1
Draft Vermont State Rail PlanPublic Meeting
July 15, 2015 – 6:30 PMHotel Coolidge, White River Junction
1
Costa Pappis, Planning SectionVermont Agency of Transportation
2
Vermont State Rail Plan
Agenda
• Introductions• Plan Purpose• Freight and Passenger Rail Systems• Rail Issues and Opportunities• Proposed Capital Plan• Measuring Performance
3
Vermont State Rail Plan
Purpose of the State Rail Plan
• Provides a framework for future rail investments– State funds– Federal grants
• Meets state and federal requirements for rail planning– State Planning Statute– Passenger Rail Investment & Improvement Act (PRIIA)
4
Vermont State Rail Plan
Why is Vermont Involved in Rail?
• Vermont owns 305 miles of active rail– Abandonment threats of the 1960s– Needs of resource‐extraction industries
• The State operates two intercity passenger rail services – Ethan Allen Express and the Vermonter.
5
Freight Rail
5
6
Vermont State Rail Plan
7
Vermont State Rail Plan
Freight Movements
14%
5%
12%
69%
InboundIntrastateOutboundThrough
6.7 Million Tons Carried Annually
8
Vermont State Rail Plan
Top Freight Commodities
17%
16%
12%
12%
9%
8%
7%
5%
4%
2% 2% 2% 1%
3%
Pulp, Paper, or Allied ProductsClay, Concrete, Glass or Stone ProductsLumber or Wood Products, exc FurnitureChemicals or Alllied ProductsCoalPetroleum or Coal ProductsFood or Kindred ProductsNon-metalic MineralsFreight All KindTransportation EquipmentPrimary Metal ProductsFarm ProductsWaste or Scrap MaterialsOther
9
Vermont State Rail Plan
Our Rail Freight Trading Partners
Tonnage
10
Vermont State Rail Plan
Trends in Freight Rail
• Rail freight shipments have declined– 10 million tons in 2006 to 6.7 million in 2011 – Changes in carload standards– Vermont’s changing economy
• Rail has a major economic impact for its shippers– 130 railroad employees and 3,700 jobs in businesses that use state‐owned rail lines
11
Passenger Rail
11
12
Vermont State Rail Plan
13
Vermont State Rail Plan
Ridership Trends
57,121
107,688
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Rail Ridership at Vermont Stations, 2005‐2014
Rail was a big beneficiary of earmarks and federal grants during the 2000s which totaled over $100 million.
14
Vermont State Rail Plan
Station Usage
15
Vermont State Rail Plan
Where Passengers Travel To
NY42%
CT15%
DC12%
PA10%MA
8%NJ5%
MD5%
DE2%
FL0%
RI0%
Other1%
Vermonter
NY84%
PA4%
DC4%
MD2%IL
1%
FL1%
VA1%
NJ1%
DE1%
GA0%
Other1%
Ethan Allen Express
Total Trips: 79,803 (VT Stations, 2013)
Total Trips: 21,026(VT Stations, 2013)
16
Vermont State Rail Plan
What Will Passenger Ridership Look Like in 2035 Under Current Trends?
101,126
146,400
193,600
295,600
400,000
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
400,000
450,000
FY13 2035 Forecast 1.7%Growth
2035 Forecast 3%Growth
2035 Forecast 5%Growth
Energy Plan Goal
17
Issues and Challenges
17
1818
Issues: Deferred Maintenance
• Underinvestment in State‐Owned Rail Lines‐ Very little investment from 1960s to 1990s‐ System conditions threaten both freight
and passenger systems‐ Intercity passenger rail can only function
with an active rail freight operator
1919
Issues: Bridge Conditions
2128
76
40
49
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Less than263K
Good for263K
Good for286K
Not Rated VRSResponsible
Load Rating of 214 Rail Bridges as of April 2015
2020
Issues: Bridge Capital Needs
Line Long Term Cost Estimate
Cost of Bringing Bridge Superstructures to 286K
VTR Northern $18,473,725
VTR B&R $28,958,565
VTR Hoosick $5,618,000
GMRC $46,211,420
WACR CRL $60,112,270
WACR M&B $4,310,000 Total $163,683,980 Repairs to Substructures $40,000,000Total Superstructures and Substructures Approx. $203,683,980
2121
Issues: Track Needs
Estimated Cost of Track Work for Freight Operations
Line Long Term Cost Estimate VTR Northern $12,000,000 VTR B&R $16,500,000 VTR Hoosick $4,800,000 GMRC $18,500,000 WACR CRL $22,500,000 WACR M&B $6,500,000 NECR Winooski $4,000,000 SLA Track and Bridge $3,300,000 CMQ Ties and Bridge $1,300,000 Total $89,400,000
2222
Issues: No Dedicated Federal Rail Funding
80% 80%90%
0%0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Highways Transit Aviation Rail
Typical Federal Cost‐Share for Capital Investments
Note: Funding for highways, transit, and aviation also includes other types of federal cost‐share
2323
Historical Rail Program Funding Levels
$0
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
$50,000,000
$60,000,000
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Federal
State
We are highly dependent on federal funding to implement rail projects
Federal Funds
Grants Earmarks FEMA Disaster
Funds
2424
Issues: Freight Volumes Declined
• Declining rail freight places pressure on revenues‐ Rail operator has less to invest in
maintenance‐ State collects less revenues from rail operator.
2525
Issues: Changes in Federal Passenger Rail Funding
• Escalating costs of passenger services.‐ PRIIA Sec 209 resulted in a two‐tiered intercity
passenger rail system – national routes and state‐supported services.
‐ States must now pay full cost of state‐supported services.
‐ Vermont’s costs have increased from $4.5 million to over $8 million annually.
26
Plan Focus Areas
26
27
Vermont State Rail Plan
Rail System Goals Maintain the State’s Rail System in a State of Good Repair‐Maintain all bridges to the 263,000 lbs carload standard‐Maintain track to appropriate FRA track class‐ Remove slow orders – with priority along passenger rail routes‐ Upgrade rail to continuously welded rail along passenger routes ‐ Rehabilitate passenger rail stations
Expand the Rail System’s Capacity to Accommodate Growth Objectives‐ Upgrade all bridges to the 286,000 lbs carload standard ‐ Upgrade to 115 lbs/yard rail‐ Eliminate vertical clearance obstacles ‐ Install platforms at new passenger stations
28
Vermont State Rail Plan
Rail System Goals
Expand the Rail System’s Use‐ Increase the use of rail by shippers and receivers currently using rail‐ Attract new rail shippers and receivers to locate along rail lines‐ Preserve inactive rail corridors‐ Implement new intercity passenger rail service along western corridor (Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, Rutland, Manchester, Bennington) and extend Vermonter to Montreal‐ Exceed FRA Intercity Passenger Rail Performance and Service Quality indicators‐ Increase existing and planned passenger routes to a minimum of FRA Class 4 Track in order to allow operating speeds to 79MPH
29
Vermont State Rail Plan
Plan Goals
Provide a Rail System that is Financially Sustainable‐ Examine other passenger rail service providers in order to reduce operating subsidies ‐ Pursue federal grant opportunities to rehabilitate the rail network
Improve Intermodal Connectivity‐ Integrate rail stations with local and intercity bus transportation
30
Vermont State Rail Plan
Rail System Goals
Improve the Rail System to Support Economic Development‐ Coordinate rail and economic development efforts‐ Provide incentives for new and existing businesses to use rail‐ Support the development of transload facilities
Enhance Safety of the Rail System‐ Reduce rail‐highway grade crossing collisions ‐ Participate in disaster planning with local, state, federal authorities
31
Intercity Passenger Rail
31
32
Vermont State Rail Plan
Intercity Passenger Rail
Priorities
• Ethan Allen Express extension to Burlington
• Vermonter extension to Montreal
• New western corridor service through Bennington
• Additional frequency along the Vermonter
33
Vermont State Rail Plan
Ethan Allen Extension to Burlington
• Work to upgrade track to FRA Track Class 3 (59 mph maximum) performed in stages
• $26.4 million capital cost estimate
• Incremental annual subsidy @ $350K ‐ $1 million/year
34
Vermont State Rail Plan
Vermonter Extension to Montreal
• No capital costs to begin operating service (Class 3, 59 MPH track ready).
• High‐Speed Rail &TIGER grants + railroad invested over $90 million along corridor.
• Estimated incremental annual subsidy @ $2 million for existing single round trip per day.
35
Vermont State Rail Plan
New Train between Albany and Burlington through N. Bennington and Manchester
• $88 million capital cost for the Vermont portion of the route.
• Requires parallel investments in New York
• Operating subsidy estimated at $4.1 million /year
35
36
Vermont State Rail Plan
Summary of Proposed Service Build out Options On and Offs at Vermont Stations in Year 2035
59,80083,500
199,200
388,300
79,200110,300
263,500
513,400
120,700168,500
402,200
783,900
0
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
700,000
800,000
900,000
Ethan Allen Extension toBurlington
Western Corridor Serviceto Burlington
Vermonter extension toMontreal
Vermonter extension toMontreal ‐ TwoFrequencies
Ridership by 2035 @ 1.70% growth rate Ridership by 2035 @ 3% growth rate Ridership by 2035 @ 5% growth rate
37
Vermont State Rail Plan
Long‐Term Objective – FRA Track Class 4 (up to 79 mph)
Short‐Term Passenger Needs• $114.4 million
Long‐Term Passenger Needs• $370.3 million
Extension to Burlington New Bennington Route
All Passenger Rail Routes Class 4, 79 MPH speeds
38
Freight Rail
38
39
Vermont State Rail Plan
286K Track Capacity Priorities
40
Vermont State Rail Plan
Freight Rail Needs/Priorities ‐ Bridges
2128
76
40
49
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Less than263K
Good for263K
Good for286K
Not Rated VRSResponsible
Load Rating of 214 State‐Owned Bridges at April 2015
41
Vermont State Rail Plan
Bridge Estimates for State‐Owned Lines
Line Long Term Cost Estimate
Cost of Bringing Bridge Superstructures to 286K
VTR Northern $18,473,725
VTR B&R $28,958,565
VTR Hoosick $5,618,000
GMRC $46,211,420
WACR CRL $60,112,270
WACR M&B $4,310,000 Total $163,683,980 Repairs to Substructures $40,000,000Total Superstructures and Substructures Approx. $203,683,980
42
Vermont State Rail Plan
Estimated Cost of Track Work for Freight Operations
Line Long Term Cost Estimate VTR Northern $12,000,000 VTR B&R $16,500,000 VTR Hoosick $4,800,000 GMRC $18,500,000 WACR CRL $22,500,000 WACR M&B $6,500,000 NECR Winooski $4,000,000 SLA Track and Bridge $3,300,000 CMQ Ties and Bridge $1,300,000 Total $89,400,000
43
Vermont State Rail Plan
Freight Rail Needs/PrioritiesYards and Industrial Access
Yard ProjectsProject Cost
CMQ Newport $184,000
NECR White River Jct, St. Albans
$4,339,000
NECR/GMRC Interchange $4,003,000
NECR St. Albans Roundhouse $300,000
GMRC Yard Projects $800,000
VTR Yard Projects $800,000
WACR Conn River Yard Projects
$700,000
Industrial Access ProjectsProject Cost
Access to Franklin Industrial Park, former Goodyear Power Plant in Windsor
$260,000
GMRC Sidings $478,000
WACR Montpelier Sidings $1,584,000
VTR Sidings and Structures $1,675,000
WACR Conn River Sidings $1,927,000
GMRC Passing Sidings $1,155,000
VTR Passing Sidings $2,002,000
WACR Conn River Passing Sidings
$3,344,000
44
Vermont State Rail Plan
Grade Crossing Needs
Year Fatalities Injuries Property Only Total
Freight Total 0 11 12 23
Passenger Total 2 2 6 10
10 Year Total 2 13 18 33
2004 – 2013 Public Crossing Accident Statistics
Public Crossings by Warning Device
Protection Type CountGates 71
Lights 151
Crossbuck/Sign 146
Other 1
None 12
Total 381
45
Capital Plan
45
46
Vermont State Rail Plan
• Maintaining State Rail Lines Operable
‐ Bridges and track which can cause system failures
• Economic Development Projects
‐ Encourage job growth
• Intercity Passenger Rail Priorities
Capital Plan Focus
47
Vermont State Rail Plan
Capital Plan Past Funding Levels
$0
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
$50,000,000
$60,000,000
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Federal
State
Since 2002, Averaged $15M in Federal FundingMost State Funding Applied to Operating & Administration Budget, around $4M Capital Budget
Federal Funds
Grants Earmarks FEMA Disaster
Funds
48
Vermont State Rail PlanComparison of All Needs and Available Funding over 20 Years
Based on Past Funding LevelsAll Passenger & Freight Needs
$665,600,000
$380,000,000
$0
$100,000,000
$200,000,000
$300,000,000
$400,000,000
$500,000,000
$600,000,000
$700,000,000
Needs Anticipated Funding (historical average)
49
Vermont State Rail PlanComparison of All Needs and Available Funding over 20 Years
Based on Past Funding LevelsAll Passenger & Freight Needs Except Upgrade to Class 4
$410,600,000 $380,000,000
$0
$50,000,000
$100,000,000
$150,000,000
$200,000,000
$250,000,000
$300,000,000
$350,000,000
$400,000,000
$450,000,000
Needs Anticipated Funding (historical average)
49
50
Vermont State Rail Plan
Passenger RailProposed 20‐Year Capital Plan
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035
Ethan Allen to Burlington $26.4M
Vermonter Extension to Montreal $0
Enhanced 79mph Vermonter Upgrades $177.3M
New Albany‐Bennington‐Manchester Route $88M
Enhanced 79mph Western Corridor Upgrades $78.6M
Total: $370.3 million
50
51
Vermont State Rail Plan
Freight Rail Proposed 20‐Year Capital Plan
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035
Bridge Upgrades on VTR and GMRC $123.5M
Bridge Upgrades on WACR $80.2M
Non Passenger Track Upgrades on GMRC, NECR Winooski, SLR, CMQ $27.1M
Non Passenger Track Upgrades on WACR $29M
Yard Improvements, Economic Dev. Passing Sidings, $19.5M
NECR Unrestricted Double Stack Clearance $5.7M
GMRC/CLP Double Stack$10.3M
Total: $295.3 million
51
52
Vermont State Rail Plan
Measuring Performance
53
Vermont State Rail Plan
Performance Measures and Targets:System Effectiveness
Performance Categories
Performance Measure
Associated Rail System Goal Existing Conditions
Target (annual)
System Effectiveness
Freight rail volumes originating or destined for Vermont
Expand rail system use; Provide a rail system that is financially sustainable; Support economic development
2 million tons
3 million tons
Recruitment of new rail businesses in Vermont
Expand the rail system’s use; Support economic development
1 2 businesses per railroad annually
Passenger rail trips in Vermont
Expand the rail system’s use 100,829 5% increase
FRA IPR Performance and Service Quality Indicators
Expand the rail system’s use variable Above national average in half or more reporting categories
54
Vermont State Rail Plan
Performance Measures and Targets:System Effectiveness
Performance Categories
Performance Measure
Associated Rail System Goal
Existing Conditions
Target (annual)
System Condition
Bridges meeting 263,000 lbs. standard
State of good repair All bridges to be 263K
Bridges meeting 286,000 lbs. standard
Expand rail system capacity
85 of 106 rated
Improve 3 or more annually
Rehabilitate and upgrade grade crossings
State of good repair; Safety
Unknown Improve 3 or more annually
115lbs rail State of good repair 266 mi <115 lb
5 miles annually
55
Vermont State Rail Plan
Performance Measures and Targets:System Effectiveness
Performance Categories
Performance Measure
Associated Rail System Goal
Existing Conditions
Target (annual)
System Condition
Bridges meeting 263,000 lbs. standard
State of good repair All bridges to be 263K
Bridges meeting 286,000 lbs. standard
Expand rail system capacity
85 of 106 rated
Improve 3 or more annually
Rehabilitate and upgrade grade crossings
State of good repair; Safety
Unknown Improve 3 or more annually
115lbs rail State of good repair 266 mi <115 lb
5 miles annually
56
Vermont State Rail Plan
Next Steps
• Where: VTrans website, review plan and reports http://rail.vermont.gov/about_us/reports_plans
• When: Will be taking comments until July 31, 2015• Submit comments to Costa Pappis of VTrans, [email protected]
• After comment period, – Plan modified per feedback– Submitted to FRA for comment– Finalize plan