Amtrak Southwest Chief Discussion

[gokeefe]

That's a solid letter, 3/8 Republican including both Senators from Kansas. Colorado has a split delegation and they both signed as well. Both Senators from New Mexico signed along with Sens. Gardner and Harris who I believe are on the Transportation Committee.

The letter also points to funding. This could be readonably assumed to mean that "the undersigned" will make sure that any reasonable application is funded.

[Gilbert B Norman]

"The rest of the story":

Heinrich (D-NM)
Durbin (D-IL)
Roberts (R-KA)
Moran (R-KA)
Duckworth (D-IL)
Udall (D-NM)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Bennet (D-CO)
Gardner (R-CO)
Harris (D-CA)

3 Pachys
7 UNOWATS
No one from IA, MO, AZ, but both from each signatory state.

"We report, you decide"

[gokeefe]

I wondered about that as well ... I think the answer is that they pursued Senators from the most affected areas. The other states would not necessarily loose anything. Colorado and Kansas in particular would be screwed.

[bretton88]

So Anderson basically just did what every private sector boss does. He made threats about the SWC, the politicians caved and here comes the money. Seems like every stadium/HQ/airline negotiation here.

[electricron]

How many times will they cave? Do you really believe more maintenance will not be needed next year, the year after, or the year after that? Trains are like boats, there's a hole somewhere that continuously needs filling with lots of cash. The key word in that sentence was continuously!

[Backshophoss]

There're 2 or 3 seasons of tie replacement need,as ATSF/BNSF had not done trackwork for a while on the Raton/Glorieta subs with the exception for washout repairs along the Red River,Track inspections,and Signal replacement of the semaphores to color lights.

Also Grade crossing signals maintenance.

If there had been regular tie replacement done as needed,this would have stayed at 80-90 mph for passenger trains,the "saving grace" here is the normally DRY weather in NM and CO that keeps the ties from rotting due to water. however that doesn't stop dry rot in the ties.

As it is BNSF has contracted Herzog to do the Glorieta Pass track inspection from time to time.

[John_Perkowski]

As it is BNSF has contracted Herzog to do the Glorieta Pass track inspection from time to time.

On the Kansas City to Lincoln run, I see Herzegovina trucks as often as I do the converted ATSF business car.

[Backshophoss]

At the end of Business today,Lamy closes it's ticket office and becomes unstaffed,SFSR will provide "caretaker" service at Lamy,
reported open hours are from 1:00 PM till 3:00 PM unless train delayed,stay open till the delayed train depts Lamy.

[Tadman]

I thought SFSR was effectively embargoed?

[Backshophoss]

Mothballed, not embargoed,did a Private car move in March of this year.
1 unit is still "active" as needed.
NMRX Dispatch handles the "Lamy" sub as needed as well.

[bostontrainguy]

WASHINGTON — An amendment to maintain service along Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route passed the U.S. Senate on Wednesday as part of the 2018 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. The appropriations bill passed on a 92-6 vote.
-Trains

[dgvrengineer]

And it contains $50 million to maintain the SWC on that route. Not sure if that is one time money or spread out over a period of years. Also not clear if is in addition to Amtrak funding or must come out of Amtrak's annual funding.

[bretton88]

And it contains $50 million to maintain the SWC on that route. Not sure if that is one time money or spread out over a period of years. Also not clear if is in addition to Amtrak funding or must come out of Amtrak's annual funding.

I believe it is additional funding into Amtrak's general account specifically earmarked for Raton. The amendment does contain references to FY18, so I think that is for this year, not spread out.

[gokeefe]

It has to be spread out ... The money won't be able to be spent fast enough otherwise.

[Backshophoss]

Now it's up to the critters in the House to pass or amend this bill,then the conference committee,then the "current occupant of the White House" to sign off.
With a little luck weather wise, Tie replacement work can be done till the end of Oct.

However,expect a showdown over the "Wall"and immigration to screw up the budget process,along with the hearings for the new Justice for
SCOTUS.