Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Different organizations are moving together to support commuter rail...

http://www.connpost.com/ci_11199916

The Hartford Courant's view can be found here.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Contact Neal & Olver before Dec. 9 re: Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail

At the successful Bringing in the Green Expo sponsored by the East Longmeadow Green Committee today, members of the Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail had a chance to talk with Rep. Richard Neal and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, both supporters of commuter rail. We asked Congressman Neal how we could get the Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail Line funded in the upcoming stimulus bill that Congress is trying to have ready for President-Elect Obama to sign as soon as he takes office in Jan.

Rep. Neal said that House Democrats are meeting Tue. Dec. 9 to discuss which projects should be funded in the stimulus bill and that he would make this commuter rail line his priority. I believe him because he is on record supporting this commuter rail line. At the same time, I can only imagine the kinds of debates and horsetrading that will play out among congressional colleagues -- all with project backlogs and vocal constituencies -- during this time of competing national crises.

That is why I am urging all of you to contact your U.S. representatives -- before Dec. 9 if possible -- to make sure the Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail Line is prominently on their radar screens as they meet with their colleagues and hammer out the specifics of the stimulus bill that could be passed as early as Jan.

Contact info for U.S. Reps Richard Neal and John Olver, plus suggested subject/text for an email follow. Here's a chance to make yourself heard at a critical time in the decisionmaking process. Thank you!

Jen Cosgrove, PVACR volunteer

Rep. Richard Neal
http://www.house.gov/neal/write_neal.html
WASHINGTON (202) 225-5601
MILFORD (508) 634-8198
SPRINGFIELD (413) 785-0325

Rep. John Olver
http://www.house.gov/olver/contactme.html
Washington, DC TEL: 202-225-5335
Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties
TEL: 413-532-7010
Berkshire County
TEL: 413-442-0946
Worcester and Middlesex Counties
TEL: 978-342-8722

SUGGESTED LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR SPRINGFIELD-NEW HAVEN COMMUTER RAIL LINE PROJECT
Subject: Voter who wants Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail funded

Dear Congressmen Neal,

When you meet with your congressional colleagues this week to discuss infrastructure projects that should be funded in the next stimulus bill, please push for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line to be funded.

This project is an excellent example of the kind of “shovel ready” investments that would produce tremendous, long-term benefits for our region.

It's green – Commuter rail would reduce pollution-emitting traffic on I-91, I-84, and I-95, improving the air we all breathe.

It’s good for our economy – The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission estimates that this line would generate at least $152 million in new economic activity in Western MA.

It’s good for riders and employers – Commuter rail gives commuters and travelers more convenient and affordable options. It’s also a key part of a sustainable transportation system of rail, buses, and cars that employers need to attract the best workers and keep businesses running smoothly.

Please do all that you can to get the Springfield-New Haven Commuter Rail Line project funded in the next stimulus bill.

Sincerely,

This week--make your voice heard!

Another notice (see the blog list for more stories) on the upcoming hearings.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Wilbur Smith

Wilbur Smith's NHHS study blogged here(link to study as well)

Monday, November 24, 2008

PVACR part of "Bringing in the Green" Expo, Dec. 6

Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail is joining a variety of green companies and organizations to help show people how they can save money while they help save the environment.

The first ever "Bringing in the Green" Exposition in East Longmeadow will be taking place Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Council on Aging, located at 328 North Main St.

We'll be collecting signatures in support of bringing commuter rail to the region and educating people about the many benefits of commuter rail, to the environment, our economy, and everyone who lives in the area.

Please stop by and send some friends our way!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Western Mass. must be part of commuter rail service
by Nancy Considine

To the editor:

Praise to Governor Patrick for wanting better planning for expansion projects in the state's transport system, especially for commuter rail service. He outlined his intentions in a statement Nov. 13, but excluded any mention of planning for commuter rail service for western Massachusetts.

Governor Patrick suggests that new agencies make a "realistic plan." If so, then those agencies must make provisions for service to the communities here in the western part of the state. I suggest, specifically, that any new planning include the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield project being supported by the Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail.

Already in Connecticut's transportation plan is commuter rail service from New Haven/Hartford into Springfield. Massachusetts is being asked to contribute 10 percent, or an estimated $30 million dollars, of the project's cost. Connecticut has pledged to pay 90 percent of the project cost for commuter rail service terminating in Springfield. If Massachusetts does not appropriate this money, the commuter trains will come to Springfield, turn around, head back to Connecticut, but will not open their doors so that workers, students, commuters and visitors may ride.

The Advocates for Commuter Rail encourage Massachusetts to pledge the 10 percent of costs now so that this needed service will be in effect by 2011-2012. This volunteer group also encourages a feasibility study for commuter rail service in the "Knowledge Corridor" to provide inexpensive and accessible rail travel between Springfield and White River Junction, Vt.

Pioneer Valley Advocates estimate that immediately the commuter rail project from New Haven/Hartford/Springfield will create new jobs, stimulate new economic activity and importantly improve air quality by taking cars off the highways. Trains help cut the region's carbon emissions.

Readers can find more information about Pioneer Valley Advocates of Commuter Rail on its Web page: www.SpringfieldRail.org.

Nancy Considine

Hatfield

Hello everyone,

Thank you for your continued support for bringing commuter rail and
all of its benefits to the Pioneer Valley region. The New Haven-
Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) commuter rail project has gained a
tenuous "toe-hold" in the MA budget process. As we all know, though,
projects have a way of getting put on the back burner or cut all
together if clear, strong support doesn't ring out.

Please help ensure that this region gets all the benefits we need to
thrive (not just hang on!) – for our economy, the environment, and
ourselves as commuters and travelers.

JOIN IN
Come see us at a meeting or outreach event. And, please, if you have
some time, materials, or money to pitch in to make these efforts
successful, let us know!

Dec. 6, 2008, 10:00a-2:00p – "Bringing in the Green" Exposition --
Hosted by East Longmeadow Green Committee, this is a great
opportunity to highlight the environmental benefits of commuter rail
and gather petition signatures. Where: Council on Aging, 328 North
Pleasant Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.

Dec. 8, 6:00p – ConnDOT Public Scoping Hearing for New Haven-Hartford-
Springfield (NHHS) Commuter Rail service – Hearings for the
preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed
improvements for the NHHS service. Where: TD Banknorth Conference
Center, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA.

Dec. 17, 7:30-9:00p – PVACR Monthly Meeting – Enjoy the company of
fellow supporters and help us plan activities for outreach to
businesses and green groups in early 2009. East Longmeadow Library,
60 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA, 01028

Jan. 24-25, 2009, TBD – Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show –
We're making plans to be involved in this amazing annual show that
draws huge crowds of passionate rail fans. Where: The "Big E",
Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds, Memorial Avenue, West
Springfield MA. 01089

SPEAK UP
Please keep giving us your ideas and feedback – and let your
government representatives know why you support commuter rail:
In Oct., PVACR participated in the MA Executive Office Of
Transportation's Workshop. They want to hear from more rail
supporters. Please send your story about why we need commuter rail in
Western MA to planning@eot.state.ma.us and check out
http://www.youmovemassachusetts.org/ to receive their newsletter.
As always, we appreciate being copied on your letters and emails of
support when possible.

Please share this information with friends and family who are ready
for this region to rev up again!

THANK YOU and have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving

Dodd and Region

Sen. Dodd knows the issue is regional:

"Dodd said that he would try to have the transportation station included in an economic stimulus package planned for late January / early February."

"Dodd commented that there was a growing bipartisan consensus on the need to invest in infrastructure, “Yesterday, I attended a meeting at the American Enterprise Institute, a fairly conservative think tank. The way they talked about infrastructure, I could have sworn that I was at an AFL-CIO meeting.” According to Dodd, Congress plans to utilize a bottom-up approach that concentrates infrastructure funding on local government projects, like the multi-modal transportation center."

"Senator Dodd stressed the importance of having Longmeadow and East Longmeadow officials involve members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation to buttress the argument that this is a regional issue."

Saturday, November 22, 2008

transport makers

Excellent article by Robert Goodman

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Union Station Redevelopment

Thanks to Herb for pointing me toward the new Union Station redevelopment report.

Friday, September 5, 2008

How much money?

The American Public Transportation Association has posted a calculator to help commuters determine how much money they could save on gas if they used public transportation instead of driving their car. It does not factor in wear and tear on the automobile, however.

Friday, August 22, 2008

9-6 event

The PVACR invites you to attend a meeting with Lt. Gov. Tim Murray to discuss commuter rail in our region.

Sept. 6, 2008

12 noon-2pm

Springfield City Library Community Room

RSVP: pvacr@yahoo.com

We are trying to educate the public about the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail line and need donations to fund our efforts.

The NHHS line could bring an $152 million in new economic development to our region. It could help our environment by reducing car traffic. It could stimulate local bus companies to create shuttle services between the train stop in downtown Springfield and employers.

Estimated cost: $30 million to Massachusetts.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

next meetings

August 21: Next monthly meeting at 7:30 pm, Lathrop House B&B at 188 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA

Sept. 6: Listen to Lt. Gov. Murray talk about commuter rail in the Springfield Main Library's Community Room at 12 noon. (suggested donation to PVACR of $20.--funds will pay for brochures)

Monday, July 21, 2008

NCI op-ed

Jim RePass of the National Corridors Initiative offers some sharp words for the delay in the commuter rail line. What I had understood was that the delay was caused by the new parking lots and new stations--not the train tracks themselves. I will look into this further.

Hartford Courant "EPA Will Delay State Commuter Rail Line" By JAMES P. REPASS

July 20, 2008

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under the Bush administration utterly supine to nearly every extractive, Superfund site-creating and/or polluting industry, has suddenly gotten religion.

They have decided to save us from the environmental dangers of ... commuter rail!

Gov. Jodi Rell and legislative leaders have forged a bipartisan plan to re-introduce commuter rail service on the existing train route between New Haven, Hartford and Springfield, extending up to Brattleboro if our friends in Vermont join in, as they say they will.

But the EPA is having none of this "rail" thing. It has ordered a full-blown environmental impact statement to determine whether it is safe to replace some track and run trains in exactly the same place trains have run for the past 150 years.

If left unchallenged, this action will delay for at least two years the start of work on a desperately needed commuter rail line. As The Courant recently reported, high gas prices are making it increasingly difficult for inner-city residents to get to their jobs. Middle-class commuters are feeling the crunch as well. The rail service will not only save money and reduce petroleum use and attendant pollution, but prod the creation of transit-oriented development that will help revive the economies of every town along the line.
...

Whence the newfound Bush administration "environmentalism?" As readers may note, a few weeks ago the Bureau of Land Management, which has with a vengeance promoted the opening of millions of acres of public lands to mining, timbering and drilling during the Bush years, finally has had second thoughts about the environmental impact of activities on said lands.

...

We call upon the congressional delegations of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to draft legislation exempting any such commuter rail project, not just here but anywhere in America, from any environmental impact review whatsoever. When an existing right of way is to be put to the use for which it was designed as much as 100 or 150 years ago, there is no reason on earth the federal government needs to protect anything — unless they are meaning to protect the oil lobby, which elected them and continues to pay them, from the competition, and relief from traffic congestion, that good commuter rail invariably provides.

"Big," a commenter on the article suggests the following course of action:

"Instead of calling on Congress to completely exempt rail from environmental impact studies, as the article suggests, why not simply ask Congress to expedite, or fast-track, this study?"

"Frustrated Commuter" added the following:
"Have I missed the discussion of how the New Haven-Hartford rail effort is already years behind. The final report on the project was delivered to the CT-DOT in June 2005 (http://www.ct.gov/dotinfo/cwp /view.asp?a=2181&q=295670 &dotinfoNav=)
and wasn't some funding allocated shortly thereafter... Please help me understand why they are just now getting on with EIS submissions some 3 years later.(And not just railbeds, but for new stations, parking lots and more...)

Also, what ever happenned to the discussion of securing the railbeds from Amtrak ownership to help streamline the process.

I'm still hoping to see viable commuter rail from New Haven to Hartford before planned retirement in 10 years, but my optimism is being challenged. "

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Independence from Oil

In a terrific op-ed on rail, the Globe's Derrick Z. Jackson quotes Michael Dukakis: "There isn't a part of the country that doesn't want more rail."

We agree....heck, we'd like to have commuter rail.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Return of Rail

Discussion of the June 25 event has begun on Masslive.com and is producing some interesting reading. For one example, read this article on the return of rail.

April 10, 2008

John R. Stilgoe: ‘Train travel will supplant highway and air travel in the next few decades. Furthermore, electric railroads will increasingly be used to distribute freight items as well as mail and express packages.’
Staff photo Will Nunnally/Harvard News Office

It seems responses fall into 3 major types: whole-hearted supporters (a majority), supportive skeptics, and critics. Among the supportive skpetics, there are lots of questions about details. One poster engaged in a discussion, even seeking out information (like that article above). That is what the discussion needs--more information, not less. Among the critics, there are reminders that we have buses. Buses and cars and planes don't solve all transportation problems. Neither does rail--BUT if we avoid using one mode because we are worried about the impact on another, that does us a disservice. Historically, positive developments have resulted in regions with commuter rail. Our region does not have a good public transportation system. It's getting better, but too slowly.

Monday, June 23, 2008

June 25 Event

You are welcome to attend the release of the

Report to Highlight Need for Better Transportation Options ...Officials and transit advocates point to New Haven--Hartford--Springfield commuter rail

WHAT: MASSPIRG is coordinating a press conference to make the case for better public transportation options and release a new report that analyzes the average household's federal economic stimulus rebate compared to the average household's spending on gasoline.

MASSPIRG will be releasing the report with local and state officials, commuter rail advocates, and the regional planning commission to highlight the revitalization of Union Station and proposed commuter rail connecting New Haven to Hartford to Springfield, and eventually all the way to Vermont.

WHO: Phineas Baxandall, MASSPIRG Senior Policy Analyst
Timothy Brennan, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Executive Director
David Panagore, Chief Development Officer for the City of Springfield
Rebecca Townsend with Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail
Cheryl Coakley-Rivera, Springfield State Representative
Kevin Kennedy from Congressman Neal's office

WHY: This month, the average price of gasoline in Massachusetts hit $4.00 a gallon. In response, transit ridership has surged, but too many commuters are without transit options.

With many transit expansion projects planned, high gas prices make it clear that these types of investments must move forward. Plus, the current federal transportation funding system expires in 2009, presenting an opportunity to see more federal funding dedicated to public transportation.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 25th, 2008, 11:30 AM.

WHERE: Springfield Union Station

Monday, June 16, 2008

Subsidies

Reuters has a Q& A with Amtrak President Alex Kummantwith at that link. Among the fascinating things, we find out how much other modes of transportation are subsidized:

Q: Is there a goal for Amtrak to be profitable, and should it be profitable?
A: "I think it is absolute mythology that there's any national system that is profitable. And I think the naysayers just have to get over it. There is no example. If you peel apart the British rail privatization, there were a tremendous numbers of problems with that. People say Oh look at these wonderful new trains running around here. It's all because of the miracle of the private market.' That's complete nonsense. There's a bunch of new trains running around there because they spent five times as much tax money today as they did in 1990. And actually if you look at the subsidy structures, we are awash in subsidies for all modes of transportation. There's a $10 billion a year cash transfer from the general fund to the Highway Trust Fund. FAA gets $2.7 billion. We pay all security at Amtrak and yet there is a $1.5 billion subsidy that goes beyond any user fees for security in air travel.
There's $8 billion that goes into security and life safety for cruise ships. There's four-plus billion dollars that goes to waterways. Let's not even get into airport construction which is a miasma of state, federal and local tax breaks and tax refinancing and God knows what. And then there's private aviation which gets huge subsidies in accelerated depreciation loss for small aircraft. So I always get a good chuckle, if I'm in a good mood, when people talk about subsidized Amtrak. It's always a lot of fun then to reel off every other mode that is subsidized. And one final point. If you actually look at the amount of public capital that flows into the rail network per passenger, it's like $40 a passenger for Amtrak and $500 to $700 per automobile out there through the highways.
One final point is that the network matters. So you can find some juicy little piece of railroad that has just the right density and say Wow we make money here'. But guess what? If you peel that out and privatize it, your costs for running the rest of the network just went up. And it's actually connectivity that matters. So it's an entire network that matters. And if you don't have an entire network, you end up with a ridiculous patchwork of short little lanes of things that make no sense from a national system."

Next meeting 6/19

Reminder

Our June 19 meeting will be at 7:30, in the Lathrop House Bed & Breakfast at 188 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA.

Among other items, we will discuss:

-The Future of Transportation Meeting
-A National Corridors Initiative connection
-PVACR's recent meeting with the CT DOT Environmental Assessment team

And, of course, we will discuss how the new Transportation Bond Bill & Amtrak re-authorization affects our work.

Please also keep this on your calendar:

PVACR-MassPIRG event 6/25 11:30am @ Union Station (if you can't come, be sure you watch the news)

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Bond Bill 2: The sequel's better than the first

Thanks to Dan Ring for bringing this to our attention:

The House will vote on Bond Bill 2 tomorrow, Wednesday, June 11.

6001-0804 For the purpose of implementing rail improvements under chapter 161C of the General Laws; provided, that funds may be used for transportation planning, design, permitting and engineering for heavy rail, light rail and bus projects, which shall include the Urban Ring, Blue Line extension to Lynn, the Connecticut River Knowledge Corridor Line and South Coast initiatives; provided, however, that that the extension of the Blue Line to Lynn shall be restricted to existing commuter rail rights of way excluding narrow gauge rail line rights of way; provided further, that funds may be used for the acquisition of interests in land; provided further, that $220,000 shall be expended for Phase II disabled accessibility renovations at the rail depot in the town of Athol; and provided further, that $50,000 shall be expended to study the feasibility of constructing a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Commuter Rail station in the town of West Bridgewater.........................$90,000,000

(more to come)

Monday, June 9, 2008

Just Take Public Transportation

"...Or taking public transportation."

The Globe's reporting of a survey about gas prices changing travel habits includes that deceptively small line. Public transportation, if available, would enable communities to remain stable, reducing the transient population of talent and creativity, of community-minded folks who also want to work in interesting jobs. Or, let's face it, if the only job you can get is in a place you cannot afford to live in, you are stuck. Look at Western New England.....transportation choices.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Increasing # of Train Commuters

It would be nice to flock to a train to save money and conserve energy.....people in Boston have that option. The Boston Globe has this graphic to accompany their article today about commuters increasing their use of the T:

It seems that Secretary Cohen understands the significance of trains to the region: ""We want to keep these riders," said state Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen. "It's not good for the region if people try the T and then go back to their cars.""

Thursday, May 22, 2008

trains' benefits & cost of gas

...There is a well known phrase train enthusiasts use to describe the sentimental obsession some have for old trains — "the romance of the rail." But romance, as any pragmatist will tell you, doesn't pay the bills, and advocates know passenger rail will thrive in Maine only if it helps the Maine economy.

"It's a very smart wave of the future," says Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, a quasi-governmental organization created by the Maine Legislature in 1995 to operate the Downeaster. "It has nothing to do with romance and history."

Quinn calls the Downeaster a transit option, just as buses or airplanes are, and says it should be subsidized as part of what she believes is wise public transportation policy.

"We need to diversify, other than just having transportation be highways," says Quinn. "Because as time goes on, and with gas prices going up like they are, it's important to invest in other means of transportation."

Indeed, it may be the death of the road that prompts the revival of the rail. In 2007, when fuel prices began to climb, the Downeaster attracted a record 383,833 passengers, and Quinn expects 2008 will be even better thanks to pain at the pump — she is projecting 418,000 people will take the two-and-a-quarter-hour ride to Boston this year. Due to rising demand, the service recently added a fifth daily trip to the schedule.

Quinn says none of Amtrak's passenger services anywhere in the country turn a profit, and as a public transportation service rail should be supported, as highways are, by dedicated revenue from taxes.

To bolster the notion that rail is an economically important part of a public transit system, Quinn commissioned a report on the economic impact of the Downeaster [SEE VIDEO at that link]. The March report found the Downeaster will generate $3.3 billion in new construction investment in the Portland to Boston corridor by 2030, creating 8,000 new jobs and contributing $55 million in state tax revenue. The report, by the Center for Neighborhood Technology in Chicago, points to the two hotels and a $20 million residential and retail complex completed roughly 200 yards from the train station in Old Orchard Beach in 2006, and the $110 million mixed-use redevelopment of Saco mills currently underway that was prompted by plans to reopen the train station nearby. Extending the Downeaster to Brunswick and Rockland, the report claims, will create an additional $981 million in development, 2,582 new jobs and $16.5 millio

n in annual taxes............

With the cost of gas these days....
....it makes sense to turn to trains.

The Amherst Railway Society has had the right idea...as does the Palmer Railroad Advisory Board.

May 22 Meeting

The PVACR invites you to attend an open meeting at 7:30 pm, at the Lathrop House Bed & Breakast (188 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA 01108. Those interested in attending this free meeting are encouraged to Park on the adjacent streets: Forest Park Ave or Washington).

GUEST SPEAKER: Dana Roscoe, Senior Transportation Planner with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

National Train Day

On National Train Day members of the PVACR will be collecting signatures in support of the NHHS line at Springfield's Amtrak station.

Cars should promote rail, so if you want to get your bumper sticker in support of the line (it looks just like the banner on the www.SpringfieldRail.org site), stop by the Amtrak station to sign the petition. If you won't be available to do this on Saturday, we are arranging for another day too. Of course, you can always contact us at pvacr@yahoo.com to get the bumper sticker and learn how to help.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Save Gas

Save gas--use public transportation.
Joe Wiesenfelder of Cars.com provides this tip and others:
"The biggest fuel savings comes not from hybrid technology but from the old standards: car pooling and public transportation. If you and just one friend or neighbor trade off commuting to and from work, you cut your fuel usage by about 50 percent. No other step will save you as much money. Also, if you have two vehicles in the family motor pool, leave the thirstier one in the garage as often as possible.
Public transportation saves fuel, and possibly money. It also decreases congestion, which saves everyone fuel. Help yourself and everyone else; be part of the solution."

Friday, April 11, 2008

Next meeting 4/24

We've been growing. Petition signatures are increasing, and due to our overflow meeting at Starbucks earlier this month, we've been able to get a larger space donated for use for our next meeting.

The Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail will have a meeting in late April.

Please bring all completed petitions & updates.

DAY: Thursday
DATE: April 24
TIME: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
PLACE: Lathrop House B&B
188 Sumner Avenue
Springfield, MA 01108
Park on Forest Park Ave. or Washington (adjacent streets). No parking on Sumner Ave.
www.SpringfieldRail.org

pvacr@yahoo.com

Questions? Call Becky at (413) 847 - 0166

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Updates

What a week! Some points of interest:

1. Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail launched a new web page (http://www.springfieldrail.org/)

2. We had great media coverage (Reminder, WWLP, ABC40).

3. Membership from that web page has grown by 19 in the last week.

4. Our meeting at Starbucks on April 3 brought 20 people (not the ones included in the count above).

5. We're now up to 106 signers of the online petition.

6. We've been meeting with many local leaders, some of whom are 100% in support, and some of whom are more cautious about having their names associated with this new $152 economic development initiative.

7. At the caucuses this weekend, we collected 80+ signatures at one, and await figures from the other. Petitions have been distributed to members for collection.

8. the Green City forum went well: One of our members wrote "During the forum, Congressman Neal was asked a question about his support for commuter rail and he had a 5-minute or so discussion about how he supports rail transit and he would like to see a Worcester-Boston link. I went up to him afterward to ask him about NHHS and he said he supports it."

9. That same member had also attended the TIMBY forum, with this report:
"The bulk of the audience was Boston area folk, and most of the discussion centered around MBTA, MassHighway and MTA issues

- Representative Wagner & Congressman Olver were both in attendance.

- Mary MacInnes from the PVTA talked about the various transit projects in the region, including Union Station (and she alluded to US as being a destination for the NHHS line), the Holyoke & Westfield Intermodal stations. She spent the bulk of here time talking about those projects, but she did mention an early study on a Spfld-VT CT line, an EOT study on a Worcester-Spfld line CR and the NHHS line.

- Mike Rennicke from Pioneer Valley Railroad talked about how various states are investing in freight railroad infrastructure by setting up state "banks" and other methods, and he wants MA to help out with the short-haul freight railroad companies as a way of reducing congestion and fuel costs from highway truck traffic.

- Pretty much the issue that dominated discussion was the fact that the MBTA and MTA have huge debt which is eating up all the transportation money right now, and they might very well need a state bailout.

Most of the discussion centered around how infrastructure is crumbling since we don't have much money to fix it (things are better now that the Big Dig is done, but maintenance spending still has reached pre-Big Dig numbers). There was also discussion about debt restructuring (MassTrans), cost cutting and new revenue sources like per use pricing.

What I really took away from the TIMBY conference, with respect to NHHS, is that the biggest obstacle the NHHS faces in Massachusetts is that fact that the state has no money to spend on transporation because the MBTA and MTA are sucking it all up.

The case really needs to be made that the commuter rail will drive economic investment in an area that needs it.

10. We're considering an event for National Train Day. (next meeting tba)

Monday, March 31, 2008

Approve this Bond Bill

The Republican has this story on the upcoming Bond Bill:

"A $2.9 billion, three-year, state transportation bond bill headed to the House floor for action this week is an urgently needed step to address the commonwealth's deteriorating roads and bridges, lawmakers and regional planners say."

This bill should be approved. But it doesn't have funding for the NHHS line in it, you may note....why do we still think it should be approved? Because we want to be sure the WMASS delegation is prepared to argue for the NHHS line. Right now, they are not--there are too many other pressing needs, for example:

"The bond is a microcosm of the funding needed to ensure safety of roads and bridges across the state, he said. Citing the work of the state Transportation Finance Commission, Brennan said the state will need to spend $15 billion to $19 billion over the next 20 years just to bring existing roads and bridges up to a state of good repair. "That's the situation, and the situation is gloomy," Brennan said."

Fix what needs fixing for safety's sake, and add the project to help the environment, stimulate the economy, and ease transportation problems in the subsequent bond bill. Plus, the state of Connecticut only just recently signed a contract with Wilbur Smith, the firm that will do the environmental assessment....in other words, there's still time left.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Falling Behind

In the Boston Globe today, New England received a wake-up call.

The new report,

Falling Behind
New England Must Act Now to Reduce
Global Warming Pollution

Suggests that NE must:

Build a more sustainable transportation system for the region that would reduce
emissions by:
o Investing in the region’s rail infrastructure and developing a long-term
rail plan.
o Improving transit in suburbs and smaller cities.
o Encouraging downtown redevelopment in a sustainable, pedestrian
friendly way.
o Supporting transit-oriented, compact residential and commercial
development.
o Reallocating the costs of driving, such as pay-as-you-drive insurance and
elimination of parking subsidies.
o Considering global warming pollution in transportation planning and
development projects.

hmm....perhaps our legislators might want to listen?

Monday, March 24, 2008

Fuel Cell Locomotives

CT Rep. David McCluskey from New Haven (and Assistant Majority Whip) has an innovative idea regarding the NHHS line: fuel cell technology. in his blog, he writes (emphasis mine):

"The state wants to expand its commuter rail service. Ideally, we should have one seat rides that do not have the long delays caused by switching from diesel to electric service. Unfortunately, the Danbury, Waterbury & the New Haven to Springfield branch lines are not electrified like the main coastal one from the New York state line to the Rhode Island state line. The cost of doing so would be high and would take a long time. However, if we use fuel cell locomotives on the branch lines, including the Springfield to New Haven one, we do not have to electrify the line OR change locomotives to get to New York City."

How would it work? "Fuel cells generate electrical power quietly and efficiently, without pollution. Unlike power sources that use fossil fuels, the by-products from an operating fuel cell are heat and water."

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Status report on NHHS in MA

Status report:

The Governor filed the transportation bond bill late (supposed to be in June-July). Half of it is money the state is fronting so that the Federal government will reimburse us from federal transportation revenue. It's a traditional style $4 billion transportation bond bill pending for this fiscal year (which is half over), now before the Senate. It contains a dollar amount for the Fitchburg expansion--a worthy project.

There is no money for the NHHS line in this bond bill. While not great, this is OK, since CT has not been as fast as expected in getting a contract for Wilbur-Smith. They have that contract now. The environmental assessment and design study (involving public participation processes) will take 18 months to 2 years.

CT-MA Conversations about NHHS are ongoing (Sec. Cohen spoke about it as a key project at Bradley Conference, high-ranking CONN DOT official speaks about it there too). Oh, and there’s that $40 million federal money for the Springfield Union Station intermodal transportation facility. HDR is working on the design.

Next meeting 4/3

The Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail will meet at 7:30pm on Thursday April 3 at the Starbucks on Columbus Ave. in Springfield.

Interested residents of the Pioneer Valley can learn how they can participate in promoting the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail line.

The PVACR is advocating that the next version of the Transportation Bond Bill include a line for $30 million to cover the cost of the line. According to a conservative estimate from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, this public investment would stimulate an additional $152 million in new economic activity for the Greater Springfield region. Other examples of similar projects, like the ‘Downeaster” line from Maine to Boston, have demonstrated successful intermodal cooperation.

Those interested in the meeting may feel free to contact the PVACR at pvacr@yahoo.com.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Join the network: Meeting March 13

The next meeting of the Pioneer Valley Advocates for Commuter Rail will be on March 13, at 7:30pm, at 688 Bliss Road, Longmeadow, MA. For more details, email us at pvacr@yahoo.com.

In the process of letting others know about this meeting, we came across another petition. Ours is here and another one is here. Yet a third is here. That third petition is sponsored by the Massachusetts Commuter Rail Initiative, a fellow organization started from Greenfield. It's clear that in the age of rising pump prices, we cannot afford to stall plans for improved rail any further. We need to act now, and when more of the public speaks up for what we want, things will change.

Who knows? Perhaps one of the following potential new state legislators might speak up for the region???

Brian Ashe

William Scibelli

Kateri Walsh

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Businesses coming...

There are two interesting stories in the news: Liberty Mutual and Socaplast USA.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.—Liberty Mutual Group announced plans Thursday to hire up to 300 people for a new Springfield office, the second business to announce expansion plans in the city in as many days.........

SPRINGFIELD - Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and economic development officials yesterday praised plans by a Belgian company to open a recycling facility in Indian Orchard, investing $3.4 million and creating about 15 full-time jobs.

Socaplast USA, expects to begin operations in May, in a warehouse at the Solutia Inc. business park at 730 Worcester St., set to become its United States headquarters. Raf van der Perre, chief executive officer of Socaplast Belgium, was among officials participating in yesterday's announcement at City Hall. ......

It seems they'd benefit from having reliable transportation infrastucture so that employees could get to and from work in a fast, reliable way.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

so far

What a busy time!

* PVACR members handed leaflets to about 150 commuters in Enfield this morning.
* We've had good conversations with companies around the region
* We've had good discussions with local muncipal and state leaders

And all have been positive.

-------

It's also good to see towns planning :
Wallingford to start commuter line plannning committeeMeriden Record-Journal - Meriden,CT,USAWALLINGFORD - The Town Council will create a committee that will consider how the town could begin planning for the upcoming commuter rail line. ...

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

The Environmental Study is Underway!

Connecticut is making progress.

The DOT noted, (last updated in 2005):

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has hired Wilbur Smith Associates to perform a feasibility study for the implementation of commuter rail service between New Haven, Hartford and Springfield, Massachusetts. The corridor was identified as a key component in meeting the goals of improving and sustaining the regional economic viability and improving regional livability in the Capitol Region Council of Government’s (CRCOG) Regional Transit Strategy (RTS). This was further recognized by the Connecticut Transportation Strategy Board as an important first step in implementing a statewide strategic plan and has allocated funding to undertake the implementation study. In addition to serving commuters traveling between the towns and cities along the corridor, the service could provide a connection to Bradley International Airport, multiple links to Amtrak Intercity service and a direct link to the existing Metro North and Shore Line East Commuter Rail in New Haven.
I've received word that Wilbur Smith Associates has just signed a contract with ConnDOT and are underway with the Environmental Assessment for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail project. There will be extensive public involvement....Stand ready to support this project!

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Meridan wants it

The Meriden Record-Journal wrote an update about the NHHS line, available through this link.

To ride from Meriden to Hartford would cost about $4, based on the 2005 study and adjusted for inflation. On Amtrak, that ride costs $6 or $8, depending on the time of day.A monthly pass from Wallingford to New Haven costs $90 on Amtrak, but would be about $65 on the commuter rail.Riders would also likely be able to buy combined passes with Metro-North, something that provides additional savings for Shoreline East travelers."

"[Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce president and a member of the state's Transportation Strategy Board Sean Moore] says commuter rail is coming; the question is simply ho

w soon.

The legislature has approved the estimated $300 million it will take t

o get the trains up and running, and Rell, who supports the idea, will decide when to bond it. [Stephen] Delpapa, [supervising transportation planner at t he DOT] said [CT Governo r Jodi] Rell [photo left] has mentioned ways to speed up the process, such as phasing in the construction and starting service before the three new stations are built."

About 40 people commute daily via the two buses that travel weekday mornings and afternoons, said Joseph Zajac, administrator of Meriden's Transit District. That's down from 60-70 people on three buses during the middle 1990s.The service costs $100 per month, $44 less than Amtrak, but slightly more than is estimated for the rail line.Zajac thinks there will still be a market for the bus, given that most rail commuters would either have to walk to work or take another bus from Hartford's station.

He supports the commuter railroad though, and the transportation hub, which could bring interstate bus service back to Meriden for the first time since early 2006.

Corporations and the federal government also support mass transit through pre-tax payroll deductions for commuting expenses, subsidies and other incentives. With parking at a premium in urban cores, companies such as Aetna offer monthly payments to employees who don't drive to work.

Aetna employees receive $50 per month if they don't park on Aetna's Hartford campus, where spots range from $25 to $125 per month.
(Aetna Home office photo right)

The company will move 3,600 employees from Middletown to Hartford by 2010, including Stephen T. Zerio, a former Meriden City Councilor who works at the insurance giant. Zerio said he would definitely examine the train as an option to get to Hartford. "It's got to have a lot of flexibility," he said. "I think of rail lines like Metro-North. You know that if you miss a train, there'll be another one half an hour later. Right now if you miss the bus or train, you're out of luck."

Zerio, who chaired the council's Economic Development, Housing and Zoning Committee, also likes the service's potential in Meriden."More rail creates more foot traffic," he said. "I could stop past a luncheonette on my way to work, or pick up some fresh bread on the way home. There would be more opportunities for places in Meriden to open up during rush hour traffic morning and night.

"Then there's the savings on gas." Partridge, of Wallingford, said rising gas prices and parking fees at her employer, the Yale Medical Group in New Haven, prompted her to start taking the train in late 2006. Now she's comfortable with her commute, which takes about the same amount of time as when she drove. A shuttle bus takes her to work and back from New Haven's Union Station.
(Union Station photo, right, from Bridge & Tunnel Club --more photos at site...and also here ).

"It works out for me," Partridge said, although there have been some delays on evening trains coming home. Amtrak said its New Haven to Springfield service was 75 percent on-time last year. For Metro-North, it was 97.7 percent. Amtrak spokesman Cliff Cole said track improvements are underway, which would increase on-time performance.

Mass transit users often gain other benefits, such as a less stressful commute. On a train, there's time to work, relax or socialize, as Partridge, Brainard and Sobral typically do."The truth is, (employees) will arrive significantly more prepared to work, as opposed to arriving completely stressed out having fought traffic the entire time," Moore said. "I hear that on a regular basis."
[...]

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Perez supports Commuter Rail (and reminders of philosophy and Cianci)

Kudos to Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez for advocating for commuter rail
He writes that "a regional transportation system is an investment in our economy as well as our ecology. It will build on the various modes of transportation that already exist and connect them, with the goal being that they run more effectively and efficiently and serve more people. It will create jobs and make it easier to get to existing jobs."

Mayors sometimes be leaders of their own cities, but some can actually lead a region. The importance of mayors (and SelectBoards) across CT and Massachusetts working for a common regional purpose is more critical now than ever before. Transportation is communication: we link
Witness this scene from RI:

In the late 1800s, the powerful railroads filled in the remnants of the Great Salt Cove. Further development covered over large swaths of the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket rivers, which flowed into the Providence River to the Bay.

Early in the 1990s, some of [then Mayor Vincent "Buddy"] Cianci’s staffers gave him an old black-and-white photograph of downtown Providence, bisected by unsightly railroad tracks and freight yards, with the inscription: “Prov – B.C. – Before Cianci.”

By then, the rail yards were gone, replaced by the glittering Waterplace Park and the resurrected rivers, which had been uncovered and moved during the 1980s in an ambitious, $40-million project financed primarily by the federal government.

In 1974, when Cianci first ran for mayor against Joseph Doorley, he championed a plan by a Rhode Island School of Design professor to move the railroad tracks and uncover the river. But there was no money, and Cianci, faced with other challenges, never pursued it after he was elected.

Four years later, when the Federal Railroad Administration planned a major upgrade of rail service between Boston and Washington, the then-director of the Providence Foundation, Ron Marsella, suggested that the federal money be used to move the tracks instead of simply fixing them.

The idea caught on with then-U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, a railroad buff, who proved key in winning approval. Cianci and his political rival, Gov. J. Joseph Garrahy, both jumped on board and lobbied in Washington, even as they were preparing to run against one another for governor in 1980 — issuing dueling press releases about who deserved credit.

Moving the tracks opened up downtown land for redevelopment, including the site of the Providence Place mall.

The Capital Center Commission, a quasi-public agency whose members were appointed by the governor, the mayor and the nonprofit Providence Foundation, was created in 1980 to shepherd the development.

The project was moving forward in 1983 when the new director of the Providence Foundation, Kenneth Orenstein, saw the plans and panicked — Capital Center engineers had proposed paving over the rest of the Providence River for a new road. Orenstein turned to architect Bill Warner, who was studying potential waterfront uses, and Warner sketched out a plan to uncover the river and move the confluence of the three rivers 100 yards east, to its current location near the Citizens Bank building. "

(for a more theoretical turn, see here (from Mattelart): "Herbert Spencer (1820-1903), a railway engineer turned philosopher, took the idea of communication as an organic system even further. His 'social physiology' - which existed in outline form in 1852, seven years before the publication of Darwin's major work, The Origin of Species, and was explicitly formulated starting in 1870--carried to an extreme the hypothesis of continuity between the biological and the social order. The physiological division of labour and the progress of the organism went together. From the homogeneous to the heterogeneous, from the simple to the complex, from concentration to differentiation, industrial society is the embodiment of 'organic society': an increasingly coherent, integrated society-as-organism in which functions are increasingly well defined and parts increasingly interdependent In this systematic whole, communication is a basic component of organic systems of distribution and regulation. Like the vascular system, the former ,(made up of roads, canals and railways) ensures the distribution of nutritive substance."

Friday, January 11, 2008

What Rail Means for Local Businesses

Rail means more than just $152 million new economic activity to our region. That's terrific, but general. How might we see some of that growth?

Erica Walch, the owner of Speak Easy Accent Modification (a downtown business), observed: "I currently commute to Boston twice per week to work with clients. If we had a commuter rail to Boston, I would definitely ride it. If we had commuter rail to Southern CT, I would explore working with clients in that area, as they would be easier to reach (whet

her I went to them or they to me). I would also use both of these services to commute to Boston and the NYC area for recreational outings. I drive to NYC/Brooklyn about twice a year, and would probably go more often if I didn't have to drive."

She could grow her business into Southern Connecticut and stay in her home base of Springfield. That helps Erica, Springfield, the Pioneer Valley, and Massachusetts. Local businesses benefit from commuter rail.

(photo from Business West)

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

WNEC Communication Conference

I went to the WNEC Communication Conference today and spoke with the following people:

Domenic Sarno, Mayor of Springfield;
Brian M. Connors, Deputy Director of Economic Development for Springfield
Barb Campanella, Vice President of Marketing and External Affairs, WNEC;
Tony Cignoli, President, A. Cignoli Company
Dianne Fuller Doherty, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, UMass
Nick Fyntrilakis, of MassMutual;
Dave Madsen, Anchor, ABC40;
Mike Dobbs, Managing Editor, Reminder Publications;
Jaclyn Stevenson, Senior Writer, BusinessWest;
Tom Vannah, Editor, Valley Advocate;
Ed Kubosiak, Editor, Masslive.com;
Natalia Munoz, President, La Prensa;
Janine Fondon, Editor & CEO, Unity First;
Pari Hoxha, Publisher, Predvestnik;

Hopefully we will have meetings or stories with these people. I received very positive feedback.

If you would ride the line: Please send me a 2-3 sentence quotation with your name and city/town that the PVACR can use in communicating with the media.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Wagner

Rep. Wagner showed some vision for the Pioneer Valley region recently, when he me with a couple of members of the PVACR.

The story was picked up on Urban Compass .

Watch for a meeting announcement from PVACR soon.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Friday, December 19, 2008

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Monday, December 15, 2008

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Friday, December 12, 2008