Keeping the ACE Service in the minds of federal legislators and staff is an ongoing effort as there are many transit systems across the country vying for their attention and financial support.  This year as part of our overall approach, we asked the ACEPac members to go back to Washington in November to share their commute stories and ideas for improving ACE.  These meetings helped personalize the transportation issues facing our region and generated a lot of follow-up interest.

Earlier this month, I went to Washington with a group of agency and business leaders to unite behind our major regional transportation needs.  The ACE Service is an important part of the future strategies to preserve travel options between the Central Valley and the Bay Area.   One of the topics that generated the most interest is the potential conversion of the ACE locomotives from diesel to a more sustainable fuel source.  The other issue of obvious importance is the need for an ACE Corridor that can be upgraded for major speed and reliability improvements.  Congressman Cardoza and Congressman McNerney spent a great deal of time with us and are actively seeking ways they can support these ACE initiatives. 

Stay tuned for more information.