submitted by Ron Kutch
The interurban rail line between Dallas and Fort Worth now has their own web page. The introduction reads as follows:
The dependability, convenience and afford- ability of commuter rail between Fort Worth and Dallas through Northeast Tarrant County is important to our region's economic vitality. People can get to and from their work quickly and comfortably without finding themselves stalled endlessly on our area's highway "parking lots."
Besides expanding our mobility and improving air quality across the Metroplex, the Trinity Railway Express provides commuters a comfortable way to ride to work and an opportunity to save money on insurance, gas, repairs, and wear and tear on their vehicles.
Developed by the T and Dart, the new business class service represents the first major joint venture between the two cities since the construction of DFW International Airport.
Scheduled train service is provided Monday thru Saturday. No regularly scheduled service is available on Sunday. Special Sunday service may be promoted for announced special events only.
Trinity Railway Express takes you to STARS, MAVS and concerts at the new American Airlines Center. It's easy and only $4. Call for details 817 215-8600.
The web page for the service is http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org .
Ron Warner sent me this material some time ago. It is from a book The American Freight Train by Jim Boyd. The book is published by MBI Publishing Company (2001). The idea of this excerpt from the book is to match the slogan with the railroad. The correct answers will be in next month's newsletter. Some slogans may be used more than once.
By way of introduction Ron writes:
By the early 20th century, nearly every major railroad had a 'slogan'; often emblazoned on the sides of boxcars. As a little boy in the hills of southeastern Ohio, I would wonder and fantasize about all the 'far away' places represented by those slogans.
David Lamberts, who was to give the June clinic in airbrushing technique, will be in New York visiting his daughter. Sheldon Klock has graciously agreed to present his clinic "The Dallas Train Museum" instead. Dave will most likely move his clinic to July.
FORT WORTH MAYOR LEADS RALLY CALLING FOR AMTRAK'S SURVIVAL
By Christopher Lee as printed in the Dallas Morning News, May 9, 2002, pg. 35A.Fort Worth Mayor Kenneth Barr and about 80 other Amtrak supporters Wednesday called for Congress to spend more than $1 billion next year to keep the financially troubled rail service running.
Mr. Barr, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Mayors' transportation committee, said the country's security and economy depend in part on keeping the Texas Eagle and other long-haul Amtrak routes on line.
"We've just got to have transportation options," Mr. Barr said at a pro-Amtrak rally near the Capitol. "After September 11, I think we've come to realize we need a balanced system that has alternatives available. For some reason, it's all right to subsidize highways, and it's all right to subsidize airlines, but it's not all right to subsidize Amtrak.
The 32-year-old rail service has never turned a profit, instead drawing on $25 billion in federal subsidies to keep it going. Last year it posted its biggest annual loss, $1.1 billion.
Amtrak executives announced that without $1.2 billion from Congress in fiscal 2003, they would have to scrap many unprofitable long-distance routes such as the Texas Eagle, which runs between Chicago and San Antonio.
A House transportation subcommittee adopted a bill Wednesday that would give Amtrak the money, plus $775 million more for security upgrades. If the measure wins approval in Congress and is signed by President Bush, it would keep Amtrak going in the short term while policymakers debate a more durable solution.
"Amtrak every year is that damsel in distress in the movies, tied to the track," said Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del. , an Amtrak supporter.
"And every year we wonder, 'Is Amtrak going to make it?'"
The Amtrak Reform Council, a federal oversight panel created in 1997, concluded last fall that Amtrak would not be able to cover it costs by the end of 2002, as Congress mandated five years ago. The panel later recommended breaking up Amtrak and privatizing passenger rail service.
"Amtrak loses money on almost all of its 41 routes, but instead of cutting even one unprofitable route, Amtrak adds routes." Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz, said recently, "Clearly, the time for restructuring is overdue."
Amtrak supporters, including Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, R-Texas, are backing a proposal by Sen. Fritz Hollings, D-S.C., to bail out Amtrak with $23 billion over the next five years.
But Ms. Hutchinson, who did not attend Wednesday's rally, said her support hinged on Amtrak maintaining a national rail system.
"I am not going to be badgered into spending $1,2 billion in taxpayers dollars that all ends up in the Northeast Corridor," she said. "Every time they have a shortage, they cut long-haul routes - and that's why I am not giving my unrestricted support."
Staying on Track is published monthly by the LMRA - David Lamberts, editor. Visit us on the Internet at http://www.railserve.com/lmra E-mail me at DWL1944@cs.com
Our mailing address is PO Box 53674, Lubbock, TX 79453