United Rail Passenger Alliance

Vol. 1, No. 4 – September 22, 2004

1. Memo to Amtrak: Today is the first day of Fall, meaning the beginning of cold weather. Please note, that very, very soon, the weather will turn freezing in Northern states, including Illinois. Therefore, cars in the Chicago yards will be subject to sleet, snow, and constant freezing conditions. This is not a ‘maybe’ situation, this is a ‘certain’ situation. Do not insult us all again this year with the excuse that ‘it’s one of the coldest winters we’ve experienced lately.’ That excuse is not viable. Winter is coming, plan for it, including making sure that all rolling stock, motive power, and switches are ready for inclement weather. All of this equipment was designed to work in both warm and freezing environments; it’s a matter of planned maintenance, not pure luck that keeps this equipment working in all weather conditions. Read more…