End of the "Hoosier State"

[TrainWatcher]

http://wishtv.com/2015/03/06/indiana-to ... -in-april/

[Ypsi]

about time I guess..

The Hoosier State is the least-traveled of Amtrak’s routes

[Typhoon]

The people in states that support Amtrak should be very afraid of the new FRA rules that were applied to Indiana.

[TrainWatcher]

Ok, Typhoon, what are the new FRA rules?

[MSchwiebert]

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015 ... /24505977/
Gives some bullet points about the requirements. I would have liked to see how the Iowa Pacific operation would have worked out, but apparently the FRA doesn't.

[justalurker66]

Ok, Typhoon, what are the new FRA rules?

Here is the key paragraph ... emphasis added:

INDOT says the move follows new Federal Railroad Administration rules that would have deemed Indiana a rail carrier despite not owning any tracks or trains. INDOT says that would expose the state “to significant increases in cost, paperwork and liability.”

Should a state be forced to become a railroad to support a railroad? Or is this special distinction reserved for a state that wants to contract with a railroad that is not Amtrak (making it more difficult to choose another carrier for service)?

[Typhoon]

Ok, Typhoon, what are the new FRA rules?

http://www.in.gov/activecalendar/EventL ... =syndicate

"Six years later, the FRA is developing rules governing states that now support the cost of passenger rail services.

Under new rules that the FRA is testing with Indiana, all states that support passenger rail services would be considered railroad carriers. This burdensome interpretation exposes states to significant increases in cost, paperwork and liability, including:


Liability for the actions of passenger rail providers up to $200 million for each occurrence of injury, death or property damage,
Hiring new staff to monitor plans and programs in compliance with federal rules, and
Interpretation that state employees are rail employees, subject to retirement and employer liability rules and limits."

[JStryker722]

Ok, Typhoon, what are the new FRA rules?

http://www.in.gov/activecalendar/EventL ... =syndicate

"Six years later, the FRA is developing rules governing states that now support the cost of passenger rail services.

Under new rules that the FRA is testing with Indiana, all states that support passenger rail services would be considered railroad carriers. This burdensome interpretation exposes states to significant increases in cost, paperwork and liability, including:


Liability for the actions of passenger rail providers up to $200 million for each occurrence of injury, death or property damage,
Hiring new staff to monitor plans and programs in compliance with federal rules, and
Interpretation that state employees are rail employees, subject to retirement and employer liability rules and limits."

Well I bet FRA testing new rules just backfired on them because to me,there is no point in all of that if Amtrak and CSX who will still run the trains,only difference being Iowa Pacific equipment,marketing,and service management, need to meet at the common carrier rules and liability insurance requirements anyway,you only causing a whole new level of redundant beacracy for no reason IMHO.

[railohio]

And now Fred's commentary: The great "Hoosier State" fiasco

[Saturnalia]

And now Fred's commentary: The great "Hoosier State" fiasco

*like*

[JStryker722]

And now Fred's commentary: The great "Hoosier State" fiasco

*like*

2nd that

[Typhoon]

30 day extension.

http://www.jconline.com/story/news/2015 ... /70283594/

[justalurker66]

Press Release
Indiana, FRA to Address Hoosier State Improvements
Agreements to Establish Clear Ownership for Safety, Access

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration reached an understanding of the clear lines of accountability for passenger rail safety and accessibility between Indianapolis and Chicago, allowing Indiana to implement long-term improvements to the daily service.

INDOT Commissioner Karl Browning met in Indianapolis with FRA staff last week to discuss the roles and responsibilities for providing safe passenger rail service. Indiana’s contracts would require Amtrak and Iowa Pacific Holdings, separately, to comply with all Amtrak and FRA requirements. In addition, INDOT would designate a staff member responsible for overseeing contract compliance.

“INDOT and the FRA share the guiding principles of access to safe mobility,” Browning said. “Based on these guiding principles, we are both committed to a path toward continuing the Hoosier State service.”

INDOT plans to continue existing Amtrak Hoosier State service in the near term until agreements can be finalized with Amtrak and Iowa Pacific. Amtrak, FRA and U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspections of Iowa Pacific equipment are ongoing.

http://www.in.gov/activecalendar/EventL ... =syndicate

[PerRock]

It seems kind of odd to me that IP decided to designate the Rio Grande as the operating company, rather then say Chicago Terminal. Not that it matters much either way.

peter

[JStryker722]

It seems kind of odd to me that IP decided to designate the Rio Grande as the operating company, rather then say Chicago Terminal. Not that it matters much either way.

peter

Probably due to the fact that San Luis & Rio Grande is already a passenger railroad and has the experience for it.