CC Rail Mail – October 14, 2011
1. Update on Federal Actions Involving Intercity Passenger Rail
2. Onboard Courtesy
3. Unaccompanied Minor Policy Change – effective November 1, 2011
4. No timetable change this fall
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1. Update on Federal Actions Involving Intercity Passenger Rail
The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) wants you to be aware of the impacts decisions on Capitol Hill may have on Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) state corridor train services, like the Capitol Corridor. Â The House of Representatives proposed FY2012 transportation budget plan, if passed, would eliminate High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) grants and prohibit Amtrak from providing funds to state IPR corridors. Â The Senate transportation appropriations version of its FY2012 budget reinstates the ability for Amtrak to provide operating support to the state IPR corridors and provides $100 million to the HSIPR capital grants program. Â The CCJPA is an eligible applicant for these federal capital grants. Â
The current projected timeline shows a vote will take place on Friday, October 21 for the FY2012 federal transportation budget, which includes Amtrak and HSIPR funds.  The CCJPA has been active in letting Congress know our opposition to the proposed House FY2012 transportation budget because it includes a provision that eliminates HSIPR capital grant funding and prohibits Amtrak’s ability to use federal funds to support the operation of state-supported IPR trains. You can learn more about this very important issue and what you can do to let those on Capitol Hill know what you think of passenger rail by reading Managing Director David Kutrosky’s blog.
2. Â Onboard Courtesy
Please be courteous to your fellow passengers and keep your shoes, bags and other belongings off of the seats. Â Use the overhead bins above the seats or the luggage areas, which are located at the ends of each car. Â This will allow us to accommodate all passengers comfortably and reduce possibility of standees. Please be aware that the lower level seating should be made available for mobility-impaired or elderly passengers. Â Conductors will be making announcements to remind passengers to keep seats clear for others to use.
Your electronic devices (such as laptops, iPods, CD/mp3 players, electronic games, mobile phones, etc.) as well as all headphones or earphones must not emit any sound audible to others. Â This applies to passengers traveling in ALL cars. Â Thank you for your cooperation in making everyone’s trip on a Capitol Corridor train pleasant and enjoyable.
3. Unaccompanied Minor Policy Change – effective November 1, 2011
Please be advised that a new policy for children traveling on their own will be in effect starting with travel on or after November 1, 2011 for all Capitol Corridor and Amtrak trains. Â Some key points in the new policy include:
-Children age 12 and under may not travel unaccompanied. They must travel with another person who is at least 18 years old.
– Children 13, 14 and 15 years old must travel in accordance with Capitol Corridor and Amtrak’s Unaccompanied Minor Policy
Read the complete Unaccompanied Minor Policy. Â Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
4. Timetable Status
If you’re a long-time rider, you typically see a new timetable published around this time of the year; however, publication of the next fall/winter timetable is anticipated for late 2011/early 2012.  This means, the May 9, 2011 Capitol Corridor schedule is still in effect and this timetable will continue until a new fall/winter schedule takes effect. We will continue to update our passengers once the publication date has been set. Printed copies of the May 9, 2011 timetable are available at stations and on-board trains.  You can also download a copy on the schedules page of capitolcorridor.org.