How can I get involved with a train advocacy group in Alabama - is there one?

Question

I'm a female attorney in Alabama and a few years ago, after a trip planned by my child, I fell in LOVE with the train. It was wonderful to sit back, relax and let somebody else wait on you, do the driving, eat pretty good and all while watching beautiful scenery go by. We stayed in first class which included an overnight compartment (one for the adults - one for the kids (teens). Since that trip, we have taken Amtrak several more times cross country and loved it each time. Sure, I can see the need for improvements, but given their lack of support it is remarkably well-run. What can I do to become involved in getting more routes through Alabama. Despite a beautiful train station - we no longer get train service in Montgomery - we have to drive to Birmingham.!

Answer 1

Lisa, you could contact Amtrak and state your plan and goal. good luck, Max

Answer 2

i found somthing called trainweb.org it shows the routes it might help

Answer 3

It's good to hear that your trip aboard Amtrak was so enjoyable, Lisa.  I don't think that Alabama itself has an advocacy group although you might want to consider joining a group like the NARP, the National Association of Railroad Passengers.  The organization has been around for 40 years now and while it focuses on efforts to not only save but also promote Amtrak the group also looks out for passenger and commuter rail in general.  

Also, there was a group recently formed, the Sunset Marketing and Revitalization Team (SMART), that is focusing on trying to restore Amtrak's transcontinental Sunset Limited.  The train used to run from Los Angeles to western Florida (and through Alabama) but has not resumed service east of New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina (for unknown reasons since the railroad track along its old route has long since been restored).

Answer 4

AlabamaRailfan.com