www.railroad.net US Railroad News. 8th November 2011

“More Trains, More Often”: Extended Metro Service for LA Commuters
Posted: 08 Nov 2011 10:37 AM PST

“More Trains, More Often” is the slogan coined by Los Angeles Metro to advertise their new extended services. Starting this Sunday, November 13, the Red, Purple, and Blue lines will run every 10 minutes, instead of the usual 20 minutes, from 6pm to midnight seven days a week.
According to Mayor Villaraigosa, who also serves as head of the Los Angeles County Metro, by expanding service, people will be able to stay out later and take advantage of the hot spots in Los Angeles, most notably, the Staples Center, Hollywood, LA Live, and the NoHo Arts District. And if people save money on transportation, they are more likely to spend money shopping, going to shows, or eating out, so “More Trains, More Often” benefits both commuters and local businesses.
Not only will passengers have the option of more frequent rides, but businesses surrounding the Red, Purple, and Blue lines are offering exclusive discounts to customers who travel by Metro. Buca di Beppo, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and Cirque du Soleil are all offering 10-20% for people who take Metro. By creating incentives to travel, Metro is hoping that more people will choose their service for their transportation needs. Not only is this a cheaper option than driving or taking a cab, it is also safer as it deters people from driving drunk after a night out.
In order to increase Metro service, the company hired an additional 15 employees to operate the trains, which will cost an estimated $1.3 million annually, according to the Los Angeles Times. If this program is a success and ridership does increase in the next year, Metro officials are hoping to extend “More Trains, More Often” to their Green and Gold lines as well.


Board Recommends 18.6 Percent Increase For Rail Workers
Posted: 07 Nov 2011 07:21 PM PST

In hopes of averting a national railroad strike, the board appointed by President Barack Obama has recommended an 18.6 percent pay increase for rail workers over the next six years.  The railroads had previously offered a 17 percent increase over six years, but most rail worker unions disputed the offer, desiring a 19 percent increase over five years instead.
According to the Association of American Railroads, over 90 percent of railroad workers belong to a union, so a national union strike would be damaging.  The AAR estimates that a strike would cost the U.S. economy approximately $2 billion a day.
Now that the board has released its proposal, the unions and the U.S. freight railroads have 30 days to consider the recommendation.  If an agreement can still not be reached after this period, then workers are permitted to strike and railroads are allowed to lock them out starting on December 6.  However, general counsel for the National Railway Labor Conference  Joan Moorhead said that Congress could force a settlement or extend the period if there is a need.  The last U.S. railroad workers strike was in 1992, but it only lasted two days because Congress stepped in.  In 1994, Congress stepped in again to extend the bargaining deadline for that dispute.  The National Railway Labor Conference said in an emailed statement that it was pleased with the board’s recommendations thus far, but it had some concerns.

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