trains are better for our environment than other modes of travel
TRANSCRIPT
Trains are better for our Trains are better for our environment than other modes environment than other modes
of travel. of travel.
Trains emit fewer greenhouse Trains emit fewer greenhouse gases* gases*
17.45 oz.
9.57 oz. 3 oz. Ounces per passenger per mile.
* Sierra Club
Trains are more fuel efficient *Trains are more fuel efficient *
59 miles 404 miles
One gallon
diesel fuel
One ton freight
* American Railroad Association
Trains are more energy Trains are more energy efficient *efficient *
BTUs per passenger per mile
911 5,255
* American Public Transportation Association
Federal Transportation Federal Transportation FundingFunding
1977-2001 (25 years)1977-2001 (25 years) Total $782 billionHighways 48.4%Air 22.4%Ports 12.3%Transit 12.1%Rail 4.0%
Rail funding in VirginiaRail funding in Virginia
Most states do not have a dedicated, reliable source of funds to invest in rail
Virginia has not had a rail fund Virginia’s Transportation Trust Fund formula:
– Highways 78.7%– Transit 14.7%– Ports 4.2% – Airports 2.4%– Rail 0%
What have all these $$ bought What have all these $$ bought us? us?
Oil Dependency & $3.00 gas
Global warming
Congestion
New Rail Fund EstablishedNew Rail Fund Established
Governor’s Commission for Rail Enhancement for the 21st Century recommends dedicated rail fund
2005 General Assembly adopts legislation establishing rail fund
Devotes portion of vehicle rental tax to rail$23 million annually (still only 1%)
Charlottesville – DC RailCharlottesville – DC RailAn idea whose time has come (again)!An idea whose time has come (again)!
““Back to the Future”Back to the Future”
Charlottesville was a major East-West and North-South commercial hub
Rail activity peaked in the 1920’sFrequent intercity passenger trains between
Charlottesville and Washington, D. C. “Taking the train” to Washington was a
regular part of life in Charlottesville
““Back to the Future”Back to the Future”
““Back to the Future”Back to the Future”
““Back to the Future”Back to the Future”
In 1956, there were a total of 22 daily passenger trains between Charlottesville and Washington, D.C.
– Southern Railway = 16 daily trips (8 in each direction)
– Chesapeake &Ohio = 6 daily trips (3 in each direction)
Southern Crescent Southern Crescent (pre-Amtrak)(pre-Amtrak)
““Back to the Future” Back to the Future”
1971 AMTRAK takes over passenger service in the US
2006 – one daily train in each direction (Crescent)– 2 daily trains three times weekly (Cardinal)
AMTRAK’s Virginia Service AMTRAK’s Virginia Service NetworkNetwork
Amtrak CrescentAmtrak CrescentDaily ServiceDaily Service
Amtrak CardinalAmtrak CardinalThree times per weekThree times per week
Amtrak annual passengersAmtrak annual passengers
0
50000
100000
150000
200000
250000
300000
Annual passengers
C'ville
Newport News
Richmond
Lynchburg
Amtrak: Amtrak: Number of trains per weekNumber of trains per week
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Weekly trains
C'ville
NewportNewsRichmond
Lynchburg
Amtrak:Amtrak:Annual passengers per trainAnnual passengers per train
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
Passengers/Train Service
C'ville
Newport News
Richmond
Lynchburg
Who owns the rails in Who owns the rails in Virginia?Virginia?
3,400 miles of track
All owned by the freight railroads
2,000 mi NS
1,000 mi CSX
Virginia Rail and Highway Virginia Rail and Highway System mileage 1930 - 1990System mileage 1930 - 1990
CvilleRail CvilleRail
May 22, 2005 – press conference at Charlottesville Union Station
Why rail?Our travel options are
limitedTravelers on 29N and I-66 have little choice but to drive to reach their destination. With more frequent, accessible and reliable rail service, we believe many more individuals would choose the rail alternative.
Taking the train cuts traffic congestion
The Route 29 and I-66 corridors become more congested every day and yet most travelers still drive. An alternative is intercity rail, for safer roads and less congestion.
In the D.C. area, during peak traffic hours, VRE trains carry enough commuters to take one full lane of traffic off I-66 and I-95 every hour.
Trains are better for the environment
According to Sierra Club calculations of air pollution per passenger mile for different modes of transportation, the 236 mile round trip to Washington from Charlottesville spews 4,118 oz. of damaging chemical emissions into the atmosphere by plane, 2,258 oz. by car, and only 708 oz. by train.
Rail travel is the most energy-efficient of any form of mass transportation by far, including cars, planes or buses.
Enhanced train service will spur Charlottesville’s urban
revitalization
It will stimulate new investment and keep the city’s economy moving forward.