Derrick James from Amtrak’s Government Affairs office gave a presentation during the September 15th Member Meeting.
Amtrak, along with Illinois and Michigan, is applying for funding for a project called Chicago Access / Michigan East that has important implications for the future of Michigan’s train services.
Slides are provided here:
High Speed Rail Alliance
“This presentation covers the Chicago Access Program, a group of high-impact projects that will increase capacity and improve reliability for trains entering and exiting Chicago. Amtrak is taking the lead on this program that will improve Chicago Union Station, create more routes into the city and open up a variety of new service options. They have already applied for a Mega Grant and partnered with stakeholders who will help fund this $850 million project.
In this video we break down the projects included in the Chicago Access Program, explain why it will impact train service far beyond Chicago, and how it sets the stage for additional improvements to our national rail network.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D7i77mPAcg
Learn more about the Chicago Access Program on our website www.hsrail.org/chicago-access”
Jim Mathews, President and CEO of Rail Passengers Association (RPA), will be our guest speaker. RPA has campaigned strenuously over the last year (and more) to educate lawmakers and the public on the benefits of improved and expanded passenger train service across the country. With the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law last November, a wealth of opportunities are now available to Amtrak and the state partners to realize these benefits. Mr. Mathews will speak about how Michigan and the Midwest can roll up its sleeves and get to work on moving forward with our plans.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84934271000?pwd=S01SYkhLTnBlQi96RXVtcmJhQjJoUT09
Meeting ID: 849 3427 1000
Passcode: 524858
Or dial: 312 626 6799 US
Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers
48th ANNUAL MEETING
First Congregational Church,
120 N Jackson St, Jackson MI 49201
09 October 2021 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Make plans now to attend! Our featured speaker is Mr. Derrick James, Amtrak Governmental Affairs, who will tell us what Amtrak’s 2035 Vision has in store for Michigan.
We look forward to our first in-person meeting in some time. However, due to continuing COVID-19 concerns, we do ask that those planning to attend be fully vaccinated.
The cost to attend is $25 per person and includes a catered luncheon. The registration deadline is Friday, October 1, 2021.
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!
Click the button below to register online using PayPal, a major credit card or a debit card
ACT NOW! The deadline for online registration is Friday, Oct.1.
Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers
Zoom Meeting for Members and Friends
Thursday, 16 September 2021
5:00 PM Eastern Time
Guest Speaker
Carolyn Ulstad
Transportation Program Manager
Groundwork Center, Traverse City
Carolyn will review what has happened so far with the A2TC Project and update us on current plans for moving the proposal forward.
The Northern Michigan Rail Ridership Feasibility & Cost Estimate Study, completed in 2018, presented a favorable scenario for bringing passenger train service to one of Michigan’s fastest growing regions.
ZOOM LINK
Meeting ID: 853 3140 4318
Passcode: 359845
Dial in: +1 312 626 6799
If you are unfamiliar with using Zoom, CLICK HERE for a short tutorial you will find helpful.