By Jessica A. York
Posted: 11/05/2009
An engine pulling three Amtrak Capitol Corridor passenger rail cars crosses the Wichels Causeway onto Mare Island on Wednesday. (Jessica A. York/Times-Herald)
Drivers crossing the Wichels Causeway on and off Mare Island on Wednesday were privy to a recent rarity on the island: A train chugging across, whistle blowing.
Wednesday marked the first installment of Mare Island newcomer business Alstom's plans to refurbish 66 Amtrak Capitol Corridor trains. The initial three passenger cars to grace newly aligned track leading into Alstom's Building 599 warehouse were towed by Alstom venture partner, San Francisco Bay Railroad.
Earlier this year, Alstom, a France-based international transportation and energy company, secured a six-year lease for one of Mare Island's largest empty warehouses. It plans to bid to refurbish rail cars for this region and beyond.
In its initial Amtrak contract, expected to take up to two years to complete, Alstom officials say they plan to upgrade the passenger cars' automated door-opening system and rebuild wheelchair lifts.
While the city, Alstom and San Francisco Bay Railroad worked out a short term agreement for the first batch of rail car deliveries, a long-term agreement will be needed for the total 66-car repair contract, Assistant City Attorney Claudia Quintana said. Issues such as economic feasibility, liability agreements and track maintenance will have to be negotiated, Quintana said.
Vallejo owns city rail line between the a rail juncture known as the Flosden stop and the city side of the causeway. Mare Island developer Lennar Mare Island owns the recently dormant rail across the water.
San Francisco Bay Railroad President and CEO David Gavrich, who arrived on Mare Island aboard the rail card delivery, said he hopes the new partnership will stimulate Mare Island economic growth.
"Rail is important to a lot of other businesses," said Gavrich, whose company runs biodiesel engines. "I have seen opportunities that are not right for San Francisco that I've thought could be perfect for Mare Island."
For general information on Alstom, visit www.alstom.com or call (212) 557-7259. The Alstom warehouse office is at 450 Pintado St. on Mare Island.
Contact staff writer Jessica A. York at jyork@timesheraldonline.com or (707) 553-6834.
