Evan Stair has posted this item on several sites, and I think it is self-explanatory.
Let me add that the language of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation letter on track improvements between Oklahoma City and Tulsa is good evidence of the lack of serious study. The proposal is not for “light rail,” and transportation professionals should know that. “Light rail” refers to streetcars and commuter equipment and infrastructure. Stair has good reason to be disappointed at such misstatements.
It seems that ODOT is now touting a Tulsa expansion of the Heartland Flyer (lengthened stub end) as the least costly despite an ODOT study provided in March of 2001 and again in April of 2005 stating otherwise. We have come into possession of a letter from David Streb of ODOT to Glen A. Nead on January 16, 2008 where he states:
“As you may know, upgrading and improving the existing trackage between the State’s two largest cities would be the least expensive approach. While there is more public enthusiasm for high speed light rail, the financial support needed to construct light rail between these two (2) cities illustrates a typical multiplier. Estimates for improvements necessary for a modest level of traditional passenger service between Oklahoma City and Tulsa are in the range of $110 million according to a 2001 ODOT Rail Division study while costs for a light rail system along the same corridor begin at the $1 billion level. As rail continues to gain ground in Oklahoma it will be necessary to fortify our local bus and transit systems, as a foundation to undergird higher level investments.”
We consider this the new “Official” ODOT stance on passenger rail that will be provided to the state legislature and media outlets following the pending release of the Oklahoma City to Tulsa Amtrak study next month. This is unfortunate because it is misleading.
In reality, the 2001 and 2005 Carter Burgess studies Streb referenced in his letter state that track upgrades between Newton, KS and Oklahoma City would be $5 million with a $2.9 million requirement in Oklahoma and a $2.1 million requirement in Kansas. Track upgrades on the Tulsa route are obviously at least 20 times as expensive.
We at Passenger Rail Oklahoma are disappointed to report that ODOT is not standing behind their numbers. It is our belief that ODOT will use the forthcoming Oklahoma City to Tulsa passenger rail study as prepared by ODOT to make passenger rail solutions seem more costly than reality. Those who are supporting ODOT in their efforts should understand these facts and question ODOT leadership as to the validity of prior studies.
It is important at this point to understand that other official entities are working within Amtrak to accurately report cost figures between Kansas City and Fort Worth through Wichita. It is unfortunate that the rail has deteriorated along the Sapupla to Oklahoma City route since its purchase from the BNSF Railway in the late 1990’s to preclude the operation of passenger trains without such a rehabilitation figure. Obviously there are interests who do not want to see ODOT expand state Amtrak service. There is a general understanding that the state is not happy with the $2 million expenditure on the Heartland Flyer annually, despite ODOT’s $1.5 billion annual budget.
We invite the Governor’s office, ODOT Director Gary Ridley, or Mr. Streb to retract the statements in this letter and report full and accurate cost figures to the public. References included in Streb’s letter will be provided upon request.
Evan Stair
Filed under: Passenger Rail Transportatio Policy, Regional USA Passenger Rail
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