92 replies to this topic

[Robert Giacometti]

Frankly I'll go with D) all of the above.

It takes one idiot to complain and refuse to vote for a bill until it is 'compromised' to the point where no one really gets what they want and everyone gets what they don't want.

Beaurocracy sets the stage for crap laws hastily written. 'coarse no one wants to think about the alternatives.

Supremom, you may have already fallen to far down the slippery slope!

Maybe I'm just too much of an idealist, but what is wrong with everyone who is elected simply doing what is best for the overall good of the people?

[supermom]

Maybe I'm just too much of an idealist, but what is wrong with everyone who is elected simply doing what is best for the overall good of the people?

Well , nothing. But how many times do you hear of that happening?

If you can't get a bill passed for preschool offered at public school when it is proven that preschool ups the ante on children being more proficient readers--yet you also hear in the same election that law makers want a 20% raise and they want to give drivers licenses to illegal immigrants: it makes you wonder. Are the law makers really looking out for our best interests?

[mylo]

Maybe I'm just too much of an idealist, but what is wrong with everyone who is elected simply doing what is best for the overall good of the people?

Human nature.

Greed.

[Montano420]

I think a train to placerville would be a moderate success.... long run will most likely improve both cities but i dont see anything amazing with a train the placerville to tell you all the truth.

[mylo]

Here's the RFP for Excursion service between Folsom and Placerville:

http://www.sptc-jpa....nts/JPA_RFP.pdf

Submissions are due by March 14th (4pm)

[DougP]

Here's the RFP for Excursion service between Folsom and Placerville:

http://www.sptc-jpa....nts/JPA_RFP.pdf

I quickly read through the limitations in the document... the basics seem to be that

1) The operator needs to make all of the required repairs to the existing track

2) They need to provide all of the engines/rolling stock/service and storage buildings

3) Build all of the stations while meeting ADA/other requirements.

Do all of this while only being allowed to operate two round-trips on Saturdays and Sundays only.

Perhaps I've got an exaggerated sense of how much stuff costs these days, but I cannot imagine that anyone could meet all of the terms of the RFP and even hope to break even or turn a profit with only four round trips a week. Especially given how deteriorated the track has become in parts of Folsom. (Such as the places parallel to Levy Rd that are now swampy, or the missing sections of track along E. Bidwell Street)

[mylo]

Perhaps I've got an exaggerated sense of how much stuff costs these days, but I cannot imagine that anyone could meet all of the terms of the RFP and even hope to break even or turn a profit with only four round trips a week. Especially given how deteriorated the track has become in parts of Folsom. (Such as the places parallel to Levy Rd that are now swampy, or the missing sections of track along E. Bidwell Street)

To me, it sounds like the idea is already finalized and this is just paperwork to ensure fair bidding. I would venture to guess that a group has already met these requirements, and will win the RFP by a landslide. I also bet they will play within the grey areas, like providing alternate/additional schedules, etc.

I understand that the tracks are maintained and functional, and from what I hear they can continue to do so without adding excursion trains. The trains would then just need to cover their own cost (minus any government subsidy, which isn't forbidden in the RFP) and run the thing.

[zmocar]

On May 12th, the Sacramento Placerville Transportation Corridor Joint Powers Authority (Link) approved moving ahead with the FEDS Historical Railroad DBA Sacramento Valley Railroad's plans for Excursion Rail Operations on the Placerville Branch.
 SVRR_view_web.jpg   111.91K   14 downloads

[EDH Jen]

Who in their right mind wants to go to Placerville?

[jafount]

I think it's about the trip not the destination....though I think they should have a spur track to the new casino!

[camay2327]

Bump - This subject is coming back. I will add more as soon as I can get the information.

[Darth Lefty]

Do you suppose people on myPlacerville.com (censored) and complain about the undesirable element coming in on the train from the big city of Folsom?

[MSgt]

Do you suppose people on myPlacerville.com (censored) and complain about the undesirable element coming in on the train from the big city of Folsom?

They will think we are all on the return train with big screen tvs we have stolen.

[Dave Burrell]

On May 12th, the Sacramento Placerville Transportation Corridor Joint Powers Authority (Link) approved moving ahead with the FEDS Historical Railroad DBA Sacramento Valley Railroad's plans for Excursion Rail Operations on the Placerville Branch.
 SVRR_view_web.jpg   111.91K   14 downloads

That's great news - I look forward to taking a ride on it.

[polycat]

I would love it. Particularly if it were a wine train

Did someone say wine train?? I'm in... just tell me who to send a check to.