Re: (erielack) Last Ore Train of The Season On EL 2nd Sub

["Paul Brezicki" <doctorpb_@_bellsouth.net>]

Yes, the chip train and the Belmont coal travel the S-line via Salisbury. As 
for HSR...don't count your bullet train chickens before they hatch. The 
anti-rail GOP has regained considerable power, and they're trying to kill 
HSR initiatives in several states, including Ohio and FLorida. Retention of 
the Saluda line for possible resumption of freight service is possible, 
although unlikely. The current reroute has entered its tenth year. 
Restoration of passenger service to Asheville is a pipe dream, as there is 
insufficient population to support it. There are dozens of corridors that 
are far more deserving of attention. Washington-Atlanta, which you 
mentioned, would serve the large population centers strung along the 
Piedmont, including Charlotte and Greensboro/Winston-Salem. Funding for new 
passenger trains is not unlimited, and as BNSF's Matt Rose recently said, 
needs to be carefully allocated where it will have the greatest benefit.

Paul B


From: "Pieter K Terwilleger" <01pterwi_@_charter.net>
Subject: Re: (erielack) Last Ore Train of The Season On EL 2nd Sub

Hi RJ:

Please tell Rex I live in Tryon, NC, Western North Carolina. I'm at the foot
of Saluda Grade on NS. We haven't had any trains through here since early
December 2001. Apparently the unit coal  and wood chip trains go by way of
Black Mountain.  If traffic builds, NS may take the loaded trains on that
route, and bring the empties back down Saluda Grade (A&S Line) to relieve
congestion.

We have the "Rails to Trails" idiots here who want to submit reams of
paperwork to NS in hopes they will convert Saluda Grade. It's always the
same answer and NS has grown tired of repeating themselves. The A&S Line has
NOT been abandoned, and as such cannot be converted to anything. It will
continue to be railbanked for the foreseeable future in case traffic merits
reopening the line.

With the prospects, however long, becoming brighter and brighter for high
speed rail from Washington through Spartanburg, SC to Atlanta, and Asheville
having a plan, as such, to upgrade the rails to Salisbury, NC so passenger
service can connect there with Amtrak, it would be absolute stupidity to
eliminate the Asheville - Spartanburg line.

Pete
 


	The Erie Lackawanna Mailing List
	http://EL-List.railfan.net/
	To Unsubscribe: http://Lists.Railfan.net/erielackunsub.html

------------------------------