Re “What Are You Going to Do About Oppressive Train Noise? the Lady Asks”
In my opinion, your introduction to yesterday’s story about the lady who complained about noise the light rail was making – the box that talked about choo-choo – is inappropriate.
Many know I am a lifetime rail and transit enthusiast-hobbyist. The term choo-choo normally refers to a steam locomotive such as the 3751 Santa Fe locomotive now owned by the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society and stored by agreement with Amtrak in their engine yards near downtown.
When a choo-choo-type locomotive is advertised for a railroad-type excursion with said locomotive hauling private and/or Amtrak passenger equipment, many will spend a lot of money and ride such excursions. Of course they will ride behind the locomotive. Others will chase the train and photograph as was done earlier this year for a trip to Williams and the Grand Canyon sponsored by two of the northern California railfan groups.
I didn't ride due to financial reasons but I saw the train leave L.A. and arrive L.A. on its return from Arizona.
On the other hand, Expo is a light rail line using light rail cars powered by electricity using pantographs. It is not considered a choo-choo.
At the Expo ceremonies at the June 20 light rail station opening in Culver City, the term choo-choo was never used. The term light rail was and is the correct term that was used and continues to be used.
Thank you for letting me express my opinion, and if you or your readers have any questions, I (or others if necessary) will be glad to answer them.
I ride the Expo line frequently now that it comes to my area of Culver City and IMHO, doesn't make the noise that the complainants made at the special Culver City Council meeting.
Mr. Ruben, director-at-large, Southern California Transit Advocates, may be contacted at Kenru15@gmail.com
