Think YOU have problems with your neighbors?

J3a-614 · **Posted:** Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:35 pm

steamtown observer wrote:

robertjohndavis wrote:

The trail lobby has had a significant negative impact upon the rail infrastructure of New Hampshire and (to a lesser extent, Vermont). NY is the next area of attack. This is an organized and funded anti-rail effort.

Rob

I think the trail lobby is a big anti-rail effort nationwide, not just in the Northeast. In their early days they used to get a lot of funding from trucking companies and truck lobbying groups. That faded in the last 10 years, replaced by groups working to re-regulate the rail industry along with anti-coal groups. Know the enemy and fight them with knowledge. They still like to use the line "if a need ever arises the right of way can be converted back to a railroad" knowing they will throw up every possible roadblock if an attempt is made to restore the railroad.

This turned up as a link from the Catskill Mountain Railroad's "All Aboard for Ashokan" Facebook page. Of course, we don't really know if this is true or if it's the case, we have to speculate--but what else could explain a change of this sort?

http://ltvsquad.com/2013/08/12/the-tiny ... overnment/

Bob Davis · **Joined:** Sat Aug 28, 2004 3:25 am **Posts:** 1025

For more commentary on "auto culture", "car-centric" city design and "windshield perspective", I recommend the "streetsblog" websites, especially Streetsblog San Francisco. Although I use a car for most errands, and it's the only convenient way to reach my home Railway Museum, I still find the Streetsblog sites very "consciousness raising", reminding me that there is life outside of the fast lane.

Randolph R. Ruiz · **Posted:** Thu Sep 05, 2013 6:22 pm

I suspect we have veered off topic, but I have not owned an automobile since 2004 and I seldom miss it. When I do, I can rent one.

While I can literally watch PCCs and Peter Witts roll by all day from my home (okay, I have to lean out the window a bit), I mostly use a bicycle for daily transportation. I have to be careful with the flangeways when I cross the tracks.

Dave · **Posted:** Thu Sep 05, 2013 8:14 pm

I would welcome the day I can dispose of the expensive cars and get to where I need to go when I need to get there via public transport. Unfortunately, our current planning is still based on suburban sprawl, and the resurrection of streetcars to my old in town neighborhood is slated to occur long after I plan to be dead. No choice but to be tied to my own wheels, especially with the need to haul a wheelchair around........that makes every logistical matter much more complex.

dave

G. W. Laepple · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 5:10 pm **Posts:** 1182

One aspect of my retirement planning involved moving to a location with a public bus system and access to Amtrak service. This allowed my wife and me to dispose of one automobile and the attendant expenses of fuel, maintenance and insurance. At age 65, we can use the buses free and receive a 15% discount on Amtrak travel.

sbhunterca · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 7:58 am **Posts:** 728

Unfortunately, living in the country, we're stuck with automobiles... OK, we do have horses and could use them for short trips, but not as far as the nearest VIA station or bus stop... and even then, where would they stay?

Then there's the matter of a 65 mile commute every morning and evening...

Public transit is great, but for those outside of major urban areas, it's rarely a practical option.

Steve Hunter

JimBoylan · **Posted:** Fri Sep 06, 2013 10:32 am

sbhunterca wrote:

OK, we do have horses and could use them for short trips, but not as far as the nearest VIA station or bus stop... and even then, where would they stay?

That's why they have livery stables with hostlers.

sbhunterca · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 7:58 am **Posts:** 728

LOL, had...

:-)

Steve

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Fri Sep 06, 2013 1:00 pm

Still have, at least with my sister-in-law and her business partner, working cowhands both......

.... and the Amish hitching post in my hometown was behind my parents' newspaper office.......

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