ACE Insider

September 1, 2006

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ACE Rolls Out New Midday Train Service
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The Altamont Commuter Express (ACE), Amtrak, and Caltrans are proud to announce
the commencement of a new train service over the ACE corridor which began on
August 28, 2006. This daily service is the fourth roundtrip service added to
the ACE system since the organization’s inception in 1998, and is
tailored-made for passengers desiring to spend a half-day in the Bay Area and
for commuters with a flexible work schedule. ACE debuted this inaugural service
with a ceremony at the Stockton station on August 25, 2006, complete with a
train tour to and from San Jose and a brief ceremony at the Fremont station.

This new ACE train #07 will depart daily from the Stockton station at 9:30 am,
make stops at all the normal stations along the way, and arrive at its San Jose
destination station at 11:40 am. The new eastbound ACE train #02 will depart
San Jose at 12:05 pm, make the same stops on the way to the Central Valley, and
arrive in Stockton at 2:15 pm.

For complete information on schedules, train stations, and ticketing, please
visit the ACE website.


www.acerail.com
http://r.vresp.com/?AltamontCommuterExpr/aef8a591d7/679478/760c7ef1b0/202e46d

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Recent ACE Train Delays
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On-time performance for July slipped to approximately 72 percent after a number
of events that impacted normal train operations.

The Caltrain track improvement project between San Jose and Great America
reduced the number of usable tracks between San Jose and Albrae (north of Great
America Station) to one for a approximately two weeks, causing several train
traffic jams between commuter trains and intercity passenger trains. That
project has now placed more tracks back into service and that project will be
completed the evening of August 25, 2006.

Grass fires had a major effect on normal train operations during July. Combined
with the train annulment on July 13, 2006, the effects of the fires damaged
telephone poles carrying signal lines resulting in additional delays between
July 11th and July 14th.

Union Pacific Railroad signal problems continue to randomly delay trains near
Niles Junction, Midway, between Tracy and Lathrop, and most recently at the
Altamont Pass. These signal malfunctions were caused by a variety of problems
ranging from signal code line thefts, a solar panel failure,and switch motor
malfunction.etc. As always, signal failures are acted upon as if they are red or
“stop”. Train crews must then move at a slow or “restricted speed”
until they come upon a signal that displays a more favorable signal aspect.
Union Pacific track maintenance crews are then dispatched to repair signal
equipment that has malfunctioned.

The Union Pacific Railroad is scheduled to complete just over half of the
upgrades to the signal system by October 31st, 2006, retiring a large portion of
code line wires along our route. These code line wires are being replaced with
an upgraded wireless system.

We wish to thank everyone for your patience during these recent delays. We know
how important it is for you to get to work and home safely, and on time! We
continue to work with the host railroads to keep our trains moving and pressing
for timelier track and signal maintenance.




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New Payment Policy
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As a reminder, beginning Monday, August 28, 2006, ACE will no longer
be accepting personal checks. Pin-based debit transactions will also
no longer be available. Debit transactions will continue to be an
option as long as there is a Visa or Master Card logo. Acceptable
payment methods remain: Cash, Commuter Checks, RideChecks, and Credit
Cards (Visa or Master Card only).

Valid COMPANY checks are accepted ONLY at ACE headquarters through the
mail at 949 E. Channel St., Stockton, CA 95202.




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The End to Great America’s Season In Sight
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In continuation of ACE’s long-standing pledge to offer Great America tickets
to our passengers, we will have tickets available for entry to the park until
the end of the season. Be advised, however, that from now until the end of the
season, Great America will only be open to the public on weekends. The last
official weekend of operation until next year will be November 4th and 5th,
2006. Thank you for your continued support in ACE as we take you to Great
America!http://For more information on Great America’s hours and dates of
operation, please visit their website at:


Paramount's Great America
http://r.vresp.com/?AltamontCommuterExpr/cd44ab8b63/679478/760c7ef1b0/202e46d

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