Here (below) is a letter (1st attempt) that I (J. Mike Kaiser) sent to the Department of Transportation to inquire into which of the grants/funding listed on a webpage would be suitable to apply for in our advocacy efforts. Specifically, which grants could we ('kaiserwellnesscenter') pass onto the Metrolink Organization to apply for in order to motivate a 'dedicated bicycle car' on each train. We realize that we are not going to apply for the grants to implement the change--that is left up to the Metrolink Train Association. The Department of Transportation did offer a few links to various grants -- which can be viewed by clicking here -- on the response page. Below is the original letter--which is in line with our transparency and educational efforts at the kaiserwellnesscenter.
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Dear DOT Librarian,
Recently, my wife and I have taken up advocating for a change to the Metrolink Train system in Los Angeles (California) for bicycle commuters--those who choose to engage in blended commuting (bicycle + Train). Specifically, the addition of at least 1 'dedicated bicycle car' on each Metrolink Train. Of course, there are many advantages from a transportation perspective (taking cars off the road--reduce traffic congestion, reducing road repair costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, etc.). And there are health benefits (a reduction in obesity to name one) which are great as well and are highlighted these in a PowerPoint presentation that is attached by file name: 'Dedicated Bicycle Car on Metrolink Train.ppt'.
I have written Mayor Eric Garcetti on the issue with a letter that is attached and is quite lengthy (an extended version of bullet points in PowerPoint presentation). In addition, I have written to the Metrolink Association and received a reply which I attached as well. There response was circular in nature to the argument at hand. I believe that there is a demand and will only grow over time with a 'dedicated bicycle car' on each train. In light of this, I was wondering if I could ask you briefly about grants which the Metrolink Train Association could apply for (not us) to implement the above (proposed) change. I would like to ask two questions regarding the 'Grants and Programs' website the US DOT lists:
http://www.dot.gov/livability/grants-programs#Rail%20Programs
My Questions:
1) Which of the grants on the 'Grants and Programs' link provided would the Metrolink Train Association apply for to fund the incorporation of a 'dedicated bicycle car' on each train?
2) If the proposed change (incorporation of a 'dedicated bicycle car' on each train) does not involve the purchase of a 'new' rail car, which of the grants would cover the structural changes (conversion of a passenger rail car -- bottom floor as shown in PowerPoint presentation)? How would that structural change be funded?
I am interested in obtaining any information (in the form of clarity of qualifications/eligibility) which will assist our (www.kaiserwellnesscenter.com) efforts in motivating the Metrolink Train Association to make the necessary changes. I hope that your organization can assist us in motivating the change by shedding any light of clarity on the matter--thank you in advance.
I appreciate the DOT for taking the time out to help direct us to the correct grant (to pass onto the Metrolink Train Association). I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
J. Mike Kaiser
Question Reference #141205-000054