Explanation
written by
David Peter Alan, Contributing Editor
Fifty years ago, I was on a New Jersey Central Railroad train made up of 50-year-old “commuter” cars. Someone had pasted a bumper sticker on one of the train’s windows that said, “Pollution Solution.” Please ride CNJ. ” The idea behind the message is certainly correct, but I have never seen another similar idea before or since. This was part of the dawn of environmental consciousness in this country, just three years after the first Earth Day observance.
Many rail proponents recognize the environmental benefits of rail travel, not just for freight, but for both local and long-distance travel. These same advocates also note the increasing environmental benefits that come from rail electrification, even though there is little rail electrification in the United States (particularly outside the Northeast Corridor) and even less in Canada. While many environmental advocates seek electricity to power their cars, they often overlook the great benefits of travel and transportation by rail. There is some crossover between railways and environmentalism, but more could be useful.
To that end, the Rail User Network (RUN) will focus on the nexus between passenger rail and the environment in an online conference starting at 12:30pm ET on Saturday, October 21st. The conference theme is “Passenger Rail and the Environment – Natural Allies” and the subheading is “Environmental Benefits of Passenger Rail/Rail Transportation in North America.”
For the past three years, RUN’s conferences, held online in the spring and fall, have focused on rail, transportation, and advocacy in different regions of the United States and, in some cases, Canada. This conference will be different than previous ones. It will highlight efforts by rail advocates to spread the word about how passenger trains and rail transportation contribute to the environment, and will focus on engaging environmental advocates in the rail and transportation trend.
RUN Chairman Richard Rudolph also advocates for improved rail service in his home states of Massachusetts and Maine. railway era: “Given the frenzy to persuade people to buy electric cars, it is past time to educate the public about the need to upgrade and expand passenger rail networks to reduce carbon emissions.” Electric cars and wider highways are not the only answer. This forum will explore the role of rail in mitigating the existential climate crisis and how it can be made available to people who don’t have a car or can’t drive. We focus on providing accessible options.”
Mr. Rudolph will begin the meeting with a presentation on RUN’s thoughts on FRA’s Long Distance Rail Research Committee’s efforts to expand Amtrak’s long-distance service. The remainder of the conference will focus on environmental issues related to trains and rail transportation.
Several presenters belong to the Sierra Club, many are Californians, and there is some crossover between these groups. Brian Yannity, his RUN board member and vice president (southern) of the Rail Passenger Association of California (RailPac), produced a report for the Sierra Club that provides an in-depth study of the benefits of rail. Led the working group. . He will talk about the need for rail electrification and the benefits that rail can bring in general as a climate and environmental solution.Yanity said railway era: “Over the past year and a half, I, along with several club staff and non-club volunteers, led the Sierra Club’s dedicated volunteer effort to develop the Sierra Club Rail Transportation Statement. Clean Transportation for August 2023 by All Campaign. Our amazing team of volunteers from across the United States bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences in environmental and transportation advocacy, and are extremely dedicated, including railroad professionals. Some have decades of experience as
Darrell Clark, a member of the task force and transportation chair of the Los Angeles Sierra Club Chapter, will discuss the history of Metro’s Expo Line to Santa Monica and its environmental significance. Sierra Club Director of Clean Transportation Katherine J. Garcia provides an overview of the environmental benefits of passenger rail and rail transportation.
Other presenters will discuss their companies and organizations’ efforts to promote rail and transit as “green” transportation options. Peter Cole, representing Maine Advocates with the Maine Rail Group and TrainRiders Northeast, updates on the ongoing fight to prevent Maine’s state-owned railroad tracks from being demolished and turned into train-less bike and walking trails. will be announced. From the other side of the country, Santa Cruz Coastal Railroad Director Barry Scott will speak about efforts to establish a “railed trail” along the coast side of the existing rail line. Santa Cruz is a beach town about two hours south of the San Francisco area. Thomas White, rail consultant and co-chair of the Climate Rail Alliance, presents the concept of ‘toll roads for rail’.
In addition to conflicts between environmentalists who see the benefits of increased rail use and those who are looking to electric vehicles rather than trains in the future, there are some of today’s most controversial issues regarding transportation and the environment. One of the issues is congestion pricing, which is the policy of collecting tolls. Tolls for cars entering the city center. Battles over planned congestion charges are heating up in New York City, where they are set to go into effect next year, and New Jersey, where Gov. Phil Murphy and other elected officials are fighting tooth and nail to prevent congestion. There is. .
Supporters of the plan point to successes in Europe and Asia and argue that the toll road would ease traffic congestion in Manhattan (south of 60°).th Provide urgently needed capital funding to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to improve air quality and keep the subways and railroads that serve New York City in good condition. Michael Wojnar, MTA’s senior advisor for innovation and policy, discusses the anticipated benefits of tolling for transportation and air quality.
As is customary at RUN conferences, there will be an “open forum” where participants can express their comments and suggestions regarding the conference subject matter. After that, I will give closing remarks at the end of the meeting.
According to RUN, “This conference is aimed at not only rail advocates, but also civic and business leaders, environmentalists, planners, real estate developers, and others who want to learn more about passenger rail and rail transportation in the country. Designed for Ordinary People” America. “Registration is now being accepted on the RUN website. Admission to the conference is free for RUN members and $25.00 for non-members. ‘Non-member’ rate includes his one year membership in RUN It will be. This is an introductory rate for new members of Her RUN, which is the same as the cost of attending the conference alone, but also includes other benefits of membership, such as: RUN Newsletter And next year’s conference.
RUN has been environmentally conscious since its founding 25 years ago, promoting the environmental, economic, social and personal benefits of passenger trains and rail transportation. The organization recently established a new environmental committee at last August’s board meeting, increasing its efforts to promote railways and the environment. The conference is part of RUN’s efforts to bring together people who want more trains and better transportation with people who want a better environment, and who we believe should be “natural allies.” We hope to establish a group of
