Hello all,

I’m doing some research on the CNJ’s commuter service in the late 1960s and 1970s and I came across a reference to a 1971 report titled “Blueprint for Survival” from the trustee Robert D. Timpany. It is a short document (9 pages) that created quite a stir in proposing to radically reshape freight and commuter service.

Does anybody here have a copy? It seems like it was circulated widely, but some searching has yet to find a library or archive that lists one in their collection.
Any leads would be appreciated!

In 439 F. Supp. 1351 (1977), "In the Matter of the VALUATION PROCEEDINGS UNDER SECS. 303(c) AND 306 OF THE REGIONAL RAIL REORGANIZATION ACT" (April 19.,1977, on motion for reconsideration July 5, 1977) makes reference to the fact that the 'Blueprint for Survival' was actually a letter dated March 6th 1971 to the then Administrator of the FRA, and that the Secretary of Transportation issued a determination dated March 24, 1971 to grant $6 million of the $10 million in Federally-guaranteed loans (under the Emergency Rail Services Act of 1970) that Timpany's letter had requested.

Knowing these dates and document types, you shouldn't have much trouble obtaining a definitive version of the letter, probably directly from the FRA.

Thank you for that reference. From what I have gathered so far, the trustee first submitted it to the FRA and then circulated it more widely around New Jersey as part of a broader effort to secure more state aid.

If the FRA's copy exists, it would probably be located at the NARA facility in College Park, MD.