Carolinas Association for Passenger Trains


April 2007 Meeting Minutes


Date: April 21, 2007
Site: Hyatt Hotel
City: Greenville, S.C.

Attendance: Martin Wheeler, Jr., Bob Bischoff, Ed Locklin, Chuck Evans, Dale Reynolds, Jim Frierson, Phil Astwood.

Martin passed around the draft copy of the new CAPT brochure to members in attendance for their comments and possible corrections.

"Green" was discussed on our new brochure. It was decided to just mention the fact that rail is the most environmentally friendly transportation mode in the brochure.

Jim Frierson, of the S.C. DOT discussed what is happening in his state in regard to passenger service. He said S.C. plans to hire a full time director for the rail division.

Frierson said S.C. was not able to afford to buy the Yamassee to Port Royal short line railroad, which recently went out of business, in order to preserve its right-of-way. He said the State of S.C. does not yet have a "rail banking" program in place.

He said S.C. is partnering with N.C. and Georgia to study high-speed rail between Atlanta and Charlotte.

He said Camden to Columbia was identified as the best commuter rail corridor.

Frierson said he would send Martin a list of the public officials who would likely approve of a S.C. passenger rail resolution.

Martin mentioned problems with the relocation of the Durham rail passenger station. He said he understands NC DOT has indicated they want Amtrak and TTA in the same station, rather than separated.

Martin said "Operation Lifesaver" will have a regional meeting in Asheville Aug. 5 through Aug. 8th.

NEXT MEETING - Charlotte, NC on June 9, 2007

Membership currently stands at 223.

Bob Bischoff
Acting Secretary