UTU News Digest - Monday, February 22,1999

UTU Daily News Digest

Information of interest to operating railroad and transportation employees

Monday, February 22, 1999

Amtrak celebrates Grand Opening of San Antonio Station

SAN ANTONIO -- Amtrak joined U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, San Antonio city officials, Via Metropolitan Transit officials and other state and local leaders today as they celebrated the grand opening of Amtrak's new passenger station at 224 Hoefgen Street.

The new station is located adjacent to Amtrak's former station in the popular St. Paul Square/Sunset Depot entertainment district.

The station's opening is the culmination of years of hard work by Amtrak, Via Metropolitan Transit and the City of San Antonio. It is a good example of the type of strategic partnership that Amtrak is developing to improve its service to the traveling public and leverage corporate investments. Funding for the $1,000,000 project came from Amtrak and Via Metropolitan Transit.

"This station is a result of the successful implementation of two of our key business strategies -- maximizing public and private partnerships that allow each partner, including Amtrak, to build on their own strengths and benefit from the strengths of each other, coupled with a clear focus on delivering consistent, quality service to ensure that our customers return again and again," said Lee Bullock, President of Amtrak Intercity.

To help mark the occasion, several of Amtrak's popular Superliner passenger cars were on display outside the station. Included in the passenger car display were a coach, sleeper, Sightseer Lounge and a dining car.

San Antonio is served by Amtrak's Texas Eagle, and Sunset Limited. The Texas Eagle operates thrice weekly between Chicago and San Antonio and once a week between Chicago and Los Angeles. The Sunset Limited operates thrice weekly between Orlando, Fla., and Los Angeles via New Orleans and San Antonio.

Northbound, the Texas Eagle departs San Antonio at 8:00 a.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The southbound Texas Eagle arrives in San Antonio at 11:59 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays.

The eastbound Sunset Limited arrives in San Antonio at 3:21 a.m. and departs at 4:35 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The westbound Sunset Limited arrives in San Antonio at 4:45 a.m. and departs at 5:35 a.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Information, reservations and ticketing for rail service to San Antonio are available from Amtrak. Customers should visit the new San Antonio station, any other staffed Amtrak station, call 800-USA-RAIL or see an authorized Amtrak travel agent for details on the Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle or any other Amtrak service. Schedule and service information is also available at the Amtrak site on the World Wide Web at http://www.amtrak.com.

Maglev supporters working for federal funds

PITTSBURGH -- Maglev supporters are racing toward a March 15 deadline to submit a proposal that could qualify them for $35 million in federal funds to extend a futuristic transit system to the North Shore and Oakland.

Western Pennsylvania Maglev Development Corp. and affiliated local companies discussed their plans and answered some tough questions yesterday at a private meeting with the Port Authority, state Department of Transportation and Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission officials.

WPMD needs the Port Authority or PennDOT -- preferably both, it says - as a public entity willing to participate in the public-private partnership that the Federal Transit

Administration is seeking to develop a low-speed Maglev system.

"It was a very positive meeting, but, right now, we're just listening," said Rick Peltz, PennDOT deputy secretary for transit. "If it's an opportunity that will be of some advantage, we may not be [averse] to it."

Port Authority's general manager Paul Skoutelas said the agency that operates the county's bus-trolley system might participate if WPMD meets certain conditions, including not competing on the North Shore where an extension of the Light Rail Transit system has been gaining support.

"We're receptive" to participating, Skoutelas said, "but there are still a lot of questions and issues to be addressed."

WPMD needs at least a letter from the Port Authority or Penn-DOT indicating support and participation in order for the nonprofit corporation's proposal to qualify for $35 million federal "start-up" funds for a low-speed Maglev system. For construction, WPMD hopes to cash in later on more money, included in federal transportation spending legislation known as TEA-21 that Congress passed last year.

WPMD also is proposing to build a 5,000-space parking garage adjacent to the Civic Arena and provide users with a high-tech, 2,200-foot ride in magnetically levitated people-mover cars to Grant Street. All-day parkers would pay $11, but the shuttle ride would be free.

While WPMD is lining up $147 million and seeking approval for the Civic Arena Shuttle System, the $35 million it wants from the federal government would take its plans to the next step: The 10-mile Pittsburgh Airborne Shuttle System that also would run along an elevated guideway but to Oakland and the North Shore.

The system would use powerful magnets to levitate the cars 2 inches above the guideway, while linear induction motors, also using magnetics, would propel the cars at speeds up to 40 mph.

WPMD President David O'Loughlin, who has said developing the world's first successful low-speed Maglev transit system would make Pittsburgh the center of a dynamic new industry, said WPMD would like to see the Port Authority and PennDOT do more than provide letters of support.

"Let's qualify for the $35 million," he said. "We can decide later where we want to put a system."

Amtrak resumes Montana service

HAVRE, Mont. -- More than 300 Amtrak passengers had an extended -- and unintended -- stay here this weekend after a telephone threat led authorities to search two trains for radioactive materials.

Both the eastbound and westbound Empire Builder trains left Havre Sunday morning, at least 16 1/2 hours behind schedule after officials found nothing harmful.

The passengers, removed from the trains in 24-degree weather, were taken to the National Guard Armory and a school gymnasium in Havre after the trains were stopped on Saturday.

An Amtrak spokesman in Wilmington, Del., said the threat had been phoned in by a man claiming to be a government employee, or possibly a former employee, with access to chemical or radioactive agents.

The threat was made against a train going through Havre. Both legs of the Empire Builder run through this city, connecting Chicago and Seattle.

Hill County Sheriff Tim Solomon said the trains were checked for radioactive materials. "We came up with nothing in the search,'' said FBI agent George Dougherty.

In the investigation, authorities waved a wand over each passenger, concentrating on hands and feet, said Robert Johnson, a passenger from Glendale, Ore.

"I wasn't real scared, but once I saw the ambulance and the fire trucks pull up, I got a little more serious,'' Johnson said.

Havre is about 120 miles northeast of Great Falls.

Ohio unions sue tobacco industry

AKRON, Ohio -- Health-care insurers for Ohio's labor unions are suing the tobacco industry for almost $2 billion to cover the costs of treating smoking-related illnesses.

The federal lawsuit claims tobacco companies targeted blue-collar workers and their children through advertising and promotional gimmicks that encouraged them to smoke.

"We found documents that indicate that the tobacco industry was aware that people with lower incomes and less education, and who go to work right after high school, are more susceptible to the advertising -- the Marlboro man image, Joe Camel, etc. -- and this is the most vulnerable group to purchase their tobacco products,'' said Mike Withey, an attorney from Seattle representing the plaintiffs.

The suit was brought by an Ohio group representing more than 100 labor union trust funds, which hold the money union members and their employers set aside for health insurance.

The tobacco industry also discovered the health hazards of cigarette smoking through its research and kept that information from the public, according to the lawsuit, which goes to trial Monday in U.S. District Court.

Tobacco industry attorneys maintain there are no legal grounds for the lawsuit. Tobacco companies, like any other business, have a legal right to advertise, said Robert Weber, an attorney who represents R.J. Reynolds Co., which makes such cigarettes as Camel, Vantage, Winston and Salem and is one of the companies named in the suit.

"What they're trying to say is that somehow Ohio working men and women don't somehow understand advertising and are more susceptible than other people in society -- and that's just hogwash,'' he said.

The lawsuit is one of more than 30 similar ones across the nation. Judges have thrown out such lawsuits in Florida and Pennsylvania.

The lawsuit comes on the heels of a recent $206 billion settlement of tobacco suits in 46 states, including more than $9 billion for Ohio.

The plaintiffs dismissed The Liggett Group, which makes Chesterfield, Lark, L&M and Eve cigarettes and is based in Durham, N.C., from the lawsuit in exchange for its cooperation.

The defendants in the lawsuit are Philip Morris Inc., Lorillard Tobacco Co., RJR Nabisco Inc. and RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp., all based in New York; Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. of Louisville, Ky.; British American Tobacco of Middlesex, England; and United States Tobacco Sales and Marketing Co. of Greenwich, Conn.

Train derails in Utah, no one injured

ECHO CANYON, Utah -- Railroad crews will be busy in Summit County this morning, cleaning up a train derailment. Two crewmembers escaped unhurt from yesterday's accident. The rail cars were carrying shipping containers. The train was heading from Chicago to Los Angeles. Officials don't know exactly why the train skipped the tracks.

High-speed rail agency hears updated ridership revenue forecasts

LOS ANGELES -- The California High-Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) yesterday took the first steps leading up to the selection of the final routes for an improved rail feeder network that will be integrated into the state's proposed train system carrying passengers at 200 miles an hour from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

The policies will guide the development of enhancements to existing rail service so that riders will benefit from a connecting system of more and faster trains, improved facilities and expanded routes.

"A critical element of a statewide high-speed train system will be the network of feeder rail lines that connect to the 200-mile-per-hour backbone system running from Los Angeles to the Bay Area through the Central Valley," said Michael Tennenbaum, chairman of the HSRA.

"The Authority and the consultant team considered a number of factors in selecting criteria for connecting rail routes that make the most sense -- future population growth, project integration with existing transit facilities and the priorities identified by both the transportation community and the public," Tennenbaum added.

"We strongly believe that the policies adopted will ultimately result in the development of a seamless, integrated high-speed rail network that meets our ridership goals and provides a safe, cost-effective intercity transportation alternative for the people of California."

The HSRA was appointed in late 1997 by the California State Legislature and the governor with a mandate to direct the development and implementation of intercity high-speed train service that is fully coordinated with other modes of transportation services and facilities.

The Authority is required to prepare a plan for the construction and operation of a statewide high-speed train network capable of achieving speeds of at least 200 mph.

The Authority plans to complete a draft business plan outlining the system's various specifications by September 1999. After a period of public comment on the draft plan, the final proposal will be submitted to the governor, the State Legislature and, ultimately, the voters in 2000.

The HSRA also welcomed the newest member to its board, Donna Lee Andrews. Appointed to the post last month by the Speaker of the State Assembly Antonio Villaraigosa to replace former HSRA member and current Assembly member Dean Florez. Andrews is president of a Los Angeles transportation, environmental and technology consulting firm.

Andrews previously served on the California Intercity High-Speed Rail Commission -- the state entity formed in the early 1990s to examine the feasibility of a statewide high-speed rail system -- along with Tennenbaum and Executive Director Mehdi Morshed.

"I am very pleased to be joining the High-Speed Rail Authority and doing my part to develop a viable transportation alternative for Californians in the next millennium," said Andrews. "It is vitally important that we develop an effective high-speed rail system that will help meet our state's future transportation demands and reduce congestion at our existing facilities."

In another action, the HSRA heard a presentation regarding ridership revenue forecasts for the proposed high-speed system, updating the original forecasts conducted by the Intercity High-Speed Rail Commission in the early 1990s.

After incorporating more recent data on such factors as population growth, changes in per-capita income and the number of annual auto, rail and air trips, a new analysis was conducted to provide a more accurate picture of anticipated long-distance ridership and revenues for the high-speed rail system.

The initial updated forecasts presented today predicted ridership ranging from 20.1 million to 26.8 million annual passengers, an increase of 1.6-1.8 percent. Based on updated ridership figures, fare revenues generated by the high-speed rail system are forecasted in the range of $677 million to $988 million annually.

The Authority plans to continue reviewing various route options and long-distance commuter traffic projections, ultimately selecting a final system based on additional analysis as well as public input. The Authority intends to make its recommendations for a system route at its June meeting in Los Angeles.

U.S. Chamber president seeks labor partnership on environment issues

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- Seeking a partnership with labor, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's president says unions and business should unite against excessive environmental rules that "spell disaster for good-paying American manufacturing jobs."

"There is much that binds employers and employees together," Thomas J. Donohue was telling the AFL-CIO executive committee last week before it heard from Vice President Al Gore, who is courting labor leaders for the 2000 presidential race.

"Wall Street and Main Street are becoming the same street," he said in a text of his speech scheduled for delivery behind closed doors. The Associated Press obtained an advance copy of his remarks.

In the first address of a Chamber of Commerce president to the powerful labor group, Donohue said the Chamber will continue to clash with unions over many issues but also will look for common ground on issues such as transportation, health care, pensions and national security.

He said business and labor could fight together against the global warming treaty and excessive environmental regulations. Donohue said they are "politically appealing to many Americans, but together they will spell disaster for good-paying American manufacturing jobs."

Donohue's comments underscore a division between Gore and the otherwise friendly labor group. Some AFL-CIO affiliates are concerned about Gore's environmental record and the global warming treaty, while others disagree with his trade policies.

Former New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley, Gore's only announced opponent for the Democratic nomination, tried to take advantage of the vice president's soft support with a last-minute decision to appear before the AFL-CIO on Thursday.

In brief remarks, Bradley reminded the labor leaders that he helped organize the professional basketball players' union. But Bradley conceded that he, too, differs with labor on many trade issues. The point of his speech and several private one-on-one sessions with labor leaders was to convince them that his candidacy is serious, and that he will challenge Gore every step of the way.

The vice president, who holds a healthy lead in polls and enjoys President Clinton's support, wants to foster an atmosphere of inevitability about the nomination. One component of that strategy is to secure early endorsements from labor groups, the cornerstone of any winning Democratic coalition.

"If your position is inevitability, there's only one way to go," Bradley said at a news conference following his closed-door speech to AFL-CIO leaders.

Two AFL-CIO affiliates -- the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Communication Workers of America -- already are supporting Gore.

In a move welcomed by Bradley's team, the AFL-CIO executive council passed a resolution Thursday urging that no other affiliates follow suit before the panel meets in August to consider endorsements. Nevertheless, union and Democratic operatives still expect Gore eventually to secure the endorsement.

Meantime, relations between business and labor remain tense, despite the peacemaking efforts. In the fall, AFL-CIO president John Sweeney appeared before the Chamber, saying, "Your success is our success and we can help you compete if you'll give us half a chance."

Noting that Sweeney accused the Chamber of trying to bust unions and silence workers, Donohue said both sides can disagree while granting "each other the sincerity of our convictions."

"I have not come here suggesting that the AFL-CIO wants to destroy business," he said. "To suggest that we want to do that to workers or unions is wrong."

Time is right for Iowa passenger train service

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- The Vice President of the Iowa Interstate Railroad says the time is right for the restoration of passenger train service.

Vince Castagno says travelers in other areas of the country are getting re-acquainted with rail service, so there's no reason why it shouldn't work in the Midwest. He says railroads abandoned hundreds of miles of track in the 1980s, which could be refurbished with the help of the federal government.

Castagno says if the plan is carried out, the combination passenger and express delivery service could be in operation within five years. The service would link Des Moines, Iowa City and Davenport with Chicago and Omaha.

NOTE: Members of UTU Local 258 work on the Iowa Interstate Railroad.

Sacramento-San Joaquin rail link ready

SACRAMENTO -- State transportation officials are publicizing new, direct passenger rail service that began Sunday between Sacramento and Bakersfield.

Southbound morning and northbound evening trains will begin the run for the first time since 1971, when Santa Fe and Southern Pacific railroads discontinued service. Amtrak has operated a Bakersfield-to-Oakland route since 1974, and Sacramento-to- Stockton bus service was added in 1980.

UK rail firms face government showdown

LONDON - British railroads are bracing themselves for a government showdown next Thursday, when ministers are expected to appoint a powerful new watchdog to knock the privatized industry into shape.

Industry figures said the rail summit should signal a fresh start for the rail network, which has seen dismal service levels since privatization under the last Conservative government.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott will head the summit knowing that unless he turns around performances before the next election, the Labor government could face a commuter backlash.

Critics say Mr. Prescott's approach so far has been one of tough talk and little action, with the chorus of passenger complaints rising 25 percent in the period from April 1 to October 17.

The appointment of a chairman for the new Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), which will award and monitor rail franchises, is set to top Thursday's agenda.

Industry observers believe the top job is almost sure to go to former Eurotunnel Plc chairman, Sir Alistair Morton - the no-nonsense industrialist who also helped Mr. Prescott save the multi-billion pound Channel Tunnel Rail Link from collapse.

Analysts say the appointment of an industry heavyweight like Mr. Morton should lead to an improvement in standards thanks to his reputation for driving hard bargains.

"I guess the summit will be the launch of Alistair Morton, and the good news about that is he is the kind of man who gets things done, regardless of the financial consequences -- as he showed with the Eurotunnel," said BT Alex. Brown transport analyst Richard Hannah.

"Right now the industry needs a big hitter at the top. Morton is a man of action more than he is a man of finance."

His job will be to bring a long-term strategy to the railways and address the short-term crisis of network capacity constraint, which has led to more delays, overcrowding and cancellations as ticket prices rise.

Mr. Prescott is expected to unveil some new measures to improve standards into the medium to longer term, after pledging more trains, drivers and a new rail task force last November.

Passenger group Save Our Railways has called for next week's summit to push for Railtrack Plc to invest in expanding the network, not just upgrading it.

SOR also wants speedy legislation to beef up the SRA's powers to demand higher standards from the train operators through enhanced contract terms and tougher penalties.

Last week, Franchising Director John O'Brien, whose job will eventually be folded into the SRA, published his latest damning quarterly report on rail services.

In a new school report-style grading system, only one train operator out of 25 got an "A" for punctuality and reliability.