CC Rail Mail – April 18, 2011
1. National Train Day – Saturday, May 7, 2011
2. Fare Increase Scheduled for May 10, 2011
3. Message to Riders by Managing Director David Kutrosky
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1. National Train Day- Saturday, May 7, 2011
It was in May 1869 in Promontory Summit, Utah, when the “golden spike” was driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways, ceremonially creating the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. To commemorate that auspicious occasion, Amtrak created “National Train Day.â€Â This year, the fourth annual National Train Day will be celebrated on Saturday, May 7, 2011.
City of Martinez Celebrates National Train Day
Join the local community at the Martinez station on Saturday May 7th for rail-related fun for the whole family! From 10am – 1pm, the City of Martinez will host a community celebration in coordination with the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), Caltrans Division of Rail and Amtrak to recognize National Train Day, and the key role that the Martinez station plays in getting people and goods where they need to go.
Representatives from the CCJPA, Caltrans and Amtrak will present the California Golden STAR (State Advocate of Rail) Award to recognize a local intercity passenger rail leader. Additionally, the station will host family-friendly fun such as a model train display, community exhibits and kid’s activities.
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2. Fare Increase Scheduled for May 10, 2011
As you well know, gas prices continue to skyrocket and Capitol Corridor’s fuel costs are not immune to this steep increase. When the CCJPA developed its operating budget with Amtrak for this fiscal year last summer, we assumed an increase in diesel fuel expenses. These projections, however, did not include the unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, and the corresponding impacts to the global oil market pricing. While revenues are above last year and tracking about 5% above this fiscal year’s plan, this revenue increase is not enough to offset the unexpected increase in our fuel expenses.
In order to maintain our current service levels and keep train performance at the superior levels that our passengers have become accustomed to, fares for Capitol Corridor trains and buses will increase by 5% effective May 10, 2011.
The Capitol Corridor train service depends on two sources of operating revenue: passenger fares and annually allocated state funds. The upcoming increase will help supplement the limited financial support we receive from the state budget allocation and allow us to continue operating the current 32-train schedule for the remainder of the fiscal year. Despite the fare increase, our prices – especially the multi-ride ticket prices – are more than competitive with costs for auto travel on a cost-per-mile basis. We thank you for your understanding, and we continue to value your loyalty to our service.
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3. Message to Riders by Managing Director David Kutrosky
Each quarter, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) Managing Director David Kutrosky publishes his Message to Riders to let Capitol Corridor passengers know about significant issues affecting our service. Read the latest Message to Riders from David Kutrosky, Capitol Corridor’s Managing Director.
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