Long Distance Services Going Tri-Weekly
Amtrak management is moving forward with a plan to reduce passenger rail services throughout the network effective October 1, 2020. The plan also involves a furlough of over 1,000 Amtrak employees.
We are fully understanding that Amtrak, just like the airlines, is facing a sharply reduced demand in light of the COVID-19 epidemic. However, we are also aware of the damage that reduced frequencies caused in past experience.
Reduced service will preclude Amtrak's ability recover. As it stands now, almost all of Amtrak's canceled routes are back in service and business is recovering throughout the system. Tri-weekly services instead of daily services could cause Amtrak to lose existing customers, which would inhibit the company's ability to recover.
Amtrak services also contribute to the tourism industry in hundreds of markets, which is also in need of economic recovery. Reduced rail services could slow the recovery of this important industry, which would be counterproductive for all stakeholders - not just Amtrak.
Of equal concern, less-than-daily services will effect the mobility of people who depend on the rail system as a convenient and economical travel option.
We encourage all rail advocates to voice your concerns. We need our rail passenger system to not only recover from a very difficult year, but to also be part of the recovery for communities and industries that are served by the rail system.
[ It's helpful to note that the new President and CEO of Amtrak, Mr. William Flynn assured Congress that the service cuts are only temporary and that he sees daily train service as essential to the overall success of the Amtrak system! ]
Please take some time this month and contact your elected representatives about this matter. Rural mobility and rail service to the heartland of America cannot be overlooked at a time like this!
Click here to view RPA's Advocacy Guide for the proposed cuts in service.
We are fully understanding that Amtrak, just like the airlines, is facing a sharply reduced demand in light of the COVID-19 epidemic. However, we are also aware of the damage that reduced frequencies caused in past experience.
Reduced service will preclude Amtrak's ability recover. As it stands now, almost all of Amtrak's canceled routes are back in service and business is recovering throughout the system. Tri-weekly services instead of daily services could cause Amtrak to lose existing customers, which would inhibit the company's ability to recover.
Amtrak services also contribute to the tourism industry in hundreds of markets, which is also in need of economic recovery. Reduced rail services could slow the recovery of this important industry, which would be counterproductive for all stakeholders - not just Amtrak.
Of equal concern, less-than-daily services will effect the mobility of people who depend on the rail system as a convenient and economical travel option.
We encourage all rail advocates to voice your concerns. We need our rail passenger system to not only recover from a very difficult year, but to also be part of the recovery for communities and industries that are served by the rail system.
[ It's helpful to note that the new President and CEO of Amtrak, Mr. William Flynn assured Congress that the service cuts are only temporary and that he sees daily train service as essential to the overall success of the Amtrak system! ]
Please take some time this month and contact your elected representatives about this matter. Rural mobility and rail service to the heartland of America cannot be overlooked at a time like this!
Click here to view RPA's Advocacy Guide for the proposed cuts in service.
New cars in service on the Star
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The Music City Star is now the WeGo Star with refurbished equipment, a fresh look, and new amenities that made their debut in August!
Although the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on ridership and revenue, and required the temporary elimination of a round trip schedule, Tennessee's only commuter train is still on the move! For complete information, log on to www.rtarelaxandride.com/ |
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Fulton, Kentucky on track to receive new Amtrak station
August 10, 2020: FULTON, KY -- The Fulton County Transit Authority has announced that Amtrak will design and construct a new railway passenger station at the site of the current Fulton station.
Fulton City Manager Mike Gunn believes a partnership of any kind with Amtrak is a positive for the area.
“Whether it’s a new station or enhanced services, we are truly proud to have been a part of this project with Amtrak to raise the bar for rail traveling visitors to the City of Fulton,” Gunn said.
“This station enhancement will be something that improves their customers’ experiences and should bring in traveling visitors to our community which helps drive the region’s economy.”
Click here to read the entire article provided by WPSD Local 6 News.
Fulton City Manager Mike Gunn believes a partnership of any kind with Amtrak is a positive for the area.
“Whether it’s a new station or enhanced services, we are truly proud to have been a part of this project with Amtrak to raise the bar for rail traveling visitors to the City of Fulton,” Gunn said.
“This station enhancement will be something that improves their customers’ experiences and should bring in traveling visitors to our community which helps drive the region’s economy.”
Click here to read the entire article provided by WPSD Local 6 News.
Truck/Train Collision at Newbern Damages Historic Depot
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July 15, 2020: An early morning collision between a freight train and a tractor-trailer semi damaged the 100-year old depot in Newbern, Tennessee.
Both the museum section and the waiting room for Amtrak passengers are closed until repairs can be made. Please note that Amtrak will continue to make scheduled stops at Newbern, albeit with passengers boarding/detraining on the street next to the depot. Click here to read a local news report with further details. |
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Rail Passengers and Legislators Working Toward Supplemental Plan for Amtrak
July 15: The US House Appropriations Committee approved a 2021 Transportation Bill with support from the Rail Passengers Association. The legislation proposes $10 billion for Amtrak that would, according to an RPA press release, "provide $10 billion for Amtrak in FY21—$2 billion through the standard budgeting process, with another $3 billion for the National Network and $5 billion for the Northeast Corridor as part of economic stimulus title."
Of huge importance to rail passengers, the legislation prohibits Amtrak from reducing service frequencies. In weeks prior Amtrak management proposed a plan to reduce service through throughout the system due to reduced travel demand in the COVID-19 epidemic.
Various rail passenger organizations and elected officials could not see the logic in laying off employees and reducing service, which would limit Amtrak's ability to recover business and continue serving a vital role in passenger transportation.
If the 2021 Transportation Bill can make it through the entire legislative process intact, Amtrak can and should look for effective ways to recover lost business and get back into growth mode.
RPA's complete press release is available here: https://railpassengers.org/happening-now/news/blog/house-appropriations-committee-passes-10-billion-for-amtrak/
Of huge importance to rail passengers, the legislation prohibits Amtrak from reducing service frequencies. In weeks prior Amtrak management proposed a plan to reduce service through throughout the system due to reduced travel demand in the COVID-19 epidemic.
Various rail passenger organizations and elected officials could not see the logic in laying off employees and reducing service, which would limit Amtrak's ability to recover business and continue serving a vital role in passenger transportation.
If the 2021 Transportation Bill can make it through the entire legislative process intact, Amtrak can and should look for effective ways to recover lost business and get back into growth mode.
RPA's complete press release is available here: https://railpassengers.org/happening-now/news/blog/house-appropriations-committee-passes-10-billion-for-amtrak/
Future Amtrak Services Could and Should Serve Tennessee
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January 15, 2020: At long last there is new and increasing discussion about the future direction Amtrak, our national rail passenger system.
TARP is pleased to note that new discussions and proposals coming from Amtrak, the Rail Passengers Association, and elected representatives in Tennessee prove that Tennessee is on the map for future expansion of intercity passenger rail service. Tennessee's growing and diversifying population, not-to-mention our state's thriving tourism industry, are making that case. Also working in our favor is our state's growing traffic congestion, especially in the greater Nashville/Davidson County region. TARP members are following and contributing to the discussion. Here are a few articles to read (with more to follow): Memphis Commercial Appeal: Amtrak Pitches New Memphis-to-Chicago, other Tennessee lines to State Legislators WSMV News 4: Amtrak Wants to Connect Nashville to Atlanta |
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Virginia Infrastructure Investment May Benefit Tennessee
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The Long Bridge, a railroad bridge that connects Washington, DC and Northern Virginia, is a critical piece of infrastructure that supports the movement and freight and passengers to and from our nation's capital.
Strained capacity at this bridge is a barrier to passenger rail expansion could serve East Tennessee in the foreseeable future. TARP is very pleased to learn that the Commonwealth of Virginia is moving forward with a $3.7 billion dollar transportation plan that will include a new bridge over the Potomac River. Here are a few articles for further reading on this very important development: Washington Post Richmond.com WTOP |
Long Bridge, Potomac River, Washington, DC
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Resolution from Bristol, Tennessee City Council
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Dec. 3, 2019: BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) – There’s been a vote of support for the extension of passenger rail service to Bristol, Virginia and south into Tennessee.
It’s in the form of a resolution by the Bristol, Tennessee City Council that will be sent to the Tennessee General Assembly next year. Click on the following links to read further: WJHL.com WCYB.com |
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We made the front cover of PTJ!
Tennesseans should be proud! Our one and only commuter train made the cover of Passenger Train Journal!
This is the 3rd quarter 2019 edition.
You can buy PTJ at Barnes & Noble bookstores or online at www.passengertrainjournal.com.
The old-timers in TARP will especially remember the commuter rail experiment using equipment from the Broadway Dinner Train to prove that the demand was there! We played a large part in those successful trial runs!
The article also mentions the two transit-oriented developments along the route and the expansion of parking at Mt. Juliet to meet growing demand.
We salute our fellow Tennessean Ralcon Wagner for his good work on this article!
STAR will get rebranded under WeGo Transit
The article in PTJ also mentions the ongoing work to rebrand the Music City Star under RTA's new brand name: WeGo Transit.
The goal of the rebranding is to create a more marketable name for the region's public transportation system. Under the new brand, the name of the train will be simplified and the cars, locomotives, and other identifiers will have a new color scheme.
We haven't found any enthusiasm among the Star riders regarding this plan. Sure, everybody wants a more marketable transit system. However, the Star has more serious issues that need be addressed, such as schedule frequency.
We truly hope that the rebranding is part of a more successful train service for Davidson and Wilson County. At the very least, we are proud to say that Tennessee has the only commuter train in the entire mid-South!
This is the 3rd quarter 2019 edition.
You can buy PTJ at Barnes & Noble bookstores or online at www.passengertrainjournal.com.
The old-timers in TARP will especially remember the commuter rail experiment using equipment from the Broadway Dinner Train to prove that the demand was there! We played a large part in those successful trial runs!
The article also mentions the two transit-oriented developments along the route and the expansion of parking at Mt. Juliet to meet growing demand.
We salute our fellow Tennessean Ralcon Wagner for his good work on this article!
STAR will get rebranded under WeGo Transit
The article in PTJ also mentions the ongoing work to rebrand the Music City Star under RTA's new brand name: WeGo Transit.
The goal of the rebranding is to create a more marketable name for the region's public transportation system. Under the new brand, the name of the train will be simplified and the cars, locomotives, and other identifiers will have a new color scheme.
We haven't found any enthusiasm among the Star riders regarding this plan. Sure, everybody wants a more marketable transit system. However, the Star has more serious issues that need be addressed, such as schedule frequency.
We truly hope that the rebranding is part of a more successful train service for Davidson and Wilson County. At the very least, we are proud to say that Tennessee has the only commuter train in the entire mid-South!
