 Mile Road.

The public can voice their opinions on how to best upgrade passenger and freight rail service in Michigan to create a more convenient, efficient system.

Attendees include State Rep. Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak), Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison, and staff from U.S. Congressman Gary Peters’ office.

“Recent federal support has put Michigan in a great position to build a modern rail transit system that is clean, fast and convenient,” said John DeLora of the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, which is one of the forum sponsors.

“We want residents to shape that vision and discuss how best to meet big challenges like funding for such a rail network.”

Investments in state-of-the-art passenger rail can help speed the way toward a new, robust economic model for the state that will also soften our environmental footprint, according to spokespeople for the other sponsors, the Michigan Environmental Council and the Michigan Suburbs Alliance.

“High speed rail is about much more than just tracks, trains, and trip times,” said Tim Fischer of the Michigan Environmental Council. “It’s also about creating thousands of green construction and manufacturing jobs that can help drive a new, clean-energy economy.”

Fischer said a modern rail system can revitalize urban centers, reduce freeway and airport congestion, and boost the use of urban public transit while reducing air pollution and carbon emissions in the process.

Each forum will include an overview of the existing rail system, an interactive rail mapping session, discussion of financing options and a big picture vision for a modern Michigan high speed rail system.

Forums later this summer are being planned for cities including Traverse City, Grand Rapids, New Buffalo, Lansing, Jackson, Holland, Detroit, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph/Benton Harbor and Ann Arbor.

Original article appeared at:
http://www.dailytribune.com/articles/2010/06/10/news/doc4c11334ddfc1d998866018.txt#blogcomments
This version was edited to include complete date for web reading.