Category Archives: FYI

Announcements, FYI, News

Ride the Michigan Northern Arrow special train to Petoskey this Labor Day weekend

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This year’s Labor Day weekend will feature a rare and nostalgic opportunity for Michiganians:  a train trip from south central Michigan to Petoskey and two full days in the popular Little Traverse Bay region.  The Michigan Northern Arrow will blend the leisurely ambiance of rail travel with the enjoyment of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, the Straits and the Soo.  Bluewater Michigan Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society is presenting this new ‘take” on a bygone tradition of rail excursions “Up North” with the cooperation of the Great Lakes Central railroad and the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Michigan Northern Arrow departs Owosso Friday morning, Sept. 3, with complimentary bus connections from metropolitan Detroit and west Michigan points.  The diesel-powered train of coaches, a sleeper, diners and lounges will take a day-long ramble through Mt. Pleasant, Clare, Cadillac, Manton, Kalkaska and Boyne Falls to the former GR&I (Pennsylvania Railroad) station in downtown Petoskey.  Refreshments, snacks, lunch and dinner will be served enroute.  At the end of the line, passengers will board buses to the Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Inn or Days Inn, depending on package selections.

Saturday will be spent relaxing, shopping Petoskey’s Gaslight District, strolling the shoreline paths or quaint Victorian-era Bay View, or visiting the new Odawa Casino. Side trips to Boyne City or Harbor Springs, including a bay cruise on the Pointer, may be reserved in advance.  Sunday affords more relaxation and shopping or a prepaid trip to Mackinac Island, Keewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie, or through the Soo locks by boat, with lunch on board. 

On Labor Day, passengers who make advance reservations to do so may take part in the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk, and will board the homebound train down line.  The Michigan Northern Arrow departs Petoskey at 8:00 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Owosso in the early evening. 

The excursion will feature Coach, First Class and Ultra Class packages, priced according to on-board and overnight accommodations and services.  Side trips away from Petoskey are priced separately, but in-town shuttles will be available at no additional charge.

Full information, including a detailed flier, is available from Bluewater Michigan Chapter, NRHS at 800-594-5162, or on-line at www.bluewaternrhs.com.

Bluewater Michigan Chapter of the National Railway Historical Chapter is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of rail traditions, equipment and artifacts, and is headquartered in Royal Oak.  Great Lakes Central railroad operates freight service between metropolitan Ann Arbor, Traverse City and Petoskey, and is headquartered in Owosso.

MEDIA CONTACT:  BILL HARMAN, 989-860-3900

Announcements, FYI, Meetings, News

Public forum scheduled for June 14 on passenger rail in Royal Oak

From The Royal Oak Daily Tribune

Public can help put modern rail system on track

ROYAL OAK — The first in a statewide slate of public forums on Michigan’s passenger rail transportation future takes place from 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 14, 2010 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 26988 Woodward Ave., which is at the southeast corner of 11 Mile Road.

The public can voice their opinions on how to best upgrade passenger and freight rail service in Michigan to create a more convenient, efficient system.

Attendees include State Rep. Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak), Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison, and staff from U.S. Congressman Gary Peters’ office.

“Recent federal support has put Michigan in a great position to build a modern rail transit system that is clean, fast and convenient,” said John DeLora of the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, which is one of the forum sponsors.

“We want residents to shape that vision and discuss how best to meet big challenges like funding for such a rail network.”

Investments in state-of-the-art passenger rail can help speed the way toward a new, robust economic model for the state that will also soften our environmental footprint, according to spokespeople for the other sponsors, the Michigan Environmental Council and the Michigan Suburbs Alliance.

“High speed rail is about much more than just tracks, trains, and trip times,” said Tim Fischer of the Michigan Environmental Council. “It’s also about creating thousands of green construction and manufacturing jobs that can help drive a new, clean-energy economy.”

Fischer said a modern rail system can revitalize urban centers, reduce freeway and airport congestion, and boost the use of urban public transit while reducing air pollution and carbon emissions in the process.

Each forum will include an overview of the existing rail system, an interactive rail mapping session, discussion of financing options and a big picture vision for a modern Michigan high speed rail system.

Forums later this summer are being planned for cities including Traverse City, Grand Rapids, New Buffalo, Lansing, Jackson, Holland, Detroit, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph/Benton Harbor and Ann Arbor.

Original article appeared at:
http://www.dailytribune.com/articles/2010/06/10/news/doc4c11334ddfc1d998866018.txt#blogcomments
This version was edited to include complete date for web reading.

Announcements, FYI, News

Amtrak to Start Screening Passengers, Carry-On Baggage

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From Agentathome.com

The Amtrak Police Department is now periodically conducting random screening of Amtrak passengers and their carry-on baggage at Chicago Union Station. The initiative is part of an ongoing commitment by Amtrak to improve safety and security at stations and on trains across its national network. It is not, Amtrak insists, in response to any threat.

Randomly selected Amtrak passengers and their baggage, handbags, backpacks or other personal items may be screened or inspected as they board trains. The inspection will be completed as quickly as possible, usually less than a minute, in a manner designed to respect passengers’ privacy as much as possible. Dangerous, hazardous and illegal items, including all firearms and other weapons, are prohibited in carry-on baggage. “Amtrak has been conducting these security screenings on a random basis along the Northeast Corridor and during special events elsewhere, in some cases in conjunction with the Transportation Security Administration,” said Amtrak Chief of Police John O’Connor.

In addition to the carry-on baggage screening, Amtrak Police explosive detection dogs will continue to patrol on the platforms, on-board trains, and throughout the station. Some of these K9’s are trained to detect specific materials on or around passengers.

A passenger who does not consent to the inspection or other security procedures will be denied access to Amtrak trains. In such cases, an Amtrak police officer will accompany the passenger to the ticket office, where a full refund may be given, without fee or penalty, even if the ticket is ordinarily non-refundable. The ticket may be refunded in cash, credit or travel certificate, depending on how it was paid.

Screening and other security activities are done on an unannounced and unpredictable basis. Therefore, no further public announcements regarding this type of screening are anticipated. An average of 55 Amtrak trains come and go from Chicago Union Station every day, with more than 8,500 Amtrak passengers using the station daily. With more than 1.5 million passengers, it is the fourth-busiest station in the Amtrak system. For more information, call 800-USA-RAIL or visit www.Amtrak.com.

Original source:
http://www.agentathome.com/Editorial.aspx?n=72433

Announcements, FYI

ACTION ALERT: State Senate bill may drastically reduce intercity bus service

The intercity motorcoach or bus network that Indian Trails has so carefully put together in Northern Michigan, which has been endorsed by MARP, is in jeopardy and we need you to contact your state senators to educate them about the negative impact of SB1164; it will dry up funding for state supported inter-city bus routes.

In the event you are not up to speed, on Wed. 5/12/10, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed SB 1164 to the full Senate, which would essentially eliminate all of our funding for intercity services for everything north of Grand Rapids,  Lansing,  Bay City and all of the Upper Peninsula for FY 2011.   The Senate is scheduled to vote this week, the week of 5/17/10.

It was thought that this would only represent a 10% cut in the Intercity Services budget, but they don’t realize that this fund is the match for federal grants.  The $725,000 proposed cut to the budget is actually more than 100% of the state funding for some intercity busing.  We would lose our federal match, so there would be no intercity bus services for 2/3 of the state.

Below you will find a link  that will help you find a link to your senator. We encourage you to write a letter to your senator (in your own words) but you may use the letter below for guidance.
http://senate.michigan.gov/

Dear Senator _______,

Over the last two years, I have become very familiar with the motor coach or bus service Indian Trails provides to all of Northern Michigan .  Utilizing clean, comfortable coaches, they serve countless communities in our state, with a very economical, logical route system.  Hubs exist in Escanaba and St. Ignace, where passengers can make convenient connections between the various routes. Just last year, a new Transportation Center was opened in St. Ignace, through the efforts of Indian Trails, MDOT and the St. Ignace business community.  Late last year, at no additional expense, Indian Trails expanded service to Sault Ste. Marie, which had had no motor coach service for years.

SB 1164 is a penny wise, pound foolish proposition, which jeopardizes efforts to improve tourism and economic recovery in our state.  While on the surface it appears it is just a 10 percent reduction in the budget, in reality that 10 percent is used to secure federal transportation dollars for the remaining 90 percent of the budget. It would effectively eliminate a vital transportation service to the northern 2/3 of the state.

I urge you to vote NO on SB 1164.

Thank you for your consideration.  Best wishes.
 

Regards,

__________

Announcements, FYI, News, Press Releases

National Train Day 2010

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GET THE INSIDE TRACK at NATIONAL TRAIN DAY

National Train Day 2010On Saturday, May 8th, the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers (MARP) and fellow railroad organizations come together to celebrate the third annual National Train Day with family-friendly events across the state of Michigan.     

The celebration commemorates the 141st anniversary of the first transcontinental railroad’s inception by bringing to life the rich narrative of how trains have transformed America.     

Amtrak is using National Train Day to help raise awareness of the vital role rail plays in our nation’s transportation system. National Train Day spokesman is actor and avid train fan Taye Diggs, star of Private Practice.     

Amtrak is sponsoring major events in Los Angeles, CA, Chicago, IL, Philadelphia, PA, and Washington, D.C.. MARP and fellow railroad organizations have organized celebrations to take place in the following communities across Michigan (please see the below list for locations, times and festivities of each celebration). All events are on Saturday, May 8th at the respective cities’ Amtrak stations unless otherwise noted.   

City: Ann Arbor, Michigan 

Location: Amtrak Station – 325 Depot Street    

Time: 7:00am – 9:00am     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Coffee and donuts will be available to both passengers and guests, and a proclamation will be read by the Mayor of Ann Arbor.    

City: Bangor, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 541 Railroad Street (former Pere Marquette station)     

Time: 8:00am – 4:00pm     

Sponsors: Beacon Specialized Living Services, Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Holland Modular Railroad Club     

Description: Join us at the historic Pere Marquette (Amtrak) station as we celebrate National Train Day. The Mayor of Bangor will read a proclamation following the arrival of Amtrak train 371, the Pere Marquette. Enjoy live music, refreshments, raffles, an operating HO scale model train layout from the Holland Modular Railroad Club and so much more.   

City: Dearborn, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 16121 Michigan Avenue     

Time: 6:30am – 11:30am     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Coffee and donuts will be provided, and a proclamation will be read by the Mayor of Dearborn.     

City: Detroit, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 11 West Baltimore Avenue     

Time: 6:48am – 11:23am     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: National Train Day celebration and proclamation. Coffee and cake will be available to both passengers and guests throughout the morning. A proclamation will be presented to the Mayor just before noon.   

City: Dowagiac, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 200 Depot Dr. (historic Michigan Central station)     

Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Stop by our open house at the depot to enjoy music from the local college and see displays by a model railroad club. Refreshments will be served.     

 City: Durand, Michigan ** Takes place May 15, 2010 **     

Location: Durand Union Station – 200 Railroad Street     

Time: 9:00am – 7:00pm     

Description: Celebrate 35 years of our railroad heritage at Railroad Days, May 14-16. The historical depot will be open with model train displays, Operation Lifesaver will have educational information for all, tours of the caboose are available, and there will be a book opening for Imre Questlar.     

City: East Lansing, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 1240 South Harrison Road     

Time: 8:00am – 10:00am     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Join us for coffee and donuts and a reading of the National Train Day proclamation. 

City: Flint, Michigan 

Location: Amtrak Station – 1407 South Dort Highway     

Time: 6:30am – 1:00pm     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Celebrate National Train Day with us. Railroad displays, operating model railroads, Operation Lifesaver information, and refreshments will be available.     

City: Holland, Michigan  
Location: Padnos Transportation Center – 171 Lincoln Avenue
Time:  7:30am – 8:30am 
Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers
Description:  Come greet the morning Pere Marquette train and enjoy refreshments and a proclamation read by the Mayor of Holland. Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers 7:30am – 8:30am Padnos Transportation Center – 171 Lincoln Avenue   

 

City: Jackson, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 501 E. Michigan Avenue (historic Michigan Central station)     

Time: 8:30am – 2:00pm     

Sponsors: Central Michigan Model Railroad Club, Amtrak, Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Join us as we celebrate National Train Day at “The Oldest Continuous Operational Railroad Designed and Built Passenger Train Station in the United States,” the historic Michigan Central Railroad (Amtrak) station in Jackson, Michigan. Don’t miss out on your chance to see trains, model trains, explore interactive and educational exhibits, trip planning and so much more.     

 City: Kalamazoo, Michigan    

Location(s): 485 N. Burdick Street (Kalamazoo Transportation Center) and 9336 N. Riverview Dr. (Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society facility)     

Time(s): 9:00am – 11:30am (Transportation Center), 12:00pm – 4:00pm (Model Railroad facility)     

Sponsors: Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society, Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Amtrak, Vicksburg Depot Museum, CK&S Railfan Festival     

Description: Join us as we celebrate National Train Day in the morning (9:00-11:30am) at the Kalamazoo Transportation Center (Amtrak station). Greet the arrival of Amtrak Wolverine trains 350 and 351 and Blue Water train 365 while exploring interactive and educational exhibits from the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society, Vicksburg Depot Museum and Delton’s CK&S Railfan Festival. From the station, the celebration continues at the Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society’s facility (12:00-4:00pm) as part of the groups Annual Open House. Don’t miss out on seeing model trains, a full size caboose and so much more.     

City: Niles, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 598 Dey Street (historic Michigan Central station)     

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Amtrak, Four Flags Garden Club, Niles DDA Main Street, Cass County Model Railroad Club     

Description: Join us at the historic 1892 Michigan Central Railroad station as we celebrate National Train Day. Greet the arrival of Amtrak train 365, the Blue Water, and Wolverine trains 350, 351 and 352 while exploring interactive and educational exhibits from the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Four Flags Garden Club, Niles DDA Main Street, and the Cass County Model Railroad Club.     

City: St. Joseph, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 410 1/2 Vine Street (former Pere Marquette station)     

Time: 9:00 – 11:00am     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Come greet the morning Pere Marquette train and enjoy refreshments and a proclamation ready by the Mayor of St. Joseph.   

(not sponsored by MARP)
City: Rochester, Michigan     

 Other locations in Michigan     

Location: Oakland University (Meadow Brook Hall) – 2200 N. Squirrel Road     

Time: 11:30am – 2:30pm     

Description: On National Train Day, come to the Lunch & Learn at Meadow Brook Hall for a lecture about the Glancy Trains Collection at the Detroit Historical Museum. Lecture will feature John Lohmeier, President Meadow Brook Hall Squires, Meredith Long, Museum Services Coordinator of Meadow Brook Hall and Bob Cosgrove, Adjunct Curator of Glancy Trains at the Detroit Historical Museum. Complimentary tour of Meadow Brook Hall follows the lecture.     

Want to volunteer at any of the above events?     

Contact your MARP Editor. Your help is appreciated! MARP encourages its members to spread the word of the importance of passenger trains at the celebrations.