Railfanning.org News Wire

No Picture
Amtrak

Ridership on Amtrak Cascades Hits All-Time Record in 2008

February 20, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Ridership on Amtrak Cascades continued to grow substantially in 2008 carrying a total of 774,421 passengers. This represents a 14.4 percent increase over 2007 and the highest annual ridership since the inception of Amtrak Cascades service 10 years ago. “While we suspect high gas prices last summer helped entice people to try Amtrak Cascades, we think the excellent service and convenience for travelers will continue to stimulate even more growth in Amtrak Cascades ridership,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “Amtrak Cascades is a great investment for Washington and provides motorists with yet another travel option.” Compared
No Picture
Legislation

Brown: Congestion a Major Problem for Railroads

February 20, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire
WASHINGTON — Congestion is a major problem across all modes of surface transportation, said Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla. “And as we begin to develop and reauthorize the next surface transportation bill, it is critical that the need for additional rail capacity for both freight and passenger rail be addressed,” Brown said. “The future of ground transportation is on our rails, whether it is taking freight off congested highways or moving people on high-speed rail corridors. “There is no one solution that will solve the congestion problems plaguing our nation,” Brown added. “New and creative ideas from both government and the
No Picture
Amtrak

Amtrak Guest Rewards and Broadway’s Official Loyalty Program Join Forces

February 18, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire
WASHINGTON — Amtrak Guest Rewards and Audience Rewards, the Official Loyalty Program of Broadway, announced an exciting new marketing partnership designed to promote and make theatre more accessible to Amtrak Guest Rewards members. Members of Amtrak’s program can transfer their points into Audience Rewards ShowPoints and Audience Rewards members can convert their ShowPoints to Amtrak Guest Rewards points. “Amtrak is a critical marketing partner for Broadway given the access and reach it provides to potential theatre goers from major markets such at Boston, Providence, New Haven, Philadelphia, and the Washington D.C. area. We believe this partnership will create exciting marketing
No Picture
Amtrak

Two-Day Black History Month Celebration at Philadelphia 30th Street Station

February 18, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire
WASHINGTON — Amtrak 30th Street Station in Philadelphia will celebrate Black History Month on Feb. 26 and 27, in the North Arcade reception area at the station. The celebration will take place from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. The day will feature an array of talented African American entertainers showcasing poetry, spoken word, dramatic presentations, instrumental performances, individual singers, chorale lyricists and interpretive dancers. There will also be motivational and inspirational speakers throughout the day. A diverse group of individuals will be represented with participants ranging from ages 6-60. Local politicians have been invited to speak or participate
No Picture
Commuter Rail

Oberstar: ‘Recovery’ Bill Will Benefit Rail Industry

February 13, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire
WASHINGTON — The so-called “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009″ will help with rail infrastructure and help put Americans back to work, Rep. James L. Oberstar, D-Minn, said. “This bill is urgently needed to put Americans back to work,” Oberstar said. “The infrastructure investments funded by this bill will create good, family-wage jobs — jobs that cannot be outsourced to another country, because the work must be done here in the U.S. on our roads, bridges, transit and rail systems, airports, waterways, wastewater treatment facilities, and Federal buildings. “
No Picture
Legislation

Oberstar, Brown Urge ‘Full Funding’ of HMEP

February 13, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire
WASHINGTON — T&I Committee Chairman James Oberstar, D-Minn., and Rail Subcommittee Chairwoman Corrine Brown, D-Fla., wrote a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to urge “full funding” of the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant program at the $28.8 million authorization level.Among other things, the HMEP grant program helps governments develop and implement emergency plans and train fire fighters and other emergency personnel to respond to accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials. It has been projected that there will be a funding shortfall of $9.3 million in 2009. As a result, hundreds of thousands of emergency response personnel will not receive adequate