Casprail is advocating and lobbying for the transformation of the west coast North-South rail system from the crumbling and inadequate passenger train infrastructure of today (on rough freight railbeds) to a smooth, convenient, reliable and viable alternative to car and air transport.
- Smoother rails: Passenger trains currently run on freight tracks which may be fine for transporting freight, but are often very bumpy and rough for passenger train usage. Walking is often difficult and a fall-risk for seniors within and between train cars (especially on the second level where the track roughness is magnified). We are lobbying for investment to make these routes more passenger-train and senior/handicapped friendly – this should be made an ADA (Americans with Disabilities) and AARP priority.
- Better Accessibility: Current train bedrooms offer only one adult bed on the floor level. One adult must always climb into a bunk. This is very difficult for seniors and handicapped riders – those most likely to be non-driving travelers. Handicapped/Family bedroom redesign should be an ADA priority for our Passenger rail system.
- More trains: One train per day means many stops are at very inconvenient times – in the early morning or middle of the night
- Better Connections: The ‘last mile’ transportation options need improvement; Many train stations are not near the final passenger destination. Better rental car, taxi and bus connections are necessary.