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Docket #: - - -
Subject: *NS sale to WATCO
First Name: *Chris
Middle Name:M
Last Name: *McCurry
Address: *410 West North Street
City: *Abingdon
State: *ILL
Zip Code: *61410-1029
Email Address: *themacs4@frontiernet.net
Group/Affiliation:
Message: would like to register my opposition to the proposed sale of Michigan railroad track by Northern Southern to WATCO Industries. The State of Michigan and federal government have invested tens of millions of dollars to improve track and signals to enable high speed rail passenger trains to travel 90 mph currently and 110 mph by the end of the year. Reflecting the increased attraction of passenger rail, the Amtrak Wolverine, using the above track sold 142,185 tickets for the period ending January 30. 2007, a six percent increase over 2006.

I am concerned that, given WATCO's poor record and limited financial capability, the new top speed for passenger and freight rail may decline from 79 mph to a top speed of 45 mph. This decrease in speed may indeed block development of the Midwest High Speed Rail Initiative and the Ohio Hub, seriously lowering the efficiency of the Midwest's entire passenger rail system.

With the continued increase of Amtrak usage in the state of Michigan, now is not the time to diminish fast passenger train service. At a time when United States citizens are experiencing record gas prices and our population is growing older, it is more important than ever to for the Surface Transportation Board to assure time-competitive and safe passenger rail.

I am concerned that decreasing the efficiency of passenger train travel would increase carbon emissions as former Amtrak passengers elect to drive. One train carrying 200 people between Detroit and Chicago saves 22 tons of CO2 compared to 200 cars and 15 tons compared to two jets carrying that many passengers.

I believe it would be far better for the Norfolk Southern to offer this track for sale to the State of Michigan and Amtrak rather than to unilaterally decide to sell to a short line that does not have the economic viability to maintain prime railroad track to existing speeds.
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