On November 24, 2011, Amtrak’s Great Dome car 10031 was in the consist of Wolverine Service train 351, Pontiac-Detroit-Ann Arbor-Kalamazoo-Chicago. This 12-minute video shows scenes from the section between Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo.
Category Archives: FYI
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Conductors to Begin Scanning eTickets on Downeaster Service
From Amtrak:
In the next step toward a nationwide eTicketing system, conductors on the Downeaster this month began scanning “print anywhere” eTickets using handheld mobile device.
eTicketing provides significant benefits over traditional paper tickets. Passengers no longer have to pick up their tickets at a station, and they do not have to worry about keeping up with paper tickets that would have to be repurchased if lost. They also can more easily make changes to their trip itineraries while on the go.
For the company and crews, the shift to eTicketing means a reduction in paper usage and access to real-time passenger manifests, which will help the company better manage capacity and revenue.
This pilot project on the Downeaster is being conducted in partnership with the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA).
The rollout of eTicketing will continue on the Capitol Corridor, San Joaquin and City of New Orleans routes in early 2012, and is slated to be adopted nationwide by next summer.
Niles Amtrak Depot lights up Dec. 3
From the Niles Star:
From 4:30 to 6 p.m. Dec. 3, the Four Flags Garden Club will host its 20th annual Hometown Christmas Celebration at the Historic Amtrak Depot, 600 Dey St., Niles.
The impetus for this free, annual event is the last scene of the 1991 John Candy movie “Only the Lonely,” which was filmed at the depot on a warm summer night. To create a Christmas scene, the studio placed lights on the roofline and fake snow on the ground. Many Niles locals served as stand-ins.
After the filming, the studio left the lights behind and the garden club, along with community members campaigned to “Keep the Lights Burning.”
This was a fundraising endeavor to rewire the depot in order to use the lights, as the movie company had used portable generators.
Now, two sets of lights later — the most recent being energy-efficient LEDs — the event marks its 20th anniversary.
Everyone is invited to visit the depot to enjoy the holiday decorations, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy homemade cookies, cider and candy.
The depot interior and exterior will be decorated with fresh greens, window topiaries, wreaths and handmade ornaments on the Fraser fir tree donated by Pinecrest Christmas Tree Farm of Galien.
Entertainment will be provided by Lake Effect Winds, a woodwind quartet from St. Joseph, performing music ranging from classical to 20th century.
Niles Mayor Mike McCauslin will address the group, and community royalty will stop by.
A drawing will be held at 5:45 p.m. for two round- trip tickets, compliments of Amtrak, from Niles to Chicago for two lucky people. The tickets are free, and you must be present to win.
The official lighting of the Depot outside lights will be at 6 p.m.
If anyone is interestedin learning more about the club, call Elaine at (269) 683-5292.
Dormant Upper Michigan track may reopen
From Trains Magazine:
In a filing with the Federal Surface Transportation Board, short line Mineral Range, Inc., has proposed purchasing 12 miles of Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad trackage in Upper Michigan and rebuilding track on another 1.9 miles of abandoned right of way that is now a trail. Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co. is opening a copper and nickel mine at Humboldt, Mich., that would be served by the reopened track.
The 12 miles of LS&I track extends from Landing Junction in Ishpeming to Humboldt Junction, Mich., and is used solely by Canadian National trains via trackage rights. CN uses the line to reach its ex-Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Branch to L’Anse, Mich. Mineral Range would purchase the line from LS&I, with CN retaining operating rights.
To reach the Kennecott facility, Mineral Range would rebuild 1.9 miles of abandoned track from Humboldt Junction to Humboldt. This right-of-way has been rail banked and is currently an unimproved trail. Kennecott would rebuild another 0.75 miles of track into the mill area.
Mineral Range would move traffic from Humboldt to the yard at Ishpeming, Mich., where it would be interchanged to CN. LS&I has agreed to sell two yard tracks at Ishpeming to Mineral Range for this purpose.
Kennecott Eagle Minerals has roughly 200 contractors working at the mine and mill. Production is slated to begin in 2013. The mine is expected to produce 300 million pounds of nickel and 250 million pounds of copper.
Michigan Rail Summit 2011 featuring keynote speaker Gov. Snyder on Oct. 31
The Michigan Rail Summit 2011 will be held on Oct. 31, 2011 at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing from 11:30 a.m. -5 p.m.
Across the state, leaders are focusing on initiatives to help move Michigan toward a prosperous future. On Oct. 31, the Michigan Environmental Council, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Railroads Association, Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers and The Right Place Inc., will host a summit focused on statewide passenger and freight rail development and provide an opportunity for national and state leaders to share their thoughts and expertise on an array of topics related to rail transportation in Michigan.
Join us as we explore questions and topics related to Michigan’s rail future. Keynote speaker Governor Rick Snyder will discuss the importance of freight and passenger rail in the state’s economy.
US Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary John Porcari will present a federal perspective on the need for investment in rail transportation and infrastructure.
Make plans to come explore how rail development affects Michigan business and the economy and hear presentations by industry experts, including Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle and former mayor of Meridian, Mississippi John Robert Smith. There will also be a panel discussion of elected officials, including Senator John Proos and Representative Wayne Schmidt. This is an opportunity for you to engage with leaders across the state to identify an agenda for Michigan’s future prosperity and transportation sustainability.
Seating is limited, so visit the Michigan Rail Summit website and register. Registration, including lunch, for the event is free and required for admission to the Michigan Rail Summit. Logistics and agenda information are also available on the website.