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Announcements, FYI, Meetings

Michigan By Rail Forum stops in Grand Rapids on Oct. 14

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The Michigan By Rail Public Forum in Grand Rapids will be held on Thursday, October 14 from 6 – 8 PM at The Rapid Central Station.

Please Join Congressman Vern Ehlers, State Senators Mark Jansen and Bill Hardiman, Representatives David Agema, Roy Schmidt and Robert Dean, other elected officials and your fellow citizens for the Grand Rapids Michigan By Rail public forum.

The Michigan by Rail Forum in Grand Rapids  is part of a series of public forums taking place throughout the state to engage citizens on a vision for the future of Michigan’s freight and passenger rail system.

The event will include an overview of the existing system; an interactive rail mapping session; discussion of financing issues and a big-picture vision of the future of Michigan’s railroad system.

Forums cities include Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Dearborn, Detroit, Traverse City, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Battle Creek, Flint, Royal Oak, and St. Joseph/Benton Harbor.

Please participate and make your voice heard.

Partners for this forum are:

Michigan Environmental Council
Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers
Michigan Municipal League
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
& Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees,
Divisions of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
United Transportation Union
Disability Advocates of Kent County
The Rapid
Spencer Township
Solon Township
Tyrone Township
Nelson Township
Alpine Township
Ada Township
Village of Kent City
Grand Rapids Charter Township
City of Cedar Springs
City of Kentwood
Grand Valley Metropolitan Council
City of Lowell
Cascade Charter Township
Byron Township
Experience Grand Rapids Convention & Visitors Bureau
Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
Get Michigan Moving

FACEBOOK EVENT:

http://bit.ly/MIbyRail-GrandRapids

CONTACT:

Tim Fischer

(517) 487-9539

tim@environmentalcouncil.org

The Rapid Central Station is located at 250 Grandville Ave,  Southwest, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Announcements, Meetings, Press Releases

MARP to present awards at first ever meeting in the Upper Peninsula

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PRESS ADVISORY                                                                              16 September 20010

Contacts:  
John DeLora, Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, 313-575-6608     jdelorasr@gmail.com
Kay Chase, MARP Communications     269-903-8071     kay.chase@wmich.edu
Harry Gow, Transport Action Canada     hwgow@sympatico.ca
Chad Cushman, Indian Trails, Inc.     800.292.3831 ext. 200   ccushman@indiantrails.com

 The Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers (MARP), a passenger train advocacy group, will honor a homegrown motorcoach service and a Canadian advocate for sustainable transportation at the group’s first ever meeting in the Upper Peninsula taking place at the recently opened St. Ignace Transportation Center.

MARP is presenting its Special Achievement Award to Indian Trails, Inc., on the occasion of its 100th birthday. The company was founded as Phillips-Taylor Livery Service in 1910 by Cora and Wayne Taylor of Owosso and remains a family owned business. With facilities in Owosso, Kalamazoo, and Metro Detroit, Indian Trails employs 135 people and provides passenger services throughout all of Michigan, carrying one million passengers and traveling four million miles annually.

 “Despite the railroad in our name, MARP supports and promotes bus service for Michigan travelers and that is why we are pleased that Indian Trails has expanded its services to the citizens of our state,” says MARP spokesman Jim Wallington. “It now goes to Sault Ste. Marie and Newberry and connects residents throughout the Upper Peninsula to Amtrak trains at Flint, East Lansing, Kalamazoo and Milwaukee.”

 John DeLora, MARP Chairperson, adds, “Indian Trails has proven itself not just as a quality intercity and charter bus operator, but as a true pioneer in intermodalism. They provide connecting service to other bus lines, to airports and to Amtrak trains. This type of thinking about public transportation as an integrated system provides the public with more transportation options at a reasonable price.”

 Harry Gow, Founding President of Transport Action Canada (formerly Transport 2000 Canada), will be honored with MARP’s International Friendship Award for his decades of work on behalf of consumers of transportation services and for promoting sustainable transportation options through advocacy and education. Gow has provided recommendations for numerous City of Ottawa transportation plans. He is President of le Conseil regional de developpement durable de l’Outaouais (CREDDO) [Regional Council For The Environment And Sustainable Development] and a board member of les Transports Collectifs des Collines.   [photo attached]

 Gow retired in 2001 from the University of Ottawa where he was Field Placement Coordinator at the Department of Criminology. He resides in Chelsea, Quebec, where he works as a consultant for a rural community transit agency.

 “It is no exaggeration to say that the expansion of public transportation in Canada is largely based upon the foundation laid by Harry Gow’s work,” says DeLora. “His knowledge and the accuracy of his work are truly a resource not just for Canadians, but for the U.S. as well. He has long been an advocate of seamless, convenient cross-border transportation, which is something close to my heart as well.” 

 Gow will provide an update on recent developments in Canadian passenger trains, and on service to the border cities of Sarnia and Windsor. Also on the program is a short presentation by St. Ignace resident Judy Gross on history of passenger trains in the St. Ignace area.

 The meeting will take place at the St. Ignace Transportation Center, 700 U.S. Hwy 2, beginning at 9:30 am. The public is welcome.

The Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Inc. (MARP), is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation established in 1973 to improve passenger train service, travel conditions for passengers, and to work for the preservation of historic rail stations. The organization has more than 300 members statewide, publishes The Michigan Passenger quarterly, and maintains a website at   www.marp.org.  

Contact: Kay Chase, Communications Coordinator (269) 388-3777 or kay.chase@wmich.edu

Transport Action Canada, founded in 1976 as Transport 2000 Canada, is a non-profit, consumer-based organization whose primary purpose is research, public education and consumer advocacy. It promotes environmentally-sound transportation solutions and is actively involved in a wide range of issues such as: public transportation, safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, protection of the environment, intermodal cooperation and government regulation.   www.transport-action.ca/en/

Contact: Harry Gow, Media Relations Officer   (613) 594.3290   or email   hwgow@sympatico.ca 

Indian Trails, Inc. operates one of the largest and newest fleets of deluxe motor coaches in Michigan. Services include charters, tours, shuttles, airport transfers, casino runs and daily scheduled routes throughout Michigan and into Chicago as well as Milwaukee.  The Michigan Flyer Motorcoach Service offers seamless connections and affordable service to Detroit Metro Airport from Lansing, Jackson, Ann Arbor, and Detroit.   www.indiantrails.com

Contact:  Chad Cushman    800.292.3831 ext. 200    or email    ccushman@indiantrails.com

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Announcements, Meetings

Help MARP grow: Bring a prospective member to the Sept. 25 meeting in St. Ignace!

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U.P. MARP meeting celebrates Indian Trails 100th Anniversary

MARP members: meet in the U.P. (besides family, bring friends who could become members)

  • Special fares to celebrate Indian Trails’ 100th birthday and its new St. Ignace depot
  • Show support for Indian Trails’ expansion of Thruway service by traveling GREEN to the meeting on an Indian Trails coach at a highly discounted fare.
  • Low hotel rates too
  • We hope you support for the green effort and ride Indian Trails but you can leave the driving to yourself to attend and still take advantage of the low hotel rates
  • Bring a friend or family member (wife, son, grandchild; he or she does not have to be a member to take advantage of the special rates. )

Here’s the travel deal:

  • For just $35 for adults and $15 for kids under 12 — RIDE ROUND TRIP FROM ANY INDIAN TRAILS STATION IN LOWER MICHIGAN OR FROM MILWAUKEE OVERNIGHT THROUGH THE U.P.  Schedules can be found at www.indiantrails.com // (Note schedules are subject to change) Go up any day of the week before the meeting and return Sunday or any day the following week. Call Brenda Cheney at Indian Trails- (800)292-3831 ext. 217 for tickets. Ask Brenda for the special rate for the MARP-Indian Trails meeting. She would appreciate a call by Sept. 1 although she will accept a call no later than Sept. 12 in order to guarantee the tickets arrive by mail.
  • $54.99/room (1-2 adults per room plus children)– NIGHTLY RATE PLUS TAX AT THE VOYAGEUR INN, ST IGNACE, JUST STEPS FROM THE INDIAN TRAILS DEPOT. Continental breakfast included and pop corn nightly. Call the hotel at Toll Free: (877) 643-1530 and mention the MARP-Indian Trails meeting to get the special rate. Hotel web site is: http://www.stignacelodging.net/
    E-mail jwallington@msn.com if you have any questions.

 Here are meeting details:

Regular membership session starts at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 25, at the St. Ignace Transportation Center, which is Indian Trails’ depot adjacent to the Voyageur Inn. The meeting will mark MARP’s first meeting in the U.P. and will celebrate Indian Trails’ 100th year of service and the opening of Thruway service to the U.P. and to Bay City plus Indian Trails’ expansion of service to Sault Ste. Marie and Newberry. Local and company dignitaries expected. 

 Member and family fun ideas:

 DURING THE MEETING
While you and fellow MARP members meet, your friends or family can use the pool at the Inn or shuttle to downtown St. Ignace and ferry to Mackinac Island. Or simply relax. Or attend the meeting. 

Check these sites:
http://www.stignace.com/ or http://mackinacislandtourism.com/ or http://www.mackinacisland.org/gettinghere.html

 BEFORE OR AFTER THE MEETING:  
  • Ride the old  Soo Line trail to Trout Lake rail junction. Rent an off-the-road vehicle from our hotel and UP Sports Rental Saturday afternoon for a ride that uses the Duluth South Shore & Atlantic Railway (later Minneapolis St. Paul & Sault Ste Marie or Soo) abandoned rail bed to Trout Lake between (25 to 30) miles Saturday afternoon after our meeting. You can get a ½ half day rental with a 10 % discount & free helmet rental with a minimum of six (6) persons. Other rentals might be available during the weekend depending on availability. Call  (877) 643-1530 and/or check out this link: (prices on the site do not include the discount).
    http://www.stignacelodging.net/index.php?page=ATV_RENTALS_
  • Shuttle to the local casino
  • Shuttle to the ferries to Mackinac Island
  • Do a round trip to Mackinaw City via the island ferries
  • On Friday or Sunday, take the Agawa Canyon train in the SOO (Those who drove could invite those who rode Indian Trails to ride with them to and from the Canadian Soo. If there is sufficient interest, the hotel said it could arrange a shuttle for a fee.)
  • Bike the trails and country roads of the U.P. or Mackinac Island. Indian Trails said you can bring a bike but it must be properly boxed for storage under the seating area. Check Indian Trails regarding the cost.

Figuring the cost:

Round trip coach and two hotel nights:
FAMILY of 2 — $70 transportation. $110 hotel = $180; add 3rd night $235
FAMILY OF 2 with 11-year-old (son, daughter or grandchild) — $85 transportation. $110 hotel = $195; add 3rd night $250.
LONE TRAVELER — $35 transportation. $110 hotel = $145; add 3d night $200 (save by doubling with a MARP friend or other buddy)
Bring a friend/buddy/prospective member; does not need to be a current member to take advantage.

Those who drive pay only the hotel cost. See www.indiantrails.com  for detailed schedules. (Note schedules are subject to change) 

Unofficial Indian Trails schedule

 Some sample stations and times to and from St. Ignace (as of May 8):

 
LV northbound 
ARR
LV southbound 
ARR  
Kalamazoo 
3p  
11:45p  
8:50a  
5:20p  
 
11:35a 
9:55p 
8:45a 
8:25p  
Grand Rapids  
4:30p 
11:45p  
8:45a  
3:50p  
East Lansing* 
4:40p  
11:45p  
8:50a 
3:15p 
 
1:20p  
9:55p  
8:45a  
5:25p  
Flint * 
3p  
9:55p 
8:45a  
3:35p 
Saginaw 
3:45p 
9:55p  
8:45a  
2:55p  
Bay City 
4:15p  
9:55p 
8:45a 
2:15p 
Alma 
6:15p 
11:45p  
8:50a  
2p 
Mt. Pleasant 
6:42p
11:45p 
8:50a 
1:25p 
Clare 
7:35p 
11:45p  
8:50a 
12:45p 
Milwaukee** 
10p 
8:35a 
11:45p 
9a 

*Free parking available at E Lansing & Flint Intermodal stations 
**Connects to Amtrak from Chicago
See www.indiantrails.com for detailed schedules.   (Note schedules are subject to change)

Motor coach routing

Consider going north on one route and returning on another: For example, leave East Lansing at 1:20 p.m., see the sights along the Lake Huron Shore and arrive before 10 p.m. On the return leave at 8:50a and ride southbound through the middle of the state. Those riding south on the west Michigan line to Kalamazoo could make connections to return to East Lansing on Amtrak.  www.amtrak.com
 Greyhound connection available at Grand Rapids, East Lansing and Flint.  www.greyhound.com 

 MARP members can figure rail/bus connections at Kalamazoo.  
Detroit area members: Consider connecting on the Michigan Flyer in East Lansing.  Discounted fare not good on Michigan Flyer connection but safe parking at Metro Airport, Ann Arbor and Jackson Michigan Flyer sites. Be sure there is a safe connection when you call Michigan Flyer: (517) 333-0400. The website is:   http://www.michiganflyer.com/   
 
Remember, we expect some members to drive and pay only the hotel cost.
 
E-mail jwallington@msn.com if you have any questions.
Announcements, FYI, Meetings

Michigan high speed rail: Robust public session set for Holland Thursday evening

Sen. Kuipers and Birkholz, Rep. Genetski to join citizen dialogue

September 21, 2010 

Contact: John Langdon: 616-218-9009, Tim Fischer: 734-255-9206

A public forum on Michigan’s passenger rail transportation future will take place Thursday, September 23 in Holland from 6 to 8 p.m. at Holland East Public School.

Michigan State Sens. Wayne Kuipers and Patricia Birkholz along with State Rep. Bob Genetski and other officials will participate in a robust discussion of passenger rail’s future in Michigan.

The session is part of a series of 16 taking place throughout the state to engage citizens on a vision for the future. Citizen ideas will be forwarded to state and federal policymakers. The Holland event will be at the Holland East Public School, 323 E. 24th Street.

Residents are encouraged to voice their opinions on how to best upgrade passenger and freight rail service in Michigan to create a more convenient, efficient system. The forums are sponsored by the Michigan Environmental Council, the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, and the Michigan Municipal League as well as economic development and civic groups, governments and unions in the area.

“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 Langdon of the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers. “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.

“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. [Soft Break][Soft Break]Each forum includes 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 have drawn hundreds of citizens and civic leaders in venues including Royal Oak, East Lansing, Battle Creek, Traverse City, New Buffalo, St. Joseph, Dearborn and Jackson. Others are planned for cities including Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Detroit, Kalamazoo, Flint, Monroe, and Ann Arbor. See www.michiganbyrail.org for more details. 

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Meetings

Sept. 25 MARP meeting in St. Ignace

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MARP Member Meeting
Saturday, September 25, 2010
* ** 9:30 am – 11:30 am ***

St. Ignace Transportation Center
700 U.S. 2, Saint Ignace, MI 49781
(906) 643-1531

Our September meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 25, at the St. Ignace Transportation Center. This will be the first MARP meeting ever in the Upper Peninsula and will celebrate Indian Trail’s 100th anniversary and the extension of Amtrak Thruway service to Sault Ste. Marie. Members are encouraged to bring family or friends and make this a mini-vacation.

MARP will recognize Indian Trails expansion of through-way service to Bay City and Sault St. Marie with an award and a birthday cake. We will also present an award to State Senator Jason Allen for his successful efforts to create a Passenger Rail Caucus in the legislature.

Harry Gow of Transport Action Canada (formerly T-2000) is planning to attend to help honor Indian Trails and will give a brief statement of rail passenger conditions in Canada. Judy Gross will provide MARP with a presentation on the history of passenger rail in St. Ignace.

MARP will elect officers for the 2010-2012 period at the meeting. A quorum is needed for elections, so it is important that we have good attendance. The slate submitted by the nominating committee includes: Chair – Robert Tischbein; Vice-Chair – Barney Whittier; Secretary – Hugh Gurney; At Large (Communications) – Kay Chase; At Large (Public/Governmental Affairs) – John Langdon; At Large (Membership) – Kathleen Newell; At Large (Meetings) – Jim Wallington; Metro Detroit Regional Chair – Jim Hinkins; Northern Regional Chair – Don Monteith. Candidates are still being sought for the East/Central and the Western Regional Chair positions. If you would like to toss your hat in the ring or if you have a suggestion, please send an email to nominations chair Barney Whittier whittierbc@comcast.net

Members are encouraged to take advantage of Indian Trail’s $35.00 per person round trip fare from any point in Michigan served by Indian Trails or from Milwaukee. Call Brenda Cheney before September 12 at Indian Trails (800)292-3831 ext. 217 for tickets. Ask for the special rate for the MARP-Indian Trails meeting.

Call the Voyager Inn at 1-877-643-1530 and mention the MARP-Indian Trails meeting to get the special $55 room rate.

Although we are encouraging the use of public transportation, send a reply to this email if you would like to be connected with others to carpool to the meeting.

Note that the meeting will begin at 9:30 am so that members and their families/friends can enjoy some of the many activities available in and around St. Ignace, including the ferry to Mackinac Island, among other things. See www.marp.org for complete details. E-mail jwallington@msn.com if you have any questions. Even more information has been compiled at: http://www.marp.org/?p=1884

Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers

OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST

September 14, 2010

Great Lakes Central has extended an invitation to MARP members and others to visit the Owosso train yard between 1:00 and 2:30 pm to view the on-going renovations of the Mi-Train coaches that will be used for the Howell-Ann Arbor and Detroit-Ann Arbor commuter services. Please reply to this email if you plan to attend so Mike Bagwell can plan accordingly.

When you are finished at the GLC yard, you can hop over to the Indian Trails facility for the 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm open house celebrating their 100th Birthday. Call 1-800-292-3831 for the location of the open house.

October 14 – 16, 2010

MARP members are invited to attend the bi-annual meeting of the NARP Council of Representatives taking place at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, 187 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids MI 49503. The keynote speaker on Friday, October 15, is Joseph Szabo, Federal Railroad Administrator. On Thursday, October 14, is a limited-capacity, first-come-first-served bus tour of rail interest that includes a ride and lunch on the Coopersville & Marne Railway. The tour will begin at 8:30am at the Amway Grand Plaza and should be complete around 4-4:30pm. Separate registration for the tour is $40.

For more information visit the MARP website http://www.marp.org/?p=2193