Final Environmental Report To Electrify Caltrain Receives Clearance

Source: Caltrain (Press Release)

The plan to electrify Caltrain will achieve a major milestone pending certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report and Project Adoption on April 1 by the Board of Directors.

Approval by the board completes the environmental process for the Caltrain Electrification Program, a major element of the plans to modernize the Peninsula rail system, and positions the railroad to seek federal and state funding.

“Electrification is the future of Caltrain,” said Caltrain Chair Sean Elsbernd, “and this puts us in an ideal position to pursue federal and state funding. This is a major step forward for our efforts.”

Caltrain prepared a combined environmental document for the electrification program: an Environmental Assessment/Final EIR. Approval of the Environmental Assessment and Certification of the Final EIR are critical steps in enabling Caltrain to compete for federal and state funds. Environmental clearance is a key criterion for funding investment decisions.

Under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Federal Transit Administration issued the Findings of No Significant Impact for the Environmental Assessment in 2009. The Final EIR is required by the state under the California Environmental Quality Act.

Public participation has been an important component of the complex project. To solicit input on the Environmental Assessment/Draft EIR, four formal public hearings were held in 2004 throughout the Caltrain service area and the meetings were widely publicized. Additionally, the Environmental Assessment/Draft EIR was available for public review and comment from April 12, 2004 through May 25, 2004. Staff also met with representatives from cities and other public agencies about the project. All of the comments received during this period have been included and addressed in the Environmental Assessment/Final EIR.

Last year, persons who submitted comments on the Environmental Assessment/Draft EIR, as well as elected officials and public agencies in the Caltrain service area, received a newsletter updating them on the status of the electrification program. Public agencies that commented on the Environmental Assessment/Draft EIR within the public review period have received copies of the Environmental Assessment/Final EIR.

The electrification program is the critical modernization program to ensure a vibrant future for Caltrain. It anticipates an electrified rail system from the San Francisco Caltrain Station to the Tamien station in San Jose. The system is powered by overhead wires and designed to minimize visual impact.

In addition, the electrification program calls for converting the Caltrain rolling stock from its current diesel locomotive-powered cars to Electric Multiple Units in use throughout the world. The EMUs feature greatly enhanced performance that will enable Caltrain to provide more service.

The electrification of Caltrain also will result in significant reductions in noise and air pollution. The Environmental Assessment/Final EIR concludes that the electrified system will be quieter than the current diesel equipment and will mean a 90 percent reduction in emissions.

Following the board action, the Final EIR will be filed with the State Clearinghouse. The public has 30 days to review the report.

The Environmental Assessment/Final EIR is posted on the Caltrain Web site: www.caltrain.com/caltrain2025.html. Questions can be directed to Stacy Cocke, senior planner at cockes@samtrans.com or 650.508.6207

See Also: Caltrain Addresses Recent Delays / Caltrain Holiday Train Collects More Than 4,000 Toys / Caltrain Beats Traffic To The KPFA Crafts & Music Fair / Live Entertainment Lights Up Caltrain Holiday Train / Caltrain Gears Up For A Busy Holiday Schedule

UNM Student Maggie Ryan Is The Rail Runner's Three Millionth Passenger

Source: New Mexico Rail Runner Express (Press Release)

This morning (Monday) following the arrival of the 8:34 southbound Rail Runner train at the Downtown Albuquerque Station, commuter Maggie Ryan became the three millionth passenger to ride the New Mexico Rail Runner Express! The University of New Mexico graduate student says she boards the train at the Santa Fe Depot Station two to four times a week, and takes it into Downtown Albuquerque where she connects to the Rapid Ride to get to UNM.

“I love that I can get all my work done on the train, so it’s a very productive ride,” said Maggie. “Since I started taking the Rail Runner, I’ve saved thousands of dollars. In fact, I sold my car last November because I just didn’t need it anymore.”

The Santa Fe resident says she’s been taking the train to school since the Rail Runner extended service to Santa Fe in December 2008. Ryan says prior to hopping on the Rail Runner, she drove her car into Albuquerque everyday. She says now she doesn’t have to worry about the crowded morning commute – she arrives to school relaxed with a her work done instead of being stressed.

“Maggie is a shining example of how commuters in our region can save money and help our environment by using public transportation,” said Transportation Secretary Gary L. J. Girón. “She is just one of many New Mexicans who has realized the convenience and economic benefits of the Rail Runner.”

The Rail Runner, which has become the fastest start-up of a commuter rail train in the country in the past 20 years, currently carries a daily average of approximately 4,500 commuters between the City of Santa Fe and the City of Belen.

“It’s amazing that in less than four years, we’ve carried 3-million passengers to their destinations,” said Dewey Cave, Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “That translates to more than 100 million vehicle miles taken off our roadways.”

For the distinction of three millionth passenger, Ryan was rewarded with a basket of Rail Runner items, including a pass to ride the train free for one year, a Three Millionth Passenger certificate and a gift bag that included Rail Runner pins, t-shirts, hats and other train merchandise.

See Also: New Mexico Rail Runner Express Announces Schedule & Fare Adjustments / New Mexico Rail Runner Express Featured On The Santa Fe TV Show / Santa Claus Rides The New Mexico Rail Runner Express! / The New Mexico Rail Runner Express Fits Into A New Vision For Bernalillo County - Mass Transit Magazine Feature

Caltrain Addresses Recent Delays

Source: Caltrain (Press Release)

Wheelchair lift won’t retract. Signal is displaying red. Engine won’t start. Trespasser steps in path of train. No matter what the reason it has the same result: delayed trains, resulting, more importantly, in delayed customers. And Caltrain has had more than its fair share lately and it apologizes for any inconvenience its customers have experienced.

You might say, “But I was three trains behind the one that wouldn’t start” or “I was traveling in the opposite direction; what gives?” That illustrates how orchestrated and tightly connected the Caltrain service is. One train incident can cause a domino effect. If the delayed train can’t get out of the way of other trains, they too will be delayed. Also, if the train can’t get to its destination on time and “flip” to head in the opposite direction, those customers also will be late. The 90 weekday trains are operated with only 20 train sets. That means that one train sets plays an integral role in moving Caltrain’s customers.

While Caltrain has implemented a number of contingencies, such as a stand-by set of equipment and crossovers to bypass breakdowns, customers still feel the impact when the problems are bigger than the contingencies.

Caltrain staff has been conducting an evaluation of both the locomotive and passenger car fleet to identify areas of maintenance that should be enhanced to not only provide increased reliability but to provide the ride quality and comfort level the passenger expects. Caltrain staff also is working diligently with its contract operator, Amtrak, to reduce delays and refocus on preventative maintenance.

When there is a major service disruption, Caltrain’s goal is to get service restored as quickly as possible. That may entail having one train pass, or “overtake”, another train so that it can get to its destination and cover service in the other direction. It never feels good to be at a station waiting for a train, feel relieved when you see the approaching headlight, then super frustrated as the trains speeds through the station. While it’s the best way to get service back on track, it’s a disservice to Caltrain’s customers to not let them know what’s going on. To rectify that, Caltrain is committed to improving its communication with customers.

During delays, announcements will be made every 10 minutes onboard trains and at stations. The station announcements will include both public address messages as well as visual messages, if the infrastructure is in place. By mid next year, Caltrain will be offering real-time information on train status.

Caltrain will continue to work diligently on meeting your expectations for on-time service.

See Also: Caltrain Holiday Train Collects More Than 4,000 Toys / Caltrain Beats Traffic To The KPFA Crafts & Music Fair / Live Entertainment Lights Up Caltrain Holiday Train / Caltrain Gears Up For A Busy Holiday Schedule

New Mexico Rail Runner Express Announces Schedule & Fare Adjustments

Source: New Mexico Rail Runner Express

In two weeks, passengers aboard the New Mexico Rail Runner Express will see some changes in both train fares and service. The Rio Metro RTD Board – which manages the Rail Runner and its regional transit connections – voted on these changes last week.

Weekday Fares will be increased to comply with FTA (Federal Transportation Administration) regulations that require reduced fares to be half the amount of full fares. To comply, weekday one-way fares will be raised by one-to-two dollars. In addition, the three-zone day pass will increase by a dollar.

Weekend Fares will be raised to be consistent with weekday prices. Previously, all passengers were able to use the Reduced Fare structure on weekends. Now, this will only apply to those who meet the reduced fare criteria – such as senior citizens and students with a valid I.D.

Five Saturday Trips will be suspended indefinitely: Train #500 departing north from Downtown Albuquerque at 6:20 a.m., Train #503 departing south from Santa Fe at 8:10 a.m., Train #510 departing north from Belen at 7:08 p.m., Train #512 departing north from Belen at 9:07 p.m., and Train #513 departing south from Santa Fe at 10:00p.m.
“Faced with a budget shortfall due to lower-than-expected gross receipts taxes to fund Rail Runner operations, the Rio Metro Board decided to make some sound fiscal adjustments”, said Dewey Cave, Interim Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “The State assisted with the projected shortfall, and these fare and schedule modifications were also necessary to balance the budget entirely.”

These changes will take effect Monday, February 15, 2010.



See Also: New Mexico Rail Runner Express Featured On The Santa Fe TV Show / Santa Claus Rides The New Mexico Rail Runner Express! / The New Mexico Rail Runner Express Fits Into A New Vision For Bernalillo County - Mass Transit Magazine Feature

Metrolinx Acquires Full Ownership Of Toronto-Barrie Rail Commuter Corridor

Source: CN (Press Release)

Metrolinx today purchased from CN the lower portion of the Newmarket Subdivision in central-north Toronto for C$68 million. The transaction gives Metrolinx end-to-end ownership of the 60-mile-long Barrie-Bradford GO Train corridor between downtown Toronto and Barrie, Ont. – a first for the government transit agency.

Please visit www.cn.ca/newmarket for a map of the Lower Newmarket Subdivision and CN and GO Transit rail networks in the Toronto area.

Metrolinx is the Ontario government Crown corporation responsible for delivering an integrated, multi-modal transportation network in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), from York and Durham through Toronto, Peel Halton and Hamilton. GO Transit, the operating division of Metrolinx, provides commuter rail and bus services in the GTA.

The Metrolinx line acquisition fills the rail gap between the agency's east-west Union Station Rail Corridor in downtown Toronto, its Weston Subdivision in west-central Toronto, and the northern segment of its commuter rail-line reaching Barrie.

Metrolinx President and Chief Executive Officer J. Robert S. Prichard said: “This transaction marks a milestone for the agency, giving us – for the first time – end-to-end ownership of a GO Transit rail line. This transaction with CN – an important partner of ours -- will permit improvements to service between Toronto and Barrie and points in between. Improved commuter rail and mass transit are vital to easing traffic congestion and air pollution in the GTA, while improving the productivity and economic competitiveness of the region.”

Claude Mongeau, CN executive vice-president and incoming president and chief executive officer, said: “CN is pleased to have reached this sales agreement with Metrolinx. We have close ties with GO – most of its services in the Greater Toronto Area operate over CN's network – and we see our partnership with GO and Metrolinx continuing to drive the environmental benefits of rail in the Toronto region. In addition, this line sale will generate additional value for the company.”

The line acquired by Metrolinx branches off its Weston Subdivision, acquired from CN earlier this year, in west Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood and runs north past York University to connect with the agency's existing commuter line to Barrie. That line starts immediately north of CN's main east-west freight corridor that parallels Steeles Avenue between Keele and Dufferin streets.

GO currently runs eight commuter trains daily, Monday to Friday, between Toronto and Barrie over the Newmarket Subdivision, which also accommodates a daily CN freight train and VIA Rail Canada Inc.'s transcontinental passenger train three times a week.

Under its sales agreement with Metrolinx, CN will continue to serve five freight customers on the lower Newmarket Subdivision between Highway 401 and CN's main east-west freight corridor.

Rail has a benign environmental footprint, and CN is the green, energy-efficient choice for shippers. Rail has been shown to be up to six times more energy-efficient than heavy trucks, because rail consumes a fraction of the fuel to transport one tonne of freight one kilometre. In fact, we can move one tonne of freight almost 200 kilometres on just one litre of fuel.

The company's innovative Precision Railroading model, and partnership agreements with other railroads to share assets and deliver interchange traffic at the most efficient gateways, have also reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

GO Transit recognizes the decisions we make today will have a major impact on the world we live in tomorrow. Changing attitudes and shifting mindsets are putting the environment at the forefront of GO's plans – both today and in the future. Transit is a clean, sustainable transportation option and GO believes the environment should be a key consideration for future growth strategies and development. Going green is just one of the many ways GO Transit is leading the way, both in the transportation industry and in the eyes of its customers.

See Also: Arbitrator To Decide Wage And Benefit Issues For CN Locomotive Engineers / CN Signs Voluntary Mitigation Agreement With The Village Of Plainfield / CN Locomotive Engineers' Strike To End Immediately After Company And Union Reach Agreement / CN Makes New Offer To Locomotive Engineers' Union In An Effort To End The Strike In Canada / Talks Between CN And Locomotive Engineers' Union In Canada Break Off With No Settlement / CN Receives Strike Notice From Union Representing Locomotive Engineers In Canada / CN To Implement Wage Increase And Milage Cap For It's Canadian Engineers / CN Reaches 20th Voluntary Mitigation Agreement (VMA), Makes Substantial Strides In EJ&E Integration

Model Train Items: Trainline HO Scale EMD GP-9M Locomotive - Canadian National / Bachmann HO Scale 2-6-0 Mogul Locomotive - Canadian National

Commuter Railroad, Metrolink, Announces Major Changes

Source: Metrolink (Press Release)

After a closed session personnel discussion amongst the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority Keith Millhouse announced that Metrolink CEO David Solow will change his role at the agency effective December 15, 2009.

The Board of Directors and Solow have agreed that he will step down as CEO and for the balance of this fiscal year, until June 30, 2010, he will remain with the agency devoting full time to the interagency collaborations necessary for Metrolink to implement safety enhancements, including Positive Train Control, and interoperability agreements.

“Metrolink has the opportunity to usher in the era of dramatic enhancements in rail travel in this region and in this country, such as Positive Train Control and the addition of High Speed Rail,” said Millhouse. “With Mr. Solow’s expertise focused on interagency collaboration, Metrolink has a unique ability to bring together public and private railroads to improve passenger safety and service in our complex railroad operating environment.”

Mr. Solow's expertise and experience in the interagency operations issues facing commuter rail are widely acknowledged and respected. The Board is appointing him to a new position of "Advisor: Interagency Initiatives," which reports to the Chief Executive Officer. He will be working pursuant to an at will contract through this fiscal year at his current salary.

To lead the agency into this new era of commuter rail, the Board will immediately begin the recruitment of a successor Chief Executive Officer.

In the interim, the Board is fortunate to be able to name as Chief Executive Officer Mr. Eric Haley effective December 15, 2009.

Mr. Haley will be working under an at will contract as Metrolink's Chief Executive Officer until the arrival of a new CEO, but for not more than six months. He brings a wealth of experience to this position from both the public and private sectors and is very familiar with Metrolink and its member agencies based on his experience as the former CEO of the Riverside County Transportation Commission, a Metrolink member agency.

Both Mr. Solow and Mr. Haley are looking forward to working with each other and for Metrolink in their new roles.

“Because I remain dedicated to our top priority of enhancing safety and leading in the development and implementation of new technology, I am pleased to be able to continue this aspect of the work that I have begun,” said Solow. “I look forward to a smooth transition with Eric and the Metrolink team.”

“I would like to thank the Board for this opportunity as a capstone of my career. We face tremendous budget challenges and simultaneously have a plan to continue expansion, which David began,” said Haley. "David's recognized expertise in Positive Train Control will be crucial because safety is the top concern. We are fortunate to have the benefit of David’s experience as Metrolink moves forward with industry leading safety upgrades."

The Board has authorized a two member ad hoc committee to negotiate final contract terms with both Solow and Haley. When final, the contracts will be available on request consistent with the applicable law.

One of Mr. Haley's priorities will be to direct the Board's search for the new CEO to lead Metrolink to being this nation's premier commuter railroad. The Board anticipates hiring a CEO within the first half of 2010. Mr. Haley has agreed that he is not a candidate for the new CEO position.

The Metrolink Board of Directors board took no action on staff recommendations related to potential service cuts or fare increases. Instead, the board approved a motion by L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe, and seconded by Montclair Mayor Paul Eaton, to not impose a fare increase at this time and to initiate the FY 10-11 budget process in January, 2010. The SCRRA board will reconvene at its regular board meeting on January 8, 2010.

See Also: The Metrolink Holiday Toy Express Delivers Cheer To Antelope Valley & Orange Co / Metrolink Board Postpones Decision On Proposed Fare Increase / Athearn HO Scale F59PHI Locomotive - Metrolink / Athearn HO Scale Bombardier Passenger Cab Car - Metrolink / Athearn HO Scale Bombardier Passenger Coach - Metrolink

Caltrain Holiday Train Collects More Than 4,000 Toys

Source: Caltrain (Press Release)

The holiday season will be brighter for thousands of children thanks to the generosity of people who donated toys during Caltrain’s ninth annual Holiday Train last weekend, Dec. 5 and 6.
In conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program and the Salvation Army, the Caltrain Holiday Train received a total of 4,045 donated toys and books and $2,304 in cash donations from visitors to the stations. Since the first Holiday Train in 2001, approximately 43,755 gifts have been generated for needy Bay Area children.

Working at the San Francisco rail yard at Sixth and Townsend streets, Caltrain staff and volunteers spent weeks decorating the train for this festive tradition.

Thousands of children and adults came out to see the spectacularly lighted train, which visited nine train stations between San Francisco and Santa Clara over the weekend. Kids of all ages got a chance to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, Frosty and other holiday characters and enjoy music provided by the San Francisco Corps of the Salvation Army band and on-board choruses.
The Caltrain Holiday Train would not be possible without support for decorations, wiring and costumes from the following sponsors: Linear Technology Corporation, HNTB Corporation, Parsons Brinckerhoff, the Port of San Francisco, Shimmick Construction Company Inc. and Rinat.

The San Mateo County Times, The Daily Journal and Radio Disney are the event’s media sponsors, and in-kind donations are being provided by Peterson Power Systems of San Leandro, Raison D'etre bakery and the San Francisco Caltrain Station Subway.

Amtrak, Caltrain’s contractor operator, and the San Mateo County Transit District also are partners in the event.

See Also: Caltrain Beats Traffic To The KPFA Crafts & Music Fair / Live Entertainment Lights Up Caltrain Holiday Train / Caltrain Gears Up For A Busy Holiday Schedule

New Mexico Rail Runner Express Featured On The Santa Fe TV Show

Source: New Mexico Rail Runner Express (Press Release)

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is very proud to be part of a new monthly web program called the "Santa Fe TV Show.com". The Rail Runner will be featured in the first episode which premiers today directly on their website: http://www.nmrailrunner.com/.

The show features Santa Fe's urban city chic style with its fine dining, refined wine culture, and hip art scene. It also explores various “day trips” that can be taken all over New Mexico – in many cases using the Rail Runner and some of its many connecting partners to get there.

“This is not only a great opportunity for people to see what wonderful culture, cuisine, and music New Mexico has to offer, but it also showcases what convenience the Rail Runner offers beyond it’s daily commuter service”, says Jay Faught, Transit Marketing Coordinator. “As soon as we saw the high quality production of this program, we knew we wanted to jump on board for the first episode

Rail Runner part of New Mexico Lifestyle!

This breathtakingly beautiful lifestyle show is told through the eyes of the people who live in the Land of Enchantment -locals, chefs, artists – the true ambassadors of New Mexico. From Albuquerque to Jemez to Belen—the Santa Fe TV Show.com highlights what New Mexico is all about and the many cool places to visit. The Rail Runner will be involved with the show by featuring the train and its transit connections and business partners. The train is shown as the key mode of transportation to get you to all of these wonderful places in the corridor that the Rail Runner serves.

Don’t miss the New Mexico Rail Runner Express on the Santa Fe TV Show.com now showing!

The producers of the show, DHP Multimedia, will stream every episode in HIGH DEFINITION at http://www.santafetvshow.com/ They are also distributing the program on additional web sites such as the Rail Runner's web site http://www.nmrailrunner.com/

“The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a perfect fit for our program” says Angelie Gamboa, Producer of DHP Multimedia. “This allows us to promote all of the wonderful things people can do in Santa Fe, but it also provides us an opportunity to highlight the amazing scenery and activities throughout many other areas of New Mexico while using public transportation.

This first show features the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, Buffalo Thunder, Encantado, Chef Rocky Durham, and the beautiful City of Santa Fe. Other episodes in the future will include more locations in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and other surprises.

See Also: Santa Claus Rides The New Mexico Rail Runner Express! / The New Mexico Rail Runner Express Fits Into A New Vision For Bernalillo County - Mass Transit Magazine Feature

Santa Claus Rides The New Mexico Rail Runner Express!

New Mexico Rail Runner Express (Press Release)

The next two Saturdays - December 12th and 19th - people will get a chance to have their child’s photo taken with Santa Claus aboard the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. Santa will begin his journey at the Downtown Albuquerque Rail Runner station when he boards the 9:46 a.m. train heading south to Belen. Once he arrives in Belen, he will hop on the 10:48 a.m. train heading north and arriving at the Santa Fe Depot at 1:06 in the afternoon. At 1:20 p.m., Santa will leave Santa Fe and take the Rail Runner all the way back to Belen and then catch the 3:58 p.m. train to finish his day right back where he started in Downtown Albuquerque.

See the Schedule

“This year we’re expanding the whole Santa-on-the-train experience”, says Dewey Cave, Interim Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “Instead of having a train parked at just one location, Santa will actually be riding the Rail Runner all day and visiting each train car to have his picture taken with kids. People have really come to embrace this holiday tradition.”

Santa photos on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express!

Saturday, December 12th and Saturday, December 19th
9:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Santa available for photos on the train from Belen to Santa Fe
(See accompanying Santa schedule for train times)

You bring the camera – we’ll bring Santa!

Rail Runner staff is recommending that passengers wanting to take advantage of the next two “Saturdays with Santa on the Rail Runner” simply find a seat on the train, have their camera ready, and let Santa come to you!

See Also: The New Mexico Rail Runner Express Fits Into A New Vision For Bernalillo County - Mass Transit Magazine Feature

Caltrain Beats Traffic To The KPFA Crafts & Music Fair

Source: Caltrain (Press Release)

People who love crafts, music and trains can take Caltrain to the 39th Annual KPFA Crafts & Music Fair Dec. 12 and 13. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Concourse Exhibition Center on Eighth and Brannan streets in San Francisco.

Every year, more than 10,000 collectors, craft enthusiasts and holiday shoppers attend this signature event that features 220 artisans from across the country, a gourmet food pavilion and live performances.

The event will provide shuttles from the San Francisco Caltrain station to meet northbound trains every hour at 36 minutes after the hour, from 9:36 a.m. to 3:36 p.m., and to meet southbound trains every hour on the hour, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Caltrain tickets must be purchased before boarding the train, and Ticket Vending Machines are available at all stations. For fare and schedule information, call 1.800.660.4287 (TTY 650.508.6448).

See Also: Live Entertainment Lights Up Caltrain Holiday Train / Caltrain Gears Up For A Busy Holiday Schedule

The Metrolink Holiday Toy Express Delivers Cheer To Antelope Valley & Orange Co

Source: Metrolink (Press Release)

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 4, 5 & 6, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and friends will board the Metrolink Holiday Toy Express® to bring cheer to Riverside and Orange County. For the 13th consecutive year, Santa's glittering train will travel from city to city, entertaining families and collecting toys for those in need of some holiday goodwill. This brightly packaged gift to Metrolink communities - a 450-ton train decorated with holiday displays and 50,000 twinkling lights - delivers a live musical performance, holiday play, and community fun on its 47-city tour.

On Friday, December 4, the Holiday Toy Express is expected to arrive at the Newhall station at 7:30 p.m. (24300 Railroad Ave., 91321) and will arrive at the Sylmar/San Fernando station at 8:30 p.m. (12219 Frank Modugno Dr., 91342).

On Saturday, December 5, the Holiday Toy Express will arrive at the Tustin station at 5:45 p.m. (2975 Edinger Ave., 92780) then make its way to the Irvine station at 6:30 p.m. (15215 Barranca Parkway, 92618). For its next stop, the train will arrive at the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station at 7:30 p.m. (28200 Forbes Road, 92677). For its final stop that evening, the Holiday Toy Express will arrive at the San Juan Capistrano depot at 8:30 p.m. (26701 Verdugo St., 92675).

On Sunday, December 6, the Holiday Toy Express will arrive at the San Clemente (north) station at 5:45 p.m. (1850 Avenida Estacion, 92672) then make its way to visit our troops and their families at the Camp Pendleton U.S.M.C. Base at 7:15 p.m. (Marine Corps Base, 92055-5010*). The train will make its final stop this weekend at the San Clemente Pier station at 8:45 p.m. (615 Avenida Victoria, 92672).

*Media note: Access to Camp Pendleton is restricted. RSVP to 760-214-5574 or email: justin.e.smith@usmc.mil . Please arrive at the main gate by 6:15 p.m.

Before heading to your local station to enjoy this free holiday treat, please remember to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Southland Firefighters' "Spark of Love" toy drive, supported by Metrolink and KABC Channel 7. Local firefighters last year collected more than 600,000 toys during their annual toy drive. All toys collected will be distributed by firefighters to families in their local communities who may not be able to afford gifts this holiday season.

"In light of our struggling economy, this year is a particularly tough one for many families," Metrolink Board Chairman Keith Millhouse said. "Providing this opportunity to experience a fun, festive event and help our firefighters collect toys to brighten the holidays for children is one way Metrolink gives back to the communities we serve."

While Santa's sleigh is magic, his train can't run in the rain. In the event of bad weather, please call Metrolink's customer-service line at (800) 371-LINK (5465), visit the Metrolink website at metrolinktrains.com or follow Metrolink on Twitter at twitter.com/Metrolink to find out whether your hometown visit will be rescheduled. For the full Holiday Toy Express schedule click here.

Metrolink would like to thank its 2009 sponsors, including Union Pacific Railroad; Connex Railroad (a division of Veolia Transportation); Bombardier; United Taxi; Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe; the cities of Buena Park, Moorpark, Montclair, San Clemente, and Fullerton; the Depot at Santa Ana; the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce; the Downtown Burbank Partnership; and the Los Angeles Newspaper Group (LANG).

Metrolink is Southern California's regional commuter rail service in its 16th year of operations. The Southern California Regional Rail Authority, a joint powers authority made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, governs the service. The agency currently contracts with Connex Railroad, LLC for the personnel that operate, supervise and manage Metrolink commuter rail service. Metrolink operates over seven routes through a six-county 512 route-mile network.

See Also: Metrolink Board Postpones Decision On Proposed Fare Increase / Athearn HO Scale F59PHI Locomotive - Metrolink / Athearn HO Scale Bombardier Passenger Cab Car - Metrolink / Athearn HO Scale Bombardier Passenger Coach - Metrolink

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express Fits Into A New Vision For Bernalillo County - Mass Transit Magazine Feature

Source: New Mexico Rail Runner Express (Press Release)

With the New Mexico Rail Runner Express bringing a steady flow of commuters in and out of the station at Rio Bravo and south Second Street, the Bernalillo County / International Sunport Rail Runner station is poised to play an important role in the future of the South Valley. The Bernalillo County Commission last night unanimously adopted the “Bernalillo County / International Sunport Station Area Plan” which is designed to help the area transform into a mixed-use area offering local and regional employment and retail opportunities, housing, and other amenities.

“The Rail Runner introduces a range of new opportunities for the South Valley”, says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “In addition to providing a much-needed transportation alternative for South Valley residents with direct connections to Downtown and to Santa Fe, the Rail Runner makes the area more attractive to high quality residential, retail and office uses. Achieving these new opportunities necessitates rethinking the infrastructure investments in the area – basically, what roads are built and how they are designed – what land uses are permitted by the area’s zoning, and how the new buildings are designed. The Station Area Plan defines these new directions and indicates the County’s commitment to the new future for the area.”

“The Station Area Plan is the product of the efforts and cooperation by business and property owners in the South Valley, Bernalillo County, the Mid-Region Council of Governments, and residents who live in the area. The plan presents an exciting new future for the area” said Bernalillo County Commissioner Art de la Cruz, whose district includes the land covered by the plan.

The plan focuses on the area within a quarter-to-half-mile – basically, walking distance – from the station. The area’s large parcels of vacant land will provide a center of neighborhood serving retail and employment space, which will be designed to encourage walking to and from the Rail Runner and other transit connections. The plan brings with it an elective alternative zoning classification that allows mixed uses, higher density, and development standards to create a pedestrian environment. The plan also defines specific improvements – such as pedestrian and bike paths – that will help the station better serve existing residents and businesses in the Mountain View neighborhood.

The planning effort was a collaborative effort by Bernalillo County and the Mid-Region Council of Governments. MRCOG has actively worked with communities along the Rail Runner corridor to help identify economic and land use opportunities near the Rail Runner station and to plan for infrastructure and policy actions to help achieve the visions for the areas.

In other Rail Runner News:

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express got the cover spot on this month’s Mass Transit Magazine – a national publication dedicated to critical issues in our nation’s transit industry.

“This is great public relations for New Mexico”, says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “We are certainly proud of the job we’ve done to bring commuter rail to our citizens, and now the rest of the country can read about it. This really puts New Mexico on the map.”

The article in Mass Transit delves into what it took to bring commuter rail to New Mexico’s central valley – from the planning and funding stages all the way through the construction and equipment stages – to eventually getting the train on the track in July of 2006. In addition to this in-depth look at the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, there are a number of photos that show the train with its very unique industry-breaking design as it is pictured in various high desert settings throughout the corridor in which it travels.

This article is something that New Mexicans can read and be proud of”, adds Rael. “The Rail Runner represents the fastest start-up of a commuter rail system in the country over the last 25-years, and that’s a huge credit to the citizens of New Mexico who have truly embraced this clean, convenient transportation alternative.”

Mass Transit Magazine is read by more than 20,000 public transportation leaders across the U.S. Those wishing to read the article can view it at the link below.

Read Article

Live Entertainment Lights Up Caltrain Holiday Train

Source: CalTrain (Press Release)

The glittering Caltrain Holiday Train, which will stop at nine stations the weekend of Dec. 5 and 6, has become a popular showcase for local musicians. Live performances, onboard the train and at each station before the train’s arrival, help get everyone into the spirit of the season.

Each evening kicks off with a performance at 4:45 p.m. before the train departs the San Francisco station at 4th and King streets at 5:20 p.m.

The Salvation Army, one of Caltrain’s partners in the Holiday Train, has produced some of the most outstanding brass bands in the world and two of them will perform for Holiday Train audiences. A band representing the San Francisco corps will be onboard the train Saturday and Sunday night. The Santa Clara corps will perform at the last stops each night, Santa Clara on Saturday and Sunnyvale on Sunday.

Saturday night, Masterworks Chorale, one of Northern California’s finest choral ensembles, will join the band onboard the train. The group’s guest appearances include performances with the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera, and now, thanks to the Holiday Train, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Sunday, the Salvation Army will accompany the Menlo Park Chorus. Now in its 10th year, the chorus combines musical training and discipline with a neighborly feeling. Two high school choirs will entertain audiences at stations. The choir from San Bruno’s Capuchino High School will perform at 5:20 p.m. Saturday at the Burlingame station. “We couldn’t be more excited about our appearance,” said Director Justin Cottrell. “We have a host of great songs that we have been practicing all semester as well as some holiday favorites.” The choir from El Camino High School in South San Francisco will perform at 5:10 p.m. Sunday at the San Bruno station.

The Holiday Train’s second stop on Saturday will be in Redwood City. The City has incorporated the Holiday Train into its annual Hometown Holiday’s event. The outdoor party includes snow, a parade, fireworks and a late-night holiday movie. At 6:00 p.m., the Woodside High School Band will perform at the train station.

Also on Saturday, the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra Sinfonia, will perform at the Menlo Park station at 6:55 p.m. The emphasis on chamber music lies at the core of this award-winning youth string orchestra’s success. The West Bay Model Railroad will be open to visitors from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The display, which dates from the mid-century, features HO, S and O model rail cars zipping through tunnels and over bridges.

The Holiday Train will make its final stop of the evening at the Santa Clara station, home of the South Bay Historical Railroad Society. The display in the historic depot, which will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., includes HO- and N-scale model railroad displays depicting various railroad eras.

The fun continues on Sunday at the San Mateo station where the Golden Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus, a competitive a cappella group, will perform at 5:45 p.m.

At the California Avenue station, the Peninsulaires, the Palo Alto/Mountain View chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, will perform at 7 p.m.

Along the way the train will pick up toys and books for the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program and the Salvation Army’s holiday toy drive.

The Caltrain Holiday Train would not be possible without support for decorations, wiring and costumes from the following sponsors: Linear Technology Corporation, HNTB Corporation, Parsons Brinckerhoff, the Port of San Francisco, Shimmick Construction Company Inc. and Rinat.

The San Mateo County Times, The Daily Journal and Radio Disney are the event’s media sponsors, and in-kind donations are being provided by Peterson Power Systems of San Leandro, Raison D'etre bakery and the San Francisco Caltrain station Subway.

Amtrak, Caltrain’s contractor operator, and the San Mateo County Transit District also are partners in the event.

See Also: Caltrain Gears Up For A Busy Holiday Schedule

Metrolink Board Postpones Decision On Proposed Fare Increase

Source: Metrolink (Press Release)

Last Friday, the Southern California Regional Rail Authority Board of Directors deferred taking action on a system wide fare increase until the December 11th Board meeting. The Board will continue to consider alternatives, including service cuts, fare increases and deferring capital projects to provide additional operating subsidies among other funding options. The public hearing opened on November 13 remains open and the public is invited to continue to submit their comments on the fare increase proposal until December 11th. Comments can be e-mailed to metrolinkfares@scrra.net, faxed to (213) 452-0421 or mailed to Metrolink Fares, 700 South Flower Street, 26th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017. The public will also have another opportunity to address the Board of Directors at their meeting at 10:00 a.m. on December 11th at the Southern California Association of Governments, 818 West Seventh Street, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

Download Public Hearing Notice
(requires Adobe Acrobat®Reader for viewing)

Caltrain Gears Up For A Busy Holiday Schedule

Source: Caltrain (Press Release)

Eliminate Those Holiday Driving Blues to the Airport with Public Transit

Skip the bumper-to-bumper airport traffic and avoid parking hassles this season by leaving the driving to SamTrans or Caltrain. Public transit for holiday travelers to the San Francisco or San Jose airports is convenient and inexpensive.

To San Francisco International Airport:
SamTrans buses deliver holiday travelers to the curb at four airport locations:

Terminal 2, Level 1, Roadway Center Island
Terminal 3, Level 1, Courtyard 4
International Terminal, Courtyard A
International Terminal, Courtyard G

SamTrans provides service from the Peninsula and San Francisco to SFO on three routes: 292 (San Mateo to San Francisco) and KX (Palo Alto to San Francisco) and 397 (Palo Alto to San Francisco). Passengers traveling from north of the airport to the airport with more than a carryon are advised to take Route 292 because of a luggage restriction on Route KX. The luggage restriction does not apply south of the airport.

Caltrain passengers can get to SFO on weekdays by transferring at the shared Caltrain-BART Millbrae Intermodal Station to BART for a quick trip to the San Bruno station. Once there, travelers will board an SFO BART train. Evenings and weekends, BART offers direct service from Millbrae to the airport.

To Mineta San Jose International Airport:
For passengers flying out of San Jose, Caltrain connects with Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's free Route 10 Airport Flyer bus at the Santa Clara Caltrain Station.

For information about fares and schedules, call 1-800-660-4287 (TTY 650-508-6448).