Category Archives: Announcements

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Announcements, Meetings

MARP meets Feb. 11, 2012 in Kalamazoo

ANNOUNCING
MARP Member Meeting
Sat., Feb. 11, 2012, 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.,
(Executive Committee will meet at 10:30 a.m.)

The Old Dog Tavern
402 East Kalamazoo Avenue
Kalamazoo MI 49007     (269) 381-5677

Map & Driving Directions

Please note that the February meeting will begin one-half hour later than usual to accommodate those who plan to arrive on the Wolverine #351 (9:50am) or the Blue Water #365 (10:20am). Please reply by email, marprail@yahoo.com , if you plan to travel by train. We will provide transportation for you to the meeting place.

Formerly operated as Kraftbrau, the building now occupied by The Old Dog Tavern is in the heart of what was once a hub of railroad activity  —  as late at 1979 there were seven passenger train depots still extant in the area. Look for the building’s historic name “STAR PAPER” emblazoned across the front below the top floor windows.  The Grand Elk now operates on the former Chicago, Kalamazoo & Saginaw  tracks that run alongside the building. Mike Madill and John Conor, who have been instrumental in reviving interest in the history of the CK&S in recent years, will be our featured speakers.

As always, all are welcome to attend the executive committee meeting at 10:30 am, followed by the member program at 11:30. For lunch The Old Dog Tavern offers a varied menu, including pasties and pizzas.

Weather permitting, we may do a walking tour to view sites of former and existing railroad infrastructure. Or you may wish to attend a portion of what has become a winter tradition in Kalamazoo: the Cooper’s Glen Music Festival  held indoors at the Radisson Hotel. Headliners in this acoustic music celebration are Beppe Gambeta & Peter Ostroushko, along with May Erlewine & Seth Bernard and many others. If your tastes run more to jazz and show tunes, WMU’s award winning vocal jazz ensemble will be presenting  Gold Company Salutes The Oscars at 2 & 8 pm at Miller Auditorium on Saturday. For lodging information visit Discover Kalamazoo.

We look forward to seeing you in Kalamazoo!

Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers

 

REMINDER: The next quarterly meeting of Operation Lifesaver is Friday, February 10 at 9:30 am at Durand Union Station. The agenda includes updates from MI railroad companies, lunch hosted by Robert Chaprnka, President of the Michigan Railroads Association, and an afternoon speaker.

RSVP to:
samcrowl@comcast.net
248-823-7037

Announcements, News

MDOT’s new Office of Rail names director, will oversee all rail services

Tim Hoeffner

January 30, 2012 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced Timothy H. Hoeffner as director of the newly created Office of Rail. He has more than 30 years of experience at MDOT. He also is Gov. Snyder’s representative on the Midwest Intercity Passenger Rail Commission, where he serves as vice chair.

Hoeffner has had many assignments at MDOT, including manager, Freight Safety and Services Division; manager, Rail Passenger Services Division; and administrator, Intermodal Policy Division, where he served as policy advisor on critical transportation issues, and analyzed and monitored federal and state legislation. He is a licensed professional engineer, with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University .

Hoeffner and his wife, Rosaria, reside in Williamston and have three children.

The Office of Rail will have overall responsibility for rail-related activities at MDOT, including the department’s relationship with the rail industry, rail economic development, regulatory activities associated with grade crossings and rail clearances, funding for grade crossings, and railroad engineering, as well as passenger and freight operations.

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Announcements, FYI

Take 20% Off when You Travel Select Michigan Train Routes

The Midwest winter does everything big. Big snow. Big cold. And thanks to Amtrak – big savings. When you travel this winter on select Michigan routes, you’ll save 20% on travel.

Book your trip now through April 29, 2012 for travel January 1 through April 30, 2012 and save on fantastic Michigan routes like the Blue Water, Pere Marquette and Wolverine. You’ll be able to stop and explore beautiful sights like Lake Michigan, Chicago and travel as far as Grand Rapids and Detroit, Michigan.

Whether you’re heading someplace new, or to your favorite winter getaway, you’ll be sure to find an Amtrak route that fits your travel wants, as well as your budget needs. With more comfort, less stress and great amenities, your winter getaway can get started before you leave the station.

You have many ways to get out this winter. And so many ways to save big. Get 20% off your Michigan travel this winter.

Terms and Conditions
  • Valid for 20% off the regular (full) adult rail fare.
  • Valid for sale December 1, 2011 – April 29, 2012.
  • Valid for travel January 1 – April 30, 2012.
  • Blackout dates: – January 2, 2012 – February 17 and 20, 2012 – April 5-6 and 9, 2012
  • Advance reservations are required a minimum of one (1) day prior to travel.
  • Seating is limited, seats may not be available on all trains at all times.
  • Up to 2 children ages 2 – 15 may accompany each adult at half the regular (full) adult rail fare.
  • Valid for travel on the following services: Blue Water, Pere Marquette, and Wolverine.
  • Valid for coach seats.
  • Upgrade to Business Class is available upon full payment of applicable accommodation charges.
  • Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice.
  • Not combinable with any other discount offer.
  • In addition to the discount restrictions, this offer is also subject to any restrictions, blackouts and refund rules that apply to the type of fare purchased.
  • Once travel has begun, no changes to the itinerary are permitted.
  • Other restrictions may apply.
You must click on the “Book It Now”  button to receive this discount on the following web page link:
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?ff=No&c=AM_Content_C&pagename=am%2FLayout&p=1237405732514&cid=1248544987369

Fare discount will be automatically applied to qualifying travel when a selected train is added to the cart.

Valid for Sale Through April 29, 2012

Valid for Travel January 1 – April 30, 2012

Announcements, FYI

Get a 25% Discount on Travel between Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City and Grand Rapids in January

Book Early and Save Big with Amtrak SmartSeatsSM

Have upcoming travel plans? Book now and enjoy substantial savings with Amtrak SmartSeatsSM. Each month Amtrak will release a limited amount of discounted seats on some of our most popular routes. The routes on sale change every month, so if the sale is in your area, Amtrak will let you know first via email. Sign up for Amtrak e-mail now if you don’t currently receive it.

This month, Amtrak brings you great Midwest offers on the Pere Marquette, Missouri River Runner and the Lincoln Service. And when you book your tickets now through January 31, 2012, you’ll save 25% on travel May 1 – 31, 2012.

Pere Marquette

From Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI, the Pere Marquette allows you to enjoy the scenic landscapes and onboard amenities before you arrive in Chicago or visit the museums and attractions of Grand Rapids.

Missouri River Runner

Stretching from Kansas City to St. Louis, MO, take in the scenery of the “Show Me” state and experience barbecue and jazz, antique shops, the Truman Presidential Museum and Library, and more.

Lincoln Service

Running daily from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO, you’ll have the Willis Tower and the St. Louis Gateway Arch bookend a journey filled with unique and exciting Illinois destinations, as well as comfortable amenities and local snacks and beverages.

You can also bring up to two kids along at half the discounted fare, so your whole family can enjoy natural beauty and entertainment for less. Book early and save big on three routes with SmartSeatsSM offers. Enjoy 25% savings by booking before January 31, 2012.

 

Terms and Conditions
  • Valid for 25% off the regular (full) adult rail fare.
  • Valid for sale January 1 – 31, 2012
  • Valid for travel May 1 – 31, 2012.
  • Blackout date: May 25, 2012.
  • Up to 2 children ages 2 – 15 may accompany each adult at half fare.
  • Seating is limited; seats may not be available on all trains at all times.
  • Valid for travel on the following services: Pere Marquette, Missouri River Runner, and Lincoln Service.
  • Valid for coach seats only; no upgrades permitted.
  • Fares are non-refundable once ticketed; exchanges are permitted within ticket validity period.
  • Not combinable with any other discount offer.
  • In addition to the discount restrictions, this offer is also subject to any restrictions, blackouts and refund rules that apply to the type of fare purchased.
  • Once travel has begun, no changes to the itinerary are permitted.
  • Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice.
  • Other restrictions may apply.