MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
HISTORIC ESSEX RAILWAY STATION, ESSEX, ONTARIO
NOVEMBER 10, 2012

Members Signing In: Hugh Gurney, Charles R. Merckel, Don Monteith, Rosemary Horvath, Julien R. Wolfe, Bob Tischbein, Jim Roach, Larry Krieg,Steve T. Sobel, Diane Patterson, Robert Patterson, Jim Hinkins, Kathleen Newell, Jim Wallington, Michael Frezell, Ren Farley, Harry Gow, Dan Platz, Dave Randall, Connie Randall, John Langdon, Tim Hoeffner, Doug Wilson

Also Present: Bill Gay, Jeanie Merckel, Scott Holland, Ken Westcarn, Dixie Westcarn, Robbie Gibson, Bill Shay

Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:45 a.m.

History of the Canada Southern Railway:  Doug Wilson introduced our first speaker, Essex Historian and Station Caretaker Bill Gay.

After welcoming all to the station, Gay sorrowfully confirmed the recent decision of CN to remove the rails running in front of the station, explaining that after serving Essex for so long, the former Canada Southern is the victim of the corporate machinations of the big railroads.  Built as a line linking Windsor to Fort Erie, opposite Buffalo, the Canada Southern Railway was purchased by the Vanderbilt family, which already controlled the Michigan Central Railroad. It was immediately incorporated into the New York Central System.  With its 241.6 miles of double track, the Canada Southern became a key part of the New York-Chicago route as it was 150 miles shorter than going around the south shore of Lake Erie.  The railroad thrived until the 1960’s, when the New York Central merged with the Pennsylvania Railroad to become the Penn-Central.  This merger was disastrous and resulted in bankruptcy.  Penn-Central’s successor, Conrail, had no interest in running trains through Canada.  The Canada Southern was sold in 1986 to CN CP, a consortium of CN and CP, who purchased it with the express intent of eliminating competition.  Over the years, CN CP has been dismantling the line, bit by bit.

The track in front of the station will be lifted as far as Fargo to the east and a point called Pelton on the west, which is 5-6 miles east of Windsor.  During the past week, a crew was seen removing clips from the track.

Originally, the Canada Southern crossed the Detroit River south of Windsor and Detroit.  by ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario, to Stony Island, then by bridge to Grosse Isle and by a second bridge to the mainland of Michigan.  This route was abandoned when the first Detroit-Windsor railroad tunnel was built shortly after 1900.   A branch line to Leamington enticed H. J. Heinz to locate there.  Despite a thriving business, CNCP discontinued that line a number of years ago.

The beautiful stone station in Essex was built in 1887.  The architect is unknown.  Also unknown is why the Canada Southern built such a handsome station in Essex, as most of its depots were far more utilitarian.  By 1990, the structure was in bad repair and might well have been bulldozed.  Fortunately, local citizens joined together to restore the structure.  A one year levy of about $65 on local rate payers covered costs.  The outside was restored in 1992 and the inside in 1993.  Except for the addition of washrooms and a new counter at the entrance, the building is as it was in its heyday as a train station.

Canada Rail Update:

Wilson next introduced Harry Gow, founder of Transport Action Canada.

After thanking America By Rail for paying his passage from Montreal and VIA Rail for transporting him to Windsor, Gow reported that the proposed new Detroit-Windsor rail tunnel accommodating double stack rail loads is still on the books.  Funding may come from the Building Canada Fund.  CP and Borealis, which holds a major stake in the project, will make a joint application.  The new tunnel can accommodate passenger rail. Unfortunately, the new VIA station in Walkerville is nowhere near the proposed tunnel portal, which complicates matters considerably.

Gow noted that he had spent a good part of his life and much of his own money to get what was first known as Transport Action 2000 underway.  The organization supports all forms of public transportation, particularly rail and interurban buses.  Many recognize the name Transport Action 2000 but have not assimilated the new name of Transport Action Canada. 

With a cut in its subsidy by the Canadian Federal Government, VIA has cut service to Sarnia to one train a day, the Ocean Limited  to Halifax from six times a week to three times a week, and in the winter will cut the cross country Canadian from three times a week to twice a week.   At the present time, the company has no fleet renewal strategy.

VIA’s current CEO comes from a freight rail background, and the organization has little accountability to the public, reporting to the Cabinet, not Parliament.  The VIA Board of Directors is made up mainly of political appointees.

To combat these unfortunate circumstances, Transport Action Canada has developed its National Dream Renewed, calling for a renewed commitment to passenger rail.  Starting with a town hall meeting in Sarnia, Transport Action has held public forums throughout Eastern Canada.  The hope is that the squeaky wheel will alert enough of the public to bring about a change in attitude by the government.  Many in Eastern Quebec and New Brunswick are outraged, as cuts in the Ocean Limited service will now require an overnight stay in Quebec City or Moncton when they go there for medical appointments.  In Ontario, reductions in service are affecting employment opportunities in Kitchener and on the Niagara Peninsula.  Even wherecommuter rail or bus service is available, people with disabilities find it harder to get around.

 The last of the Eastern National Dream Renewed forums are scheduled for mid November, with more planned for Western Canada in the new year, after which a report will be made to all Members of Parliament and to the federal government, including a specific proposal to Parliament.  Taking a leaf from NARP’s and MARP’s book, Transport Action will work very closely with the legislators to bring about desired changes. 

Gow attributed the demise of the Northlander connecting Toronto with Cochrane to feuding within the Ontario Parliament between the dominant Liberal party which is stronger in the heavily populated southern part of the province with the less numerous New Democratic Party which is stronger in the sparsely settled north.  Premier Dalton McGinty, who ordered the cuts, resigned his post recently, but the bloodletting continues.

Gow is hopeful that the Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains (CAPT) will take the lead in fighting for the restoration of the Northlander as well as reestablishment of rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, Ontario.  Greyhound has reduced service to Sault Ste. Marie to one or two frequencies a day.  CAPT has the support of the northern municipalities and played a part in bringing Indian Trails bus service into Sault Ste. Marie, from Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.  Gow takes heart in the fact that young workers in northern Ontario are very supportive of passenger rail as a way to get to and from population centers.

From VIA Rail’s nascent interest in better bus-rail connections in Eastern Canada, Gow sees hope for a Thruway bus system similar to that existing in the United States.  He would love to see Indian Trails expand its service into Ontario.

Adjournment:  The monthly membership meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:                                              Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                         Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                     Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
HISTORIC ESSEX RAILWAY STATION, ESSEX, ONTARIO
NOVEMBER 10, 2012 

Present:  Robert Tischbein, Larry Krieg, Hugh Gurney, Dave Randall, Don Monteith, Rosemary Horvath, Jim Hinkins, Kathleen Newell, Jim Wallington, John Langdon

Also Present:  Morley Bowman, Harry Gow, Bill Gay, Charles Merckel, Jeanie Merckel,

Doug Wilson, Scott Holland, Ken Westcarn, Dixie Westcarn, Robbie Gibson, Julien R. Wolfe, Steve T. Sobel, Diane Patterson, Robert Patterson, Bill Shay, Michael Frezell, Ren Farley, Dan Platz, Connie Randall, Tim Hoeffner

Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.

Welcome:  Essex Town Council member Morley Bowman welcomed the group to Essex and to the historic Essex Railway Station.  Bowman stressed the value of the railroad to the development of the Town of Essex and emphasized the community’s determination to maintain the station as a symbol of rail’s contribution.  He expressed regret that the Canadian National had recently announced plans to rip up the historic rails that have served the town for 140 years and sell them to Mexico.

Chicago Union Station Task Force Report:  Krieg passed out a draft of the Chicago Union Station Passenger Action Taskforce Proposed Solutions and asked members, particularly those active with the taskforce, to review and submit their comments to him.  The taskforce has been working very constructively with Amtrak and has come up with this first draft of an action plan.  Once approved, it will take about a week for Amtrak to get word out to staff involved.  Krieg suggested that members of the taskforce present meet after lunch to discuss the draft.

In response to a question from Gurney as to whether additional trains scheduled over the Thanksgiving holidays were part of the action plan, Krieg noted that Amtrak was adding no additional coaches to existing trains.

Minutes:  Gurney asked members to review three sets of minutes: (1) Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting in Grand Rapids on July 28, 2012, (2) Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting in East Lansing on August 25, 2012, and (3) Minutes of the Membership meeting in St. Louis on October 13, 2012.

Langdon moved acceptance of the Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting in Grand Rapids on July 28, 2012.  Krieg seconded the motion and members of the Executive Committee present approved the motion.

Krieg then moved acceptance of the Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting in East Lansing on August 25, 2012.  This motion was seconded by Langdon and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Krieg then moved acceptance of the Minutes of the Membership Meeting in St. Louis on October 13, 2012.  Langdon seconded the motion and it was approved by the members present.

Treasurer’s Report:  Randall then passed out the Treasurer’s Report.  For the Calendar Year 2012, MARP shows a net income over expenses of $8,345 for an Operating Ratio of 62.48%.  The balance in the Chase Account stands at $31,661.34, including $17,141.26 of Pratt Fund proceeds awaiting the move to the new Vanguard account.

Randall then passed out a proposed budget for 2013, asking Executive Committee members to review for discussion at the January meeting.

Wallington moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report.  This was seconded by Krieg and approved by the majority of the members of the Executive Committee present, with one abstention.

Meetings:  Wallington distributed a proposed schedule of meetings for the Calendar Year 2013.  The next meeting is scheduled for Williamston on January 12, 2013.  Wallington pointed out that he August meeting in Manistee includes the opportunity to sleep aboard a historic Lake Michigan ferry for $25.00 per night.

Governmental Affairs: Langdon shared the Amtrak schedule for the Thanksgiving holiday period.  Amtrak has added two additional Wolverine trains on many of the days during the long Thanksgiving weekend, one departing Kalamazoo early in the morning and returning in the late evening and a mid morning Chicago-Ann Arbor frequency which will reverse at Ann Arbor and return to Chicago in the early evening.  Langdon is hopeful that this will be the start of additional frequencies on the Wolverine line. For this reason, MARP has printed 5,000 copies of this schedule and is overseeing seat drops on both the Wolverines and Blue Water, plus posters in each coach, and distribution to all stations.  The schedule is in the Amtrak computer and MDOT has sent a press release to all colleges and universities.  One additional train set, donated by Amtrak’s Eastern Division, will handle the enhanced schedule.  The early morning Kalamazoo-Chicago and late evening Chicago-Kalamazoo runs have been a MARP Route Enhancement Committee recommendation for several years.  The additional Chicago-Ann Arbor-Chicago frequency provides enhanced service on the most heavily used portion of the line.

Langdon agreed to follow through on Krieg’s observation that he saw no posters on train #354 the preceding night and only one crumpled black and white copy of the enhanced schedule.  Krieg noted that Amtrak will be comparing 2012 Thanksgiving holiday ridership with additional frequencies to 2011 statistics when they added more coaches to already scheduled trains.

Associate Detroit Metro Regional Chair:  Hinkins asked if Robert Patterson could assist him in his duties as Detroit Metro Regional Chair.  After discussion about how such a request could be implemented, Langdon moved that Robert Patterson be designated as Associate Detroit Metro Regional Chair with non-voting power on the Executive Committee.  The motion was seconded by Krieg and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Reduced Rate at Chicago Club Quarters:  In conjunction with the Chicago Union Taskforce project, Krieg has negotiated for a reduced rate at both Chicago locations of Club Quarters, 111 Adams Street and 79 E. Wacker. All MARP members qualify for the discount.  Check with Krieg for the password.  For the weekend rate, one must use the website to get the reduced rate.

Recess:  Chairman Tischbein recessed the Executive Committee meeting at 10:55 a.m. for the Monthly Membership meeting.  The Executive Committee meeting resumed at 12:00 p.m.

Detroit-Windsor Railroad Tunnel:  Responding to a question by Hinkins, Gow stated that the existing Detroit-Windsor railroad tunnels will be used for low level freight and could be used for passenger trains.  He believes the Detroit River International Crossing Bridge will be built before a new railroad tunnel. 

Wolfe informed the group that there will be a hearing on November 13 about the proposed new railroad tunnel.  Hoeffner reported that the environmental reviews for the tunnel project were moving forward, though the process was different on each side of the border.  The State of Michigan considers the tunnel an important project.  The State of Michigan supports both the tunnel and the Detroit River International Crossing.

Windsor-Toronto High Speed Rail:  According to Gow, technocrats in Canada are not placing high emphasis on high speed rail between Windsor and Toronto.  They are not considering the large population in Southeast Michigan that might use the service.  MARP needs to let them know that the world does not end at the Detroit River.

Support for Transport Action Canada:  Langdon moved that MARP appropriate $500.00 for the support of Transport Action Canada.  The motion was seconded by Monteith and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

MDOT Update:  Hoeffner reported that the commuter equipment refurbished for use on the proposed Ann Arbor-Detroit and Ann Arbor-Howell (WALLY) lines would be tested at speeds of up to 79 mph on the evening of Tuesday, November 13. The train will go from Pontiac to Jackson, making stops at all proposed stations, then return to Pontiac the same night, making all the stops.   The exact schedule is subject to the whims of the dispatchers.

As to the transfer of the Dearborn-Kalamazoo line from Norfolk Southern to MDOT, the technical issues have now been addressed.  Expect an announcement soon.

Note of Appreciation:  Wallington thanked Wilson for putting an excellent meeting together.

Adjournment:  Langdon moved adjournment.  This was seconded by Sobel.  The meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:                                              Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                         Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                     Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
St. Louis Historical Society / Pere Marquette Railroad Station
110 East Crawford Street, St. Louis MI 48880

OCTOBER 13, 2012

Members Present: Hugh Gurney, Dick Pekarek, Don Monteith, Michael Frezell, Steve T. Sobel, Jeanie Merckel, Jim Wallington, Dan Platz, Andrew Kent, Kay Chase, Burt Ten Brink,  John Langdon, Clark Charnetski, Janet Howes, Rosemary Horvath

Also Present: David McMacken (Speaker), Judy Root  (St. Louis Area Historical Society)

Call to Order:  In the absence of Chair Tischbein, Secretary Hugh Gurney called the general membership meeting to order at 10:13 a.m.  There was no Executive Committee meeting due to lack of a quorum.

Approval of Agenda.  The printed agenda was approved with the addition of two action items: discussion of Michigan State Ballot Proposals 2 and 5.

Treasurer’s Report.  In the absence of Treasurer David Randall, John Langdon distributed the current report. $800 was budgeted for the Annual Meeting. Receipts exceeded expenses. A separate sheet showing disbursals from the Transportation for Michigan grant was distributed. Due to confusion about the amount of Trans4M funds approved for the Chicago Union Station Passenger Action Taskforce (CUSPAT), it was moved (Langdon) and seconded (Wallington) that the amount available for this project be set at $2500. Motion passed. Chair Tischbein has committed $500 to the November 8 Rail Summit in Battle Creek. It was moved (Langdon) and seconded (Sobel) to approve the Treasurer’s report as submitted. Motion passed.

Approval of Minutes.  The minutes of the Grand Rapids Member Meeting on July 28 were approved as written. Moved by Langdon, seconded by Wallington, and approved.

Report of Meetings Coordinator.  Jim Wallington reported that the next meeting will be held at the Historic Essex Railway Station, Essex, Ontario, on Saturday, November 10. The January 10 meeting will be at the Historical Depot-Museum in Williamston MI. On March 16, MARP will meet in St. Johns MI.

Report of Governmental Affairs Coordinator.  John Langdon distributed information on a Rail Summit proposed by Ron DeCook for November 8 in Battle Creek. It was moved (Langdon) and seconded (Wallington) that Chase be authorized to submit comments on behalf of MARP to the Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac Passenger Rail Corridor scoping process. Motion approved. MARP will present its Citizen of the Year award to Michele Hodges and the Troy Chamber of Commerce at an invitation-only event on October 23. This is in recognition of the successful effort to overturn the decision of the Troy City Council and proceed with acceptance of a federal grant to build a new multi-modal transportation center in Troy. It was moved (Langdon) and seconded (Monteith) that Chase write a letter requesting a stop in Dowagiac for Train #364. Motion approved.

Featured Speaker Recounts St. Louis Railroad History.  Before introducing the speaker, Hugh Gurney thanked St. Louis Historical Society members Judy Root and others for their hospitality in providing coffee and cookies for the meeting. As is our policy, MARP will contribute $100 to the Society to aid in maintaining the historic depot and museum. Dave McMacken, member of the St. Louis Historical Society and author of two books about St. Louis – St Louis at 150 and Saratoga of the West – then took the floor to recount highlights of railroading in the St. Louis area. The major impetus for the building of the Saginaw Valley Railway was the accidental discovery, while prospecting a “brining” well in the area in 1869, of “magnetic” spring water that was thought to have healing powers. The springs were soon drawing daily crowds from Saginaw and St. Johns who had to travel by stage coach over muddy and difficult roads. A plank road built in 1870 improved the journey somewhat – the actual toll booth from the plank road stands outside the St. Louis depot today – but someone soon had a better idea: The Saginaw Valley Railway. Originating in Saginaw, the rails extended a bit beyond St. Louis and by 1874 were bringing 50,000 passengers annually to the village. Every penny of the $37,000 interest on the bonds was paid off. The line also hauled a good deal of freight: corn as well as the shingles, barrels and staves produced in local cottage industries. Before the rails were extended to Alma, a proposal was made for a Chicago-Saginaw-Canada line which would have included a water route from Chicago and up the Grand River. When the Saginaw Valley Railway was extended finally to Alma, passengers stepped off at an elaborate depot built with $300 raised by the ladies of the village. Unfortunately it was destroyed by fire two years later.

At its height, 6 daily trains carried visitors to and from St. Louis. The last passenger train rolled through the community in 1942. Freight is still carried on the original rail bed next to the restored station which was built in the 1920’s to replace the original station on the same site. [Note: 1910 is often cited as the date of the current building.] The covered platform would be the envy of many a present day Amtrak station. The track is currently owned by the Genesee and Wyoming, with a wye at Alma.

McMacken concluded by saying that St. Louis was also served by the Ann Arbor Railroad, but that’s another long story that will have to wait for another day!

Report of Communications Coordinator.  Chase said that the Fall issue of the Michigan Passenger will be out soon. She also asked that MARP officers check their email frequently and respond promptly when action is requested.

Membership Coordinator.   No report.

Regional Chapter Reports:

            Detroit Metro: Chair Jim Hinkins was not present. Hugh Gurney reported that Michael Benham will make a presentation on October 31 to the Livingston County Planning Commission following receipt of a $600,000 Federal Transportation Administration grant to advance the Wally commuter rail project. Gurney is in communication with Chad Cushman regarding a possible stop in Howell for Indian Trails’ Michigan Flyer service to the airport. The Flyer currently travels through Livingston County but makes no stops.

Clark Charnetski reported that the Ann Arbor City Council will consider a resolution at the October 15 meeting to require a vote of the people before approving the location of the proposed Fuller Road station. Ann Arbor is also conducting a $2.8 million “Connectivity Study” of its transit system.

            East/Central: Chair Rosemary Horvath suggests that we look at the impact of the new Lansing/East Lansing and Grand Rapids Megabus services on Blue Water and Pere Marquette ridership.

Northern:  Chair Don Monteith reports that the new Amtrak schedule shows Charlevoix/Beaver Island Ferry Dock as a throughway bus stop. [Checking the Amtrak website November 7 shows that Petoskey and Cheboygan are listed as well.] He says that 8-16 passengers a day are using the new service, many of them businesspersons connecting to the airport in Traverse City.

            Western:  No report.

Committee Reports:

            Route Enhancement Committee:  Gurney commented on the progress he sees when looking at the new schedule for Michigan trains and the connecting throughway bus services. The expansion of throughway bus services is significant.

Old Business:  John Guidinger has asked for help in gathering information on the ownership and management of train stations in Michigan. Chase has agreed to coordinate this effort using a standard reporting form. Charnetski said that this information could be useful to MARP in a number of ways.

New Business/ Good of the Order

            Michigan State Ballot Proposal 5.  Chase distributed an information sheet and requested that the members discuss and take a position on this proposal. This ballot initiative seeks to amend the Michigan Constitution to prohibit new or additional taxes by the State of Michigan unless approved by a 2/3 majority of members in each chamber of the legislature or by a statewide vote of the people. Chase pointed out that if it passes, just 13 state senators would gain the power to block tax votes supported by the other 135 members of the Legislature, in essence creating minority rule in the Legislature. This proposal would make it far harder to adequately fund transit, trains, and other important state services. She noted that taking a position on the proposal is fully legal under MARP’s 501(c)(3) status.  While we cannot support or oppose any candidate for public office, nonprofits are permitted to advocate for and against ballot measures. It was moved (Langdon) and seconded (Monteith) to take a position in opposition to Proposal 5. Passed unanimously. Chase then asked if MARP would consider helping to fund a newspaper ad. It was moved (Langdon) and seconded ( ? ) that no MARP funds be expended for such purpose. Passed with two dissenting votes.

            Michigan State Ballot Proposal 2.   Langdon conveyed a request from Lawrence Bancroft that the members discuss Proposal 2, a proposal to amend the state constitution regarding collective bargaining. Following brief discussion, no action was taken.

Chicago Union Station project.  Langdon reported that the Chicago Union Station Passenger Action Taskforce (CUSPAT), headed by Larry Krieg, has made two visits to CUS. Committee members will “shadow” certain station managers to gain a better perspective on daily operations. Ren Farley is working on a passenger survey form. To facilitate CUSPAT visits that may involve overnight stays, MARP has obtained a membership at Club Quarters which may be used by any MARP member in good standing to receive a reduced room rate. There are two Chicago locations:  75 East Wacker Drive   (312)357-6400  and  111 West Adams Street   (312)214-6400.       

Adjournment:  Langdon moved for adjournment.  The motion was seconded by Sobel and approved by the members present. Meeting adjourned at 12:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted:                                              Approved:

Kay M. Chase                                                             Hugh Gurney

Acting Secretary                                                         Acting Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
39^TH ANNUAL MEETING
DURAND UNION STATION, DURAND
SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

 Members Present: Clark Charnetski, Arman Balk, Christine Ballard, Lawrence Bancroft, Leonard Barry, Jared Becker, Frederick Bevis, Charley Bonnell, Tom Carroll, Philip Chamberlain, Kay Chase, James Clynch, John DeLora, Michael Frezell, Kaz Fujita, John Guidinger, Hugh Gurney, Jim Hinkins, Jane Hinkins, Rosemary Horvath, Janet Howes, Andrew Kent, Larry Krieg, Phillip Mange, Don Monteith, Diane Patterson, Robert Patterson, Richard Pekarek, Dan Platz, Dave Randall, James Roach, George Schlaepfer, Radley Smith, Sandra Smith, Gerald Smith, Larry Sobczak, Steve Sobel, Burt TenBrink, Steve Vagnozzi, Rich Vavra-Musser, Jim Wallington, Martha Wallington, Norma Ward, Robert Weinberger, Mike Whims, Don Wilson, Doug Wilson,  Tim Hoeffner, MDOT, Larry Swartz, American By Rail

Others Present: Melissa Horste, Senator Levin’s Office; Chris Hennessey, Senator Stabenow’s Office: Bob Johnston, Trains magazine; Marc Magliari, Amtrak; Mary Warner-Stone, Durand Union Station

Welcome & Introductions:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:40 a.m.   Durand Union Station Executive Director Mary Warner-Stone then welcomed all to the facility and pointed out recent improvements including a paved and beautifully landscaped long term parking area, refinished floors, repainted walls and new exhibits.  Over 200 hours of volunteer labor have gone into these improvements.

Melissa Horste from Senator Carl Levin’s office provided a status of rail improvements in Michigan.  Through Senator Levin’s efforts, Michigan has received $200 million for purchase and upgrade of the Kalamazoo-Dearborn rail line and new transportation centers in Troy, Dearborn and Battle Creek.  Ann Arbor has received planning money for a new station.  Horste then briefed the group on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill signed into law in July, 2012.  Referred to as MAP-21, it authorizes funding for both highway projects and public transportation for the next two years and promises to create or sustain 3 million jobs nationwide.  A New Starts program can be used for both rail and bus rapid transit projects.  A loan provision offers seed money for much larger transportation endeavors. 

Charnetski expressed the need for a new transportation center in Detroit to connect Amtrak with the proposed M-1 streetcar running up Woodward Avenue from downtown.

DeLora reported that a Continuing Resolution had been passed the night before, September 21, assuring transportation funding through March, 2013.   The scheduled Sequestration in January, 2013, will create problems.

Members present asked Horste to thank Senator Levin for his support for passenger rail over the span of many years. 

Chris Hennesey welcomed the group on behalf of Senator Debbie Stabenow.  He was asked to convey thanks to Senator Stabenow for her unwavering support for passenger rail.

The group then viewed a one minute video in which Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator Joseph C. Szabo expressed appreciation for MARP’s role in preserving and enhancing rail travel in Michigan.

California High Speed Rail:  Larry Krieg showed a brief video on the status of the California High Speed Rail project and its impact.  As the largest public works project in fifty years, it will reduce travel time between Los Angeles and San Francisco to 2 ½ hours at 1/3 the energy expenditure of airplanes, saving 12.7 million barrels of oil annually.  It is estimated that 100 million passengers will be using this service by 2030.

Bob Johnston of Trains magazine pointed out the area to be done first.

Status Board Project: Past MARP Chair John DeLora unveiled the Status Boards which will display electronically all arrivals and all departures from the Kalamazoo Transportation Center.  Designed by Larry Sobczak, the board will scroll up as each Amtrak train or Kalamazoo Transit, Indian Trails, or Greyhound bus arrives or departs the station.  It will show both scheduled and actual times for arrivals and departures and connections to the Kalamazoo Airport.  Funded by the Sally Mead Hands Foundation, the Status Boards are a prototype for other transportation centers.  Battle Creek and Flint may be the next.

“Full-Throttle For Michigan”:  Tim Hoeffner, Director of the MDOT Office of Rail, expressed confidence that the actual transfer of the Dearborn-Kalamazoo rail line from Norfolk Southern to MDOT would take place shortly.  Establishing clear title to property that has not been transferred in 180 years is proving a challenge.  Norfolk Southern also needs time to transfer affected employees to other positions in compliance with union rules.  Hoeffner confirmed that Amtrak would be responsible for track maintenance once the transfer takes place.  Contracts for design of the double track section between Dearborn to Ypsilanti have been awarded.  Materials are being stockpiled in Niles. Major construction work is slated for the spring of 2013.  The section between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek will be pushed.  For the time being, Norfolk Southern will continue dispatching. 

Construction at West Detroit is awaiting a final meeting with Canadian National.

Hoeffner urged all present to participate in public meetings scheduled during the coming week initiating work on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac Passenger Rail Corridor. This is a three state study, with MDOT serving as the lead agency.

In response to a question from Pekarek, Hoeffner agreed to take a look at the current Blue Water schedule to see if it could be tightened up.  He confirmed that, with PRIIA Section #209 taking effect in October, 2013, the state support for Amtrak Michigan train routes will be increasing – possibly to $25 million annually.

Hoeffner assured Doug Wilson that border crossing issues are being studied by a consortium of affected American states and Canadian provinces as well as many federal agencies on both sides of the border.  The chair of this group is in the MDOT Office of Rail.  Over 30 U.S. federal agencies have something to do with border crossings.

MDOT is very interested in hosting stationary exhibits and special runs of the reconditioned commuter equipment during 2013.

Robert Patterson urged MDOT to take a look at passenger service on the CSX line between Grand Rapids and Detroit. 

Charnetski noted that the freight carried daily through Menominee by CN is equal to 1,000 additional semis each day.  He would like to see the state’s growing crop production moved by rail. 

Remembrance of Dietrich Bergmann: After the lunch break, DeLora offered a tribute to Dietrich Bergmann, one of MARP’s early supporters and a past Chairman.  Bergmann, who passed away earlier in 2012, had remarkable grasp of details.

Minutes of the 38^th Annual Meeting on September 10, 2011 were reviewed.  Jim Wallington moved approval.  Jared Becker seconded the motion, which was then approved by the members present.

Treasurer’s Report:  Treasurer Dave Randall passed out the Treasurer’s Report.  Income for the 2012 Calendar Year as of August 31, 2012 stood at $19,045, while expenses have been $9,374.  DeLora moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report.  This was seconded by Krieg and approved by the members present.

Nominations: Steve Sobel presented the report of the Nominating Committee.  For the 2012-2014 term, the following have agreed to serve:

Chair:                                                              Robert Tischbein

            Vice-Chair:                                                      Larry Krieg

            Secretary:                                                        Hugh Gurney

            At Large Executive Committee Members:     Kay Chase

                                                                                    John Langdon

                                                                                    Kathleen Newell

                                                                                    Jim Wallington

            Regional Chapter Chairs:                                Don Monteith, Northern

                                                                                    Lawrence Bancroft, Western

                                                                                    Rosemary Horvath, East/Central

                                                                                    Jim Hinkins, Metro Detroit

DeLora moved that the slate be adapted by acclamation.  This was seconded by George Schlaepfer and approved by the members present.

“Untold Stories:  Routes Under Siege”:  Bob Johnston, correspondent for Trains Magazine, briefed the group on the conflict over food service on trains.  Those involved in the operation of trains see food service as an intrinsic part of ticket revenue, while Congressional critics try to compare it to restaurant revenue.  Johnston then provided visuals of rail passenger service in the remote northern regions of Ontario and how trains keep residents in communication with the outside world.  In areas without roads, trains are the only way to move people and their goods in and out.  Johnston bemoaned the planned discontinuance of the Northlander Express connecting Toronto to Cochrane in the far north.  Many with medical conditions use this train to get to their appointments.  A long bus ride will be far more excruciating.  VIA Rail’s Canadian provides a way to get in and out of other sections of remote Ontario.  It is slated to be cut from three times a week to two times a week during the winter months.  The Algoma Central operates passenger trains three times weekly to other remote sections of the province.

Johnston explained the threat to segments of the Empire Builder route in North Dakota because of flooding in the Devil’s Lake area.  Fortunately, Amtrak, BNSF, the state of North Dakota and the Federal Railway Administration are working together to raise the tracks.   The Southwest Chief’s present route through Western Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico is threatened because of deteriorating track conditions.  Unless the states affected are willing to assume responsibility for the maintenance of these tracks, the Southwest Chief will be rerouted through Oklahoma and countless small communities will loose passenger rail service.  Many of these communities, including Dodge City, Kansas, have invested considerable resources in upgrading station facilities.

Two corridors with augmented speeds up to 110 mph are underway in the Midwest, from Detroit to Chicago and from Chicago to St. Louis.  110 mph is the maximum allowed with grade crossings.  Positive Train Control was initiated on portions of the Detroit-Chicago route beginning in 1995.  The State of Illinois is funding some of the upgrade of the Chicago-St. Louis route.

In response to Doug Wilson’s query about Amtrak’s mandate for a national system, Johnston explained that long distance trains not only serve end points on a route, but many additional city pairs. Critics of long distance trains need to actually ride those trains to see how the really work, with people getting on and off at each stop.  Unfortunately, many of Amtrak’s major markets are served by only on train daily.  Revenue covers annual operating costs in the Northeast Corridor, but not capital needs.  While PRIIA #209 does not mandate that states in the Northeast Corridor pay for service, it does specify that those states must together cover some of the costs.  The formula is very complicated.

Wallington noted that VIA’s current model is to reduce losses by focusing on their major corridor, Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal and cutting back elsewhere.

“Amtrak’s Fleet Strategy and Chicago Union Station Master Plan” Marc Magliari, Amtrak Media Relations Manager, reviewed many of Amtrak’s recent successes. The company has had eight years of record ridership and is looking forward to another one.  It has cut its debt in half since 2002.  It now has a 79% fare box recovery rate.  Eight trains daily now operate at speeds of up to 110 mph in Western Michigan.  Under the leadership of Tim Hoeffner, Michigan has developed the first practical Positive Train Control system in the nation. 

The Federal Government has moved more general revenue funds to the highway trust fund in the past five years than it has expended on Amtrak in the past 41 years.  Federal operating subsidies for Amtrak are going down as ridership goes up.  Approximately 880,000 people rode Michigan trains in the past year.  Amtrak spends $46 million on procurement in Michigan.  When salaries are added, Amtrak added $62 million to the Michigan economy – real money and real jobs.

Stimulus funds have allowed Amtrak to put a lot of disabled equipment back in service.  New bi level cars have been ordered and will be put in service over the next several years, built in Illinois by a Japanese company.     

Magliari acknowledged that Chicago Union Station is hopelessly overcrowded.  The facility is now handling passengers once spread out over five stations.  Each year, some 3.3 million people now pass through the station.  Air conditioning of the Great Hall is now complete, so better use can of that space is now possible.  Business Class passengers will now be allowed to use the Metropolitan Lounge, freeing up some space in the overcrowded coach waiting area.  A CTA Bus Transfer Facility on Jackson is funded and should alleviate some of the mayhem outside the station.

Magliari foresees funding in the coming fiscal year for a taxi starter to control the jockeying of taxis on Canal Street.  Awaiting funding are such projects as moving the Metropolitan Lounge to the upper level of the Great Hall, which would add 450 seats in the coach waiting area.  Also planned are restroom expansion, and streetscape improvements to help people find their way into the station more expeditiously.  Magliari would like to see a below ground passageway from Chicago Union Station to the parking garage and to the Blue Line.  Wider platforms would help people get on and off trains more efficiently.  Most tracks on the South Concourse are used by Metra.   

A long term solution is more frequencies, so passengers do not have to wait as long at the station.

Amtrak is now updating its fleet strategy annually.  The average age of the total fleet is 28 years, resulting in additional expenses.  The company is currently looking for a vendor to build 40 additional Acela cars.  The entire Acela fleet will need to be replaced in the near future. Some 100 single level cars are also in the works.

By 2026, Amtrak will need to replace:

            825 single level cars

             40 Acela cars

            508 bi level cars

            208 diesel locomotives

Amtrak’s nationwide map looks very similar to that of 1971.  It remains a skeletal service, with major cities like Columbus, Ohio, and Los Vegas, Nevada, with no service at all.  Cutting more from the long distance service would cripple the viability of the remaining system.  Once a train is dropped, all its support facilities vanish – platforms, stations, even tracks.  This infrastructure can be very costly when new service is started. 

Magliari would like to see daily service to every major population center, with additional service on many lines.  Magliari believes in adding frequencies, not additional cars on existing trains.  The optimum length for short distance trains is six revenue cars.  Adding more cars means adding more staff.

Magliari noted that the quiet cars on all Hiawatha trains have been well received.  He would like to see more business class capacity.

Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:                                              Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                         Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                     Chair

MINUTES
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
 CORAL GABLES RESTAURANT, EAST LANSING
AUGUST 25, 2012

 Present:  Don Monteith, Bob Tischbein, John Langdon, Kay Chase, Jim Hinkins, Dave Randall, Jim Wallington, Hugh Gurney, Kathleen Newell, Larry Krieg

 Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 11:03 a.m.

 Treasurer’s Report:  As of July 31, 2012, MARP’s checking account had a balance of $9,807.52.  This includes a TRANS4M grant payment of $2,500 and dues of $145.00. The Pratt Fund was valued at $16,635.29.

 For the year to date, the contributions line in the budget is down, but dues are up.  Randall suggested raising the total income line by $5,000 and the expense line by $4,000.

Noting that we have already logged in a 2011 Trans4M payment in 2012 for expenses incurred in 2011 and that we expect an additional $7,500 from Trans4M in 2012, Langdon moved we raise the income line by $10,000 and the expense line by $8,000.  This motion was seconded by Wallington and accepted by the members present.

 Regional Boundaries:  Langdon moved that we adjust the boundary of the East/Central Region westward, so that the dividing line with the Western Region is Route M-66.  This would permit us to appoint Rosemary Horvath of Crystal to the vacant position of East/Central Regional Chair.  Horvath has volunteered for the office.  The motion was seconded by Randall and approved by the members present. 

Secretary Gurney was instructed to prepare maps showing the revised regional boundaries for the Chair, Membership Coordinator, Communications Coordinator and the regional chairs.

Appointments:   After discussion, it was agreed that the Chair should make the following appointments to vacant positions, effective immediately:

            Lawrence Bancroft                 Western Region Chair

            Rosemary Horvath                  East/Central Region Chair

            Larry Krieg                             Vice Chair

Tischbein will contact Bancroft and Krieg.  Chase will contact Horvath.

Dave Randall agreed to continue as Treasurer, with the understanding that he will be commuting between Michigan and Texas.

By-Law Review:  At Chase’s request, Tischbein agreed to appoint a special committee to review MARP’s By-Laws,  in place for ten years or more.  Langdon, Gurney and Tischbein will serve on the committee.

Annual Meeting:  Plans for the September 22 Annual Meeting at Durand Union Station were reviewed.   Bob Johnston of Trains Magazine will be the principal speaker. America By Rail will donate $1,000 to cover Johnston’s expenses as well as expenses for the November meeting in Essex, Ontario.  There will a welcome by the Director of Durand Union Station.  Railroad Catering of Durand will provide the meal, which will cost $14.95 per plate. The election of Executive Committee members will be announced at the business meeting, held right after lunch.  Michelle Johnson of Troy will receive the Leadership Award for her work in getting the Troy City Council to accept FRA funding for the proposed Troy Transportation Center.  The Annual Meeting has been announced in On Track, and a registration form has been posted on the MARP website.  Postcards have been mailed to all who paid their dues in 2011 and 2012.

Hinkins noted that John DeLora wants to commemorate Dietrich Bergmann’s contributions.  Bergmann died earlier in 2012.

Transportation For Michigan Work Plan:  Chase reviewed the July to December, 2012 Work Plan that MARP has negotiated with Transportation For Michigan (TRANS4M).  MARP members will be encouraging legislators throughout the state to support the pending legislation to allow establishment of a Regional Transportation Authority for four counties in Southeast Michigan, and urging communities to adopt Complete Streets ordinances, among other things.  Following passage in 2011 of enabling legislation, the State Transportation Commission has recently approved guidelines for implementation of Complete Streets legislation.   Complete Streets is the concept that all roadways except expressways should safely accommodate all users of the roadway including bikers and pedestrians.  MARP will also assist in the effort to permit the State Infrastructure Bank to fund rail infrastructure.

Langdon noted that members working on behalf of TRANS4M priorities can be reimbursed for mileage at 55 ½ cents per mile.  If a trip is over 100 miles round trip, they are encouraged to rent a car.  Reimbursement for authorized MARP activities remains at 15 cents per mile.

Chicago Union Station Passenger Action Taskforce:  Krieg briefed the group on his ideas for the taskforce.  The proposal is to implement short term improvements that can be accomplished immediately at little or no expense to Amtrak.  Essentially, this boils down to more efficient use of current space and insistence on positive customer relationships by Amtrak personnel.  Better signage and better employee training will be key ingredients.

To date, Krieg has contacted leaders of passenger advocate groups in Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois.  John DeLora has discussed the concept with NARP officials.

 NARP has agreed to talk with Amtrak officials in Washington and have them pass word down to their Chicago people that they should agree to work with the CUS Task Force.  It is critical that we get buy in from Chicago Amtrak officials.

Krieg envisions at least monthly meetings in Chicago between Amtrak officials and members of the CUS Task Force which will include members from all the affected Midwest states.  The Task Force will then make recommendations to Amtrak in early November for implementation by the Thanksgiving holiday.  Surveys will be conducted during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, with a final survey in late December.

Noting that TRANS4M funds could be made available, Langdon moved that MARP set up a budget of $2,500 to support the Chicago Union Station Task Force.  The motion was seconded by Gurney and approved by the members present. 

Treasurer’s Job Description:  Randall urged members of the Executive Committee to review the position description handed out at the last meeting.  It needs no further discussion at this time.

Coordinator’s Reports:

            Governmental Affairs:  Langdon handed out copies of Amtrak’s new baggage policies and urged members to read them and react.   Passengers will be permitted to check a total of four bags on long distance trains that have baggage cars.  The first two bags will be free, while the second two will cost $20.00 each.  Passengers will be allowed two carry- on bags as well as personal items such as purses, electronic devices, coolers, etc.

While not definite, it is possible that the new equipment order will include baggage cars for the Blue Water and for Wolverine trains connecting in Chicago with long distance trains.  MARP needs to be thinking of how baggage will be handled on these trains.  What about unstaffed stations?

The latest on the MDOT acquisition of the Dearborn-Kalamazoo line is that Amtrak has agreed to do the maintenance.  MDOT wants to encourage Norfolk Southern to grow their freight business on the line.  Track upgrades should be complete by 2017.

Supplemental money may be available to the states as they transition into PRIIA 209.

            Communications:  Noting that the summer issue of The Michigan Passenger had come out on schedule, Chase asked for comments.  Several members felt that they were not getting enough copies to distribute.  Pointing out that we were already over budget, Randall suggested that we may be giving too many away.  Chase suggested that the matter be referred to the Publications Committee, which can make a recommendation as to the appropriate number of copies which should be printed.

            Membership:  Newell reported that she was currently updating the membership records.  She hopes to provide an update at the Annual Meeting.

            Meetings:  Wallington handed out the proposed 2013 Meeting Schedule.  Gurney suggested that we flip Niles and Ypsilanti so that the Ypsilanti meeting is in February and the Niles meeting in April.  He also suggested that the December, 2013 Executive Committee meeting be held at the Howell Depot.  Krieg agreed to work on arrangements for the Ypsilanti meeting.

Regional Chapter Reports:

            Metro Detroit:  Hinkins reported on a recent briefing on the M-1 light rail project.  No new information was provided.  He will be attending an August 27 meeting at SEMCOG on the commuter rail project.  The MiTrain cars are ready, but need to be tested at 79 mph.  SEMCOG’s Palombo is still talking about “special event” trains this fall or winter. 

Gurney reported that the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority had recently received a $640,000 federal grant to further planning of the WALLY line between Howell and Ann Arbor.  Krieg added that AATA is applying pressure on the Ann Arbor Railroad to permit WALLY trains to go into downtown Ann Arbor.  The Ann Arbor Railroad owns the line from a point about three miles north of downtown Ann Arbor south to Toledo. 

            East/Central:  Langdon reported that construction of the new East Lansing Transportation Center should get underway by the end of 2013.  Gurney noted that the new long term parking lot at Durand was now complete.

            Western:  Service on the Pere Marquette has been extremely erratic, Langdon noted, with #370 often returning from Chicago very late and #371 departing from Grand Rapids very late the next morning.  He suggested revising the schedule.  Gurney noted that one of the metrics in MDOT’s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan specifies that trains should depart their initial station on time.

            Northern: Monteith expressed frustration about the misinformation Amtrak is providing about the station in Charlevoix, which has a sheltered waiting area.  Langdon agreed to provide the correct information to Amtrak’s Dave Kuhn.  As to an article on the advantages of trains over other forms of transportation, Langdon suggested that Monteith contact Amtrak’s Public Relations Officer in Chicago, Charlie Monteverde.

New Business:

Bergmann Memorial: Hinkins agreed to contact John DeLora about suitable comments at the Annual Meeting in memory of Dietrich Bergmann.

            Michigan State Long Range Transportation Plan:  Gurney reported on his attendance at a briefing in Lansing on the Michigan State Long Range Transportation Plan and his review of portions of the plan including the Overview, Goals, Objectives and Performance Measures, Intercity Rail Service and Intercity Bus Service.  He suggested that MARP recommend increased frequencies on all existing passenger rail lines; new service on the I-96 corridor from Grand Rapids to Detroit; on the U.S. 23 corridor, Durand-Ann Arbor; on the I-75 corridor, Bay City-Detroit-Toledo; and the U.S.131 corridor, Kalamazoo-Grand Rapids.

He also recommended new intercity bus service on the U.S. 31 corridor, Holland-Traverse City and a second daylight frequency on the U.S. 41 corridor, Marquette-Milwaukee.

Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted:                                              Accepted:

Hugh D. Gurney                                                         Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                     Chair