[OKC] FW: PHOTO ATTACHED: Oklahoma Could Have a Commuter Rail in its Future

[Shauna Lawyer Struby]

FYI

 

From: Sasha Bradley [mailto:sashabradley at okhouse.gov] 
Sent: Friday, August 06, 2010 9:55 AM
To: Sasha Bradley
Subject: PHOTO ATTACHED: Oklahoma Could Have a Commuter Rail in its Future

 



 

Oklahoma House of Representatives

Media Division

August 6, 2010

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: State Rep. Charlie Joyner

Capitol: (405) 557-7314

 

Oklahoma Could Have a Commuter Rail in its Future

 

OKLAHOMA CITY -Oklahoma could soon have a commuter rail transportation system to get people to and
from work and ease travel. State Rep. Charlie Joyner has been working to make that a possibility.

 

Joyner met with representatives from Trinity Railroad Express, Burlington Northern, Santa Fe
Railroad, Amtrak and Dallas Area Rapid Transit this week in Fort Worth to discuss the possibility of
getting a commuter rail system in Oklahoma. He discussed the projected costs and pros and cons.

 

Joyner said currently Oklahoma has been a donor state contributing to other states' rail systems
with our federal motor fuel tax.

 

"Out of every dollar generated from the federal fuel tax, 85 cents goes to us and 15 cents goes to
other states' rail passenger services," said Joyner, R-Midwest City. "We could be using that 15
cents in our state towards a rail passenger system here."

 

Dave Herbert, Oklahoma's governor-appointed liaison for passenger rail systems, said that about half
of the cost of the rail equipment and operation would be covered by Federal government dollars
through subsidies and grants.  

 

"The cities on the rail system have taxed themselves a half-cent sales tax to be part of the system.
The Trinity Rail Express is a Regional Transportation system formed by the many cities and
communities around Dallas and Ft. Worth.  Some cities have already taxed themselves and are about
five years from being fully operational.  This shows the enthusiasm of the cities to be part of the
system," said Herbert.  

 

Joyner carried legislation last session to allow Oklahoma cities and counties to come together and
form transportation authorities to be responsible for construction, maintenance, and operation of a
transportation system that can include a turnpike, transit or railway system. This will allow
transportation authorities to decide on what transportation projects they feel will benefit their
areas.

 

"The first thing you have to understand about moving people-it doesn't make a profit. It's a quality
of life issue. You can't run a railroad like business because it deals with quality of life," said
Bill Farquar with the Trinity Rail Express. "It brings higher standards and quality of life to
cities and towns because they want to be a part of a commuter rail system."

 

"It also will attract new businesses and citizens to Oklahoma, which will help the economy, lower
fuel costs on individuals, increase tourism dollars and help the environment, so I think it would be
a win-win situation for all. It sells itself," added Joyner.

 

Joyner said Oklahomans may get to experience commuter rail here in Oklahoma this winter or spring.

 

"We have talked about a demonstration train that would consist of four or five Trinity Rail Express
cars coming to Oklahoma City, and running from Edmond to Oklahoma City carrying passengers that
would normally ride the Edmond bus system to work in downtown Oklahoma City," said Joyner. "It would
also allow legislators, city and county officials and all Oklahomans to see how a commuter rail
system would work in the major cities in Oklahoma. It will give them a chance to experience for
themselves what it would be like to have a commuter rail system in Oklahoma; then they can decide if
it's worth it."

 

Joyner said many things have to be worked out in order for the demonstration to happen.  It will be
coordinated by Oklahoma Department of Transportation with approval of all parties involved,
including Amtrak, BNSF, and Trinity Rail Express. 

 

-30-

 

 

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