Devastating freight Rail Strike? Government May Impose Settlement By First Week in December
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- Created: 22 November 2022 22 November 2022
Just when the transportation industry thought a rail strike was not in the cards due to a Biden-negotiated settlement earlier this year, four of the major unions have now rejected the previous 'deal.' It's not an exaggeration to say that the health of the fragile American economy is at stake.
From the Associated Press:
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — American consumers and nearly every industry will be affected if freight trains grind to a halt next month.
One of the biggest rail unions rejected its deal Monday, joining three others that have failed to approve contracts over concerns about demanding schedules and the lack of paid sick time. That raises the risk of a strike, which could start as soon as Dec. 5.
It wouldn’t take long for the effects of a rail strike to trickle through the economy. Many businesses only have a few days’ worth of raw materials and space for finished goods. Makers of food, fuel, cars and chemicals would all feel the squeeze, as would their customers.
That’s not to mention the commuters who would be left stranded because many passenger railroads use tracks owned by the freight railroads.
The stakes are so high for the economy that Congress is expected to intervene and impose contract terms on railroad workers. The last time US railroads went on strike was in 1992. That strike lasted two days before Congress intervened. An extended rail shutdown has not happened for a century, partly because a law passed in 1926 that governs rail negotiations made it much harder for workers to strike. The full article.
Oct 1 - New Faregates at North Station
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- Created: 30 September 2022 30 September 2022
North Station continues to reinvent itself. Starting on Saturday, October 1st, access to the concourse for trains and the waiting area will be controlled by electronic gates. The gates will recognize all types of Amtrak and MBTA tickets. Riders will also need to use those tickets to exit the station.
Passengers can use their Downeaster paper ticket, show the PDF on their phone or the mobile app ticket.
Why is this being implemented? Primarily to improve MBTA fare collection (some riders 'forget' to buy a ticket for the commuter trains) and gather data on train usage. It will also keep wandering 'non-riders' from entering the areas.
There will be MBTA Customer Service personnel at the new gates to assist any and all.
North Station has been in the process of redefining itself over the past few years. If you haven't been there recently, it has become a destination in and of itself - boasting an extensive food court, a hotel, apartments as well as the Boston Garden sports venue.
Wayne Davis recently toured the New North Station and was impressed! Video from our Annual Meeting.
TrainRiders/Northeast's 34th Annual Meeting a Big Success!!!
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- Created: 18 August 2022 18 August 2022
This was our first in-person gathering since the pandemic shut us down. It was a pleasure to associate with each other after such a long hiatus.
We met at The Harraseeket Inn in Freeport and many of our guests, members and friends arrived by the Downeaster, having skipped the crowded interstate highway summer traffic. Attendees who took the train benefited from a discount as did those who stayed overnight at the inn.
Chairman Wayne Davis welcomed all to the meeting, reminding us that while we've accomplished much over the years, much remains to be done.
MEDOT Commissioner Bruce Van Note emphasized that without Wayne Davis and TrainRiders/NE, the Downeaster would not exist. He also committed to initiating pilot programs on certain proposed rail expansion projects. One example was to run Budd cars on the Rockland line to gain data on rider interest.
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