It was affectionately know as the "NoWhere in Particular" railroad. Our little town, where I was born and grew up near Santa Rosa, Calif., was one of the last to have railroad tracks down its main street. I can still hear the sound of the train horn late at night.
The newspaper says there are plans for upgrading track from Napa to Windsor (north of Santa Rosa) to run freight trains to reduce the heavy load of trucks along highway 101. However, if this comes to pass, there will be plans to coordinate freight and commuter train traffic.
The newspaper article states that if funding is possible, it would eventually restore the entire old line from Napa to Eureka, Calif.
From a selfish standpoint, it would be great to once-again ride the same railroad that my parents and grandparents once rode.
From the standpoint of the Railforum, I think the reestablishment of the Norwestern Pacific would be a great way to visit Northern Calif and the wine country, as well as to have a very scenic journey along the way.
For more information on the old NWP click below. Scroll down about half-way and click on the "NWP History" for a map of the old route.
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The NWP passenger service was the very reason that SP made certain that NWP joined Amtrak - as an independent member.
SP did not wish to assume any possible burden lest the State regulatory authority decide the NWP was independent of the SP and impose upon, outside of RPSA '70, an obligation to run intrastate passenger service.
The California legislature has done a good job of identifying the services needed, even if they are predominately in the Southern half of the State. They got rid of the overnight "Spirit" in favor of an additional frequency on the San Joaquin route, and they have held at bay any initiatives such as that of an on-line local newspaper any other party that has proposed the likes of Portola-Oakland.
In short, California has done a good job of separating "wheat from chaff" and have directed their resources towards what is needed; let us not upset that.
Posts: 9981 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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