CAROLINAS ASSOCIATION
FOR PASSENGER TRAINS
MINUTES
DATE: April 5,
2008
Site: Greystone Restaurant
CITY: Charlotte, NC
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In attendance:
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John Stein
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Ernest Robl
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Jim Haymaker
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Bill Cole
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Ralph Messera
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Jim Frierson
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Charles Hiatt
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Barkley Hendrix
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Donald Bell
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Bob Bischoff
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Martin Wheeler
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Ralph Ward
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Ed Locklin
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John Hall
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Gene Kirkland
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Jim Davis
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Jim Gregory
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Bill Guller
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Barry Stanfill
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The meeting was opened with Jim Frierson, of the South
Carolina DOT -Planning Office, speaking. He said the
Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester COG is pursuing state funding for a commuter
rail service between Charleston and
Summerville. As part of a commuter rail study they examined existing rail lines
owned by Norfolk Southern to see if
they could be used for future commuter or intercity rail service.
Martin Wheeler indicated he is willing to serve again as
President of CAPT. Jim Frierson said he
would be willing to serve on the board of directors, and in addition, serve as
S.C. Vice President.
The following were elected for 2 year terms:
Martin Wheeler - President
Jim Frierson - S.C.
Vice President and Director
Ralph Messera - Director
(N.C.)
Martin said Don Stewart reported that the revisions to
the CAPT brochure are nearly ready and he hoped to have them ready for National
Train Day on May 10th.
Gene Kirkland suggested we simplify the CAPT newsletter
to one folded sheet with the meeting notice included. Gene said he plans to get
out newsletters in April and June. Gene
reported on the Durham station
progress and talked about the new train coaches that will soon be available. He
said Allan Paul thinks the third frequency Charlotte
to Raleigh train could be in
operation sometime next year.
Martin said Don wanted volunteers to call him if they
would like to help with National Train Day on May 10th. Martin said a recent
poll taken by Elon University
indicated 72 per cent were in favor of improved intercity passenger train
service. He reported that the next mass transit rail project to be undertaken
in Charlotte might be the North
Corridor commuter rail line up to the Lake
Norman area. That would likely be followed
by the Northeast Corridor light rail line up to the University (UNCC) area.
Martin said NRHS is having their next Charlotte
area meeting on May 12th at St. Thomas
Church. The subject will be
trolleys and everyone, members and non-members are invited.
It was announced our next meeting will be held in Raleigh
on June 14th. This was later changed to June 23rd.
Bob Bischoff - Acting secretary