Arizona Rail Passenger Association
DATE: August 26, 1993
Mark Tuesday Aug. 31 (8-l0 a.m) on your calendar for an opportunity to tour Amtrak's super-fast ICE (InterCityExpress) train during its stop-over at the Phoenix Union station, 401 S. 4th Ave. The Arizona Passenger Rail Association (ARPA) is the proud sponsor of all media tours of this advanced mode of rail transit technology.
The sleek, super-fast train runs regular service in Germany, where it has been hailed for its extraordinary speed, comfort and amenities. Amtrak is testing the train in preparation for writing specifications for an all-new high-speed train type for Amtrak's Washington-New York-Boston Northeast Corridor.
The testing of the ultra-high-speed ICE Train in the Northeast Corridor will ultimately assess its technical characteristics as well as measure passenger acceptance of its amenities and seating layout. Amtrak will use this and other data to help prepare specifications for an Amtrak high-speed train type for use in the Northeast Corridor when the extension of electrification from New Haven to Boston is completed in 1997.
In Germany, the ICE Train has been tested at speeds exceeding 250 m.p.h. It runs in regular service at speeds of 175 m.p.h. The train reached 162 m.p.h. in tests on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor earlier this month.
The use of rail for mass transit is currently being studied here in Arizona. On June 8th of last year, Governor Fife Symington signed into law landmark legislation creating a joint legislative study committee on rail transportation in Arizona. The 21 member study committee is scheduled to report its findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature by December 31, 1993.
The legislation, H.B. 2280, was a result of a proposal created by the Arizona Rail Passenger Association, a Phoenix-based, not-forprofit consumer advocacy organization.
ICE Train Tour and Photos