Home News VRAN News NARP Meeting in Boston Highlights NE Passenger Rail Successes

NARP Meeting in Boston Highlights NE Passenger Rail Successes

Sunday, 07 March 2010 14:18
E-mail Print PDF

The National Association of Railroad Passengers held its annual northeast meeting in Boston on Saturday with NNEPRA Executive Director Patricia Quinn delivering the keynote address. Ms. Quinn praised the public/private/government partnerships which have enabled the Downeaster to thrive. Various reports from northeast rail organizations were presented thorughout the day.

 

Christoper Parker of the Vermont Rail Action Network informed the 100-person gathering how community action saved the Amtrak Ethan Allen from elimination. His organization's accomplishment was warmly applauded. Trainriders/Northeast Chairman Wayne Davis emphasized how building a consensus among various constituencies was the primary function of any effective grassroots organization.

 

A video of the event is now available on the Trainriders/Northeast website.

--Bill Lord

Tags:
 
getOnBoard

E-mail Updates

Be in the know!
Enter your e-mail for occasional updates.

Donate!

Click here to give by credit card (via PayPal) or check. Send checks to PO Box 75, Putney VT 05346
Thank You!

Volunteer!

You can contribute! Call Christopher Parker: (802) 579-3394
Overview. Sign Up Form
Train Host Program
Our Special 'Wish List'

Be Heard!

Your voice is critical to making sure that elected officials and the public know rail's importance.
Educate Your Legislator
Community Outreach
Letters to the Editor

Facebook Image

Upcoming Events

New Amtrak Service?

The following Amtrak improvements in Vermont are under discussion but take money and your political support.  Please sign up at left for e-mail updates, write to your representatives and a letter to the editor and consider volunteering to help make these enhancements reality.

Burlington - Middlebury to New York
Vermonter to Montreal
Multiple frequencies from Rutland, Bennington to New York
"Knowlege Corridor:" faster, more frequent service to New York from White River Jc, Bellows Falls & Brattleboro
Boston - Burlington - Montreal high speed rail

Environmental Benefits of Rail

 

44% of greenhouse gasses in Vermont are produced by transportation (nationally, it's 28%).  If we are serious about the environment we have to change transportation.

Shipping by rail instead of truck reduces pollution (on average) by two-thirds, noise by one half, uses only 29% of the fuel and produces only 23% as much greenhouse gasses.  Freight Rail Carbon Calculator

The U.S. transportation system is 96% petroleum dependent, accounts for 71% of the country’s oil use, and consumes 25% of the world’s net output. 

Passenger trains are 20-40% more efficient.  But consider: if the train is already going there, the carbon footprint of you  riding it is *zero* !  

Rail facilitates better land use, which may make the biggest difference.