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Ski Train's Caboose Is Given the Kibosh, Derailed by Squabbling Execs

By Steve Lombardi

We've got a couple of things to talk about in several different posts today. So let's continue this discussion with a story about train safety and the winter ski train that runs from Osceola, Iowa to Winter Park, Colorado.

To get you in the mood how about a little harmonica music to play as you read.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc_kvTegTGw

There is a leg of that train running from Denver to Winter Park and it's called the Rio Grande Scenic Ski Train that takes thousands of young, middle aged and older adults to the ski slopes at 9,000 feet. The portion of the ski train with issues is the portion running from Denver to Winter Park, Colorado. They call it the ski train service. This year Amtrak put the kibosh on its caboose when they refused to supply operators alleging it failed a safety inspection by the Federal Railroad Administration. (Refers to the Ski Train using the call sign, SKTX.) The problem apparently is the railroad that runs from Denver to the Moffat Tunnel in Winter Park.

"In light of Amtrak's recent decision not to participate in the operation of the ski train, Iowa Pacific Holdings have been forced to cancel all trips this winter (December 2009 – March 2010). We deeply apologize and recognize what an inconvenience this is for our passengers. All customers holding reservations are immediately able to be issued a refund.

Customers can contact us at skitrainservice@iowapacific.com or call 877-726-RAIL to be issued an immediate refund. Please have your confirmation number and credit card available." From The Gazette, Colorado Springs, CO.

And what is Amtrak's position:

CHICAGO — "Amtrak was willing to help bring the ski train back after Iowa Pacific Holdings (IPH) could not arrange with Union Pacific (UP) to provide train crews to operate a ski train over UP owned tracks, as UP had in the past . We worked for three months on a plan to run these trains for IPH while not putting our scheduled intercity passenger trains – and U.S. taxpayers – at risk.

"Two days before Amtrak planned to operate a test train for IPH and five days before the start of its season, IPH could not provide to Amtrak a federally certified safe train to operate and adequate insurance. IPH has not been able to supply locomotives with adequate power and brakes to even test their rented railcars back and forth into the mountains. Nevertheless, since October IPH sold tickets for a schedule they knew could not be met even in the best circumstances.

"IPH had many things to put in place before the ski train could become a reality and their failure to execute their own plans is why this train never left the station."

Is the Ski Train no more? This would have been its 70th Season running.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tyh7DoQxN8

While passenger safety can't be overlooked how about a few CEO's taking a few billion less in bonuses so the troubled masses can enjoy the mogul fields in Winter Park. Is that too much to ask?

If you've never taken the train you can follow it on this YouTube video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh-a2MViQO8

The Rio Grande Ski Train – A Denver Tradition for Generations

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz7-zknunSE

A LITTLE INFORMATION ABOUT AMTRAK

"The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (better known as Amtrak) is a for-profit corporation that operates intercity passenger rail services in 46 States and the District of Columbia, in addition to serving as a contractor in various capacities for several commuter rail agencies. [Rail service in Alaska is operated by the Alaska Railroad Corporation .] Amtrak was created by Congress in the Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970 and incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1971, assuming the common carrier obligations of the private railroads (which found passenger service to be generally unprofitable) in exchange for the right to priority access of their tracks for incremental cost.

Amtrak's Board of Directors sets corporate policy and oversees the management of the company. The board is made up of 7 voting members appointed for five-year terms by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The President has appointed the Secretary of Transportation as one of the board members.

The Federal Railroad Administration provides analytical support to the Secretary or designee, as a member of the Amtrak Board of Directors. FRA is also responsible for administering Federal grants to Amtrak , which has led to increased FRA oversight of Amtrak spending since Fiscal Year 2003.

• Amtrak's corporate information

• Proposed Metrics and Standards for Intercity Passenger Rail Service "
  

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on December 30, 2009 (boomark / email).