4 March 2000

National Association of Railroad Passengers

Annual Membership Meeting
Region XI

Arizona, New Mexico and El Paso County, Texas

Sponsored jointly with Arizona Rail Passenger Association

All interested persons are invited.

Informal Notes by Marc Pearsall, ARPA Secretary

Attendance : 30-40 persons.

Hosts: Bill Lindley & George Chilson

9:00am-10:30am

Informal Meeting & Greetings

10:30am - 11:15am

NARP Region XI Election (Only NARP members may vote)

Candidates: Incumbent George Chilson (Sedona, AZ); William Lindley (Mesa, AZ)

Platform Debate / Questions & Answers from audience. Recess for election-tally results.

Election Results : Chilson 87, Lindley 43. NARP retains George Chilson as Director NARP Region XI.

11:35am

Phoenix Transit 2000. Guest Speaker: Peggy Rubach

A presentation of the Pros & Cons of the upcoming Phoenix Transit 2000 election on March 14^th. Transit 2000 includes expanded bus service, 24 miles of light rail, new Sunday service, more Dial-A-Ride and Rapid Express buses.

12:30pm

Governor Hull’s VISION 21 Transporatation Task Force Guest Speaker : V21 Co-Chairperson - Martin "Marty" Shultz

A presentation was given on the Gov’s Vision 21 Trans-Task Force, and its interim report from Dec. 1999. In addtition, the Final Report (Dec 2000) on the multimodality goals of the Task Force, will include Phoenix-Tucson intercity train network. Full Legislative funding package expected by Summer 2001.

1:00pm

Amtrak Intercity : Western Business Group. Guest Speaker : new General Manager for Sunset Limited / Texas Eagle / Heartland Flyer - Joy Smith

A comprehensive ‘straight-talk’ meeting regarding Amtrak’s future "western" plans. Amtrak’s new business philosophy is "growth & expansion = profitability". Announcement that Amtrak would like to return Sunset Limited to Phoenix/Tempe by 2002. This will be joint venture between ADOT/UP/Amtrak.

Maricopa, AZ may become interim "Phoenix" stop. Some other plans by 2005 most likely include expanded service from Chicago to LA via BNSF or Phoenix-bound mail-train via Peavine (Williams Jct-Ash Fork-Wickenburg-Phoenix).

2:00pm

Arizona Dept of Transportation : Rail Division. Guest Speaker : ADOT Rail Manager - Joe Neblett

1. A report on ADOT’s ongoing negotiations with Union Pacific over the "Phoenix West Line" (Phoenix-Buckey-Wellton). Gannett-Flemming is currently amidst a rail-analysis on cost & refurbishment of line. Line is abandoned, but still in use. Amtrak would like to return to line with through-Phoenix service. [NOTE: Line may be "embargoed" but is not "abandoned" as no petition was ever filed with the Surface Transportation Board or the Arizona Corporation Commission.]
2. Additional report on ADOT/Amtrak sponsored Talgo Pendular demonstration train for Phoenix-Tucson corridor from May 4-7^th, 2000. Train will arrive via Arizona & California RR and BNSFRR on May 4^th; then run between both major cities over UPRR on Friday May 5^th. Train will carry legislators, business leaders, media and citizens. Will also be on public display at Phoenix Union Station (3^rd St & Jackson St) on Saturday May 6^th, before returning to LA for other duties on May 7^th. Future rail expenditures for Arizona may pivot on Vision 21 Task Force and Legislative recommendations.(Summer 2001)

2:30pm

National Association of Railroad Passengers. Guest Speaker : NARP President - Jack Martin

A presentation of NARP and Amtrak’s current plans. Goals for future, including Arizona expansion.

The recent Amtrak MBNA-expansion plans announced in February 2000 are really "Tier 1" of at leastone or two more "Tiers" of expansion across the nation in the coming years.

3:00pm

Closing announcements from hosts and adjournment.