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Congress Considers the Future of Passenger Rail

Congress Considers the Future of Passenger Rail. A Washington Update. David Johnson Assistant Director National Association of Railroad Passengers August 29, 2005 TMACOG Passenger Rail Forum. A Silver Lining To Every Cloud. Its been quite a roller coaster year for passenger rail supporters

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Congress Considers the Future of Passenger Rail

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  1. Congress Considers the Future of Passenger Rail A Washington Update David Johnson Assistant Director National Association of Railroad Passengers August 29, 2005 TMACOG Passenger Rail Forum

  2. A Silver Lining To Every Cloud • Its been quite a roller coaster year for passenger rail supporters • Many positive things have emerged out of something that started out very negative.

  3. “Other Than That, Mrs. Lincoln, How Was the Play?” • Administration proposed zero funding for Amtrak and advocates an Amtrak bankruptcy for “needed change” • Amtrak financial situation became problematic as debt holders become nervous (cost of debt service increased)

  4. “Other Than That, Mrs. Lincoln, How Was the Play?” • Sect. Mineta’s “Amtrak Bankruptcy Road Tour” traveled to many cities across the United States—including Chicago and Detroit—advocating elimination of most Amtrak services • Cool reception from most media

  5. Mineta: “Trains Nobody Rides” Mineta (New York Times op-ed, Feb. 23):"The problem is not that Americans don't use trains, it is that Amtrak has failed to keep up with times, stubbornly sticking to routes and services, even as they...attract few users.“ Mineta (Charlotte, Feb. 22):"Amtrak today clings to routes that have long since faded from use..." Mineta (prepared remarks, Chicago, IL, press conference, Feb. 14):"Amtrak...is...running trains that nobody rides between cities that nobody wants to travel between."

  6. Fact Check In fiscal 2004, the average number of travelers on a national network train at any one time (passenger miles per train mile) was 170.6. That is 27% higher than on short-distance trains, where the figure was 133.9. Since people board and alight during the trip, the average number of passengers handled per run was even higher: 364.

  7. Fact Check Lots more Administration and Congressional statements and Fact Checks (and many other resources) on our website: http://www.narprail.org

  8. Congress Speaks With A Loud, Pro-Passenger Rail Voice • Initial House funding figure: $550 million • Would cause shut-down of entire Amtrak system—NEC would not be spared • Funding level aside, specific language called for elimination of all non-corridor operations plus Chicago-Detroit. • Floor action on June 28, lead by Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-OH) and Corrine Brown (D-FL) raised that figure to $1.17 billion and eliminated anti-long distance train language.

  9. PLEASE THANK REP.LATOURETTE!

  10. Congress Speaks With A Loud, Pro-Passenger Rail Voice • Senate committee approved $1.45 billion; full Senate to take up funding in September • Strong support from new allies: Senator Thad Cochrane (R-MS) and Christopher (“Kit”) Bond (R-MO)

  11. Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining • Zero funding level made Congress aware that Administration was serious • Amtrak reauthorization bill was needed (the last one expired in 2001) • Congress agreed that Amtrak needed to be reformed, but that gutting service was not reform

  12. Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining • Amtrak Board of Directors—all appointed by President Bush—presented a comprehensive reform and revitalization package, with strong support of David Gunn and Amtrak management • Signaled that Amtrak was serious about change

  13. The Silver Lining: PRIIA • The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA), S.1516 • Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) took the lead, with Sens. Stevens (R-AK), Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Inouye (D-HI) • Full summary of the bill can be found on our website…but here are some highlights

  14. The Silver Lining: PRIIA • Authorizes adequate funding for Amtrak operational and capital needs • Defines national rail passenger system as: • NEC, designated high speed rail corridors, and other routes currently in existence • Does not preclude Amtrak from restoring, improving or developing additional non-high speed intercity passenger rail services.

  15. The Silver Lining: PRIIA • Requires monitoring of on time performance of Amtrak trains • Surface Transportation Board to develop a schedule of penalties for delays caused by host railroads.  • Requires the STB to investigate when the OTP of any Amtrak route falls below 80% for two consecutive quarters.

  16. The Silver Lining: PRIIA • Requires NEC commuter agencies to pay true cost of using the railroad (some flexibility in terms of capital improvements) • Santa Claus came to Jim’s house: federal-state partnership for infrastructure funding

  17. Highways: 41% Funded ByNon-User Sources In 2001, 41% of the $133 billion spent on highways came from payments other than the gas tax, tolls, and vehicle taxes and fees.

  18. Highways: 41% Funded ByNon-User Sources 15.3% general fund appropriations 9.5% bond issue proceeds 5.8% investment income and other receipts 5.6% other taxes & fees 4.8% property taxes. Source: "Improving Efficiency and Equity in Transportation Finance," by Martin Wachs [The Brookings Institution Series on Transportation Reform (April 2003)]

  19. FAA Operations Receive General Funds 2005 Enacted

  20. You Get What You Pay For

  21. Rising Gasoline Prices PlusNot Enough Trains "If you believe America has been built on cheap resources—oil, gas and coal—and think the nation will not be affected [by higher prices], you are in for a big surprise.” --Charles T. Maxwell, senior energy analyst at Weeden & Co. (to the Associated Press)

  22. America Needs Amtrak! • Rallies in Montana June 1-2: the Empire Builder is essential to Montana • Bi-partisan planning and support for event from Governor Brian Schweitzer (D) and Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger (R).

  23. America Needs Amtrak! • Hundreds of resolutions of support from Amtrak from state and local governments • Ohio Rail Summit (May 18, 2005-Columbus) • Events like this one are important!

  24. What Needs to be Done • Fund Amtrak for Fiscal 2006 at least at the $1.45 billion level approved by Senate Appropriations • Amtrak Board submitted reform proposal and request for $1.82 billion • Needed to ensure continued operations and to allow for…

  25. What Needs to be Done • Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act: S.1516 • (Say that with me: PRIIA, PRIIA, PRIIA!) • Sensible, meaningful reform • Critical for both short term future of Amtrak and expansion of services--allowing planning for the future • State funding match!

  26. What Needs to be Done • Senator Mike DeWine has signed on • BE SURE TO THANK HIM! • Congress has been out for August recess, so not all Senators may be aware of legislation. • Talk to your Senators and encourage them to co-sponsor this legislation.

  27. NARP is here to help! • http://www.narprail.org • Newly re-designed website! • narp@narprail.org • 202-408-8362 • Please send us a copy of city/county resolutions in support of Amtrak!

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