Publications
2011
“Bit by bit a line becomes a system: Amtrak Cascades has shown the nation how to build higher speed rail — and do it right,” TRAINS Magazine, April 2011, 46-53.
This feature article examines how Washington State DOT lead the development of one of the fastest growing and most successful modern passenger systems, the Amtrak Cascades service between Vancouver, B.C. and Eugene, Oregon. Emphasis is placed on the pragmatic, incremental basis of the system’s development, which runs contrary to the opinions of many passenger rail advocates.
“Time Travel in Oregon? TriMet Turns to the Venerable Budd RDC,” Extra Board, Railfan & Railroad Magazine web site, March 2011.
“Oregon’s only commuter rail line turns two,” TRAINS.com Newswire web site, February 3, 2011.
“HSR equipment maker dispute may threaten channel rail service,” TRAINS.com Newswire web site, January 24, 2011.
“Iowa governor set to cut rail projects,” TRAINS.com Newswire web site, January 24, 2011.
“California High-Speed Rail project moves to acquire Los Angeles station,” TRAINS.com Newswire web site, January 20, 2011.
2010
“Transit one step closer to federal safety oversight,” TRAINS.com Newswire web site, June 30, 2010.
2008
“Seattle makes progress,” TRAINS Magazine, February 2008: 28-29.
2007
(With Dan Haneckow) “MAX at night.” TRAINS Magazine, May 2007: 58-63.
This article examines how the TriMet MAX light rail system operates between the end of service (near 1:36 a.m.) to the first morning trains (at about 4:00 a.m.). This article involved a behind the scenes look at TriMet’s overnight line maintenance, the maintenance shops, and the dispatching center, all sensitive areas normally closed to the public. Co-authored with local Portland history blogger and transit observer Dan Haneckow, who originated the story concept.
“Where will Caltrain go from here?” TRAINS Magazine, February 2007: 26.
This article explores Project 2025, a $1 billion proposal to make numerous capital investments in Caltrain, a commuter railroad serving a corridor between San Francisco and San Jose, California. Among the projects is a proposal to completely convert the railroad to electric propulsion. This article was selected for inclusion in the Harmer E. Davis Transportation Library at the University of California at Berkeley.
2006
“It’s a small world, after all,” TRAINS Magazine , June 2006: 24.
This article examined the challenges and rewards of installing streetcar systems in cities with under 350,000 residents. Specific issues including political will, financing, and local popular opinions were examined.
“If Amtrak folds, will commuter trains still run?” TRAINS Magazine, March 2006: 26.
“Jack Frost nipping at your catenary?” TRAINS Magazine, January 2006: 30.
2005
“Trickle-down operations,” TRAINS Magazine, November 2005: 34-35.
This article explores the difficulties of operating a public commuter service over tracks owned by freight railroad companies. Schedule adherence, dispatching, and maintenance complications are all discussed.
“The Grande Dame,” TRAINS Magazine, November 2005: 50-57.
This large feature story examined the role of Portland’s Union Station as a meaningful transportation node for over a century. The role of various government agencies as its caretaker and their diligence or lack thereof became a central element of this story. This is the fullest story about Union Station as a functioning transportation hub written in the last 50 or more years.
“The Emerald City’s $2 billion bet,” TRAINS Magazine, September 2005: 26-27.
This article relates the financial difficulties being encountered by the Seattle Monorail Project (SMP) in mid-2005. Challenges that SMP was experiencing included cost estimate increases, political opposition, and increasing and public scrutiny of its finances by state officials. Article includes excerpts from interviews with the Washington State Treasurer and lead executives at SMP.
“CORP’s Tunnel 13 emerges from the ashes,” TRAINS Magazine, August 2005: 12.
“Increasing the “green” on mass transit machines,” TRAINS Magazine, May 2005: 28.
2004
“Tourists, commuters strain Muni capacity,” TRAINS Magazine, December 2004: 30.
2003
“NeoBohemia on the No. 12 Bus,” Mimeograph.org, June 2003.
2002
“Travel Trends,” Northwest Destinations Magazine, 2002: 12-15.
2000
“Backcountry Baker: Rumble Gully is a great ride, and sometimes it’s the last,” Active! Northwest Magazine, November/December 2000: 30-35.
This feature story focused on a problematic dynamic: freedom of access to nature vs. public safety concerns. In 1999, numerous skiers and snowboarders had left the grounds of ski areas near Washington State’s Mount Baker in order to seek out “backcountry” snow experiences, and had disappeared when avalanches in these unpatrolled and uncontrolled regions collapsed on them. The article examined methods used by local authorities to prevent such deaths, and the essential tension between individual rights and the cost of subsidizing rescues.