From one of the local stations: "A bill just passed in the state House that will extend the Amtrak train to go through Pueblo.Right now, Amtrak starts in Chicago and passes through La Junta to Trinidad. The bill allows the train to re-route through Pueblo and Walsenburg eventually ending in Los Angeles. More than 200,000 people use that train every year. Pueblo County Commissioner Sal Pace says the new route to Pueblo will boost ridership in the state and help bring tourism dollars to southern Colorado. Pace says "We had economic impact studies completed that show a net-positive gain of $67 million in local tourism, new travelers and visitors if we could add a stop to Pueblo." Pace says he hopes that the train will be up and running in Pueblo in the next five years. He says several upgrades need to be made to the tracks first."
Does Pueblo have national rail service at present? Or is it bus? There used to be a Union Depot. I suppose that is long gone?
Depot is still there. Not sure what it's being used for but it's right next to the railroad museum. Jason
I thought the issue was not ridership on the Southwest Chief but maintenance over Raton Pass. Amtrak is the only one who uses the line at present and BNSF would like to abandon it. I plan to ride it one more time this summer going from Kansas City to Los Angeles in early July.
Well they probably wouldn't used the depot even if they could unless they want to turn the train. There's quite a bit of unused space around the yards that maybe they can dress up. I just hope they give people something to do since that train is late like 97% of the time. Jason
It isn't much better up here. With the weather and oil traffic, the Builder is a mess. I may never ride it again.
My memory is a wee bit fuzzy and I need to get a wig wag out and check out an article that discussed the present ownership of the line and a proposal being entertained. Until then you are stuck with my best recollection. BNSF maintains Trackage rights over the pass and certain state agencies in both New Mexico and Colorado have taken over the ownership of said track. A lot of work on behalf of BNSF and New Mexico went into bringing the track up to standards. I think including new signaling along the route. I will look for the article before retiring tonight and get back to you if I find it's any different.
