Happening Now

Add Your Name to the Save the Southwest Chief Petition!

July 5, 2018

The Rail Passengers Association is working to oppose an Amtrak proposal to substitute bus service along the Southwest Chief route in Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico.

Citing the high costs of maintenance and implementing Positive Train Control (PTC) safety technology, Amtrak submitted a proposal to substitute chartered bus service on the Southwest Chief between Albuquerque and Dodge City or La Junta. Rail Passengers opposes this proposal, and is working with Congressional delegations in Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico to ensure that train service is continued.

Please see also our fact-checking response to Amtrak's proposal
Our list of other routes potentially threatened by Amtrak's stance -- independent of the Federal Railroad Administration -- on Postive Train Control.
Remember that we've won half the battle already with a huge victory in the Senate
Call your Representative today to do more.

For those of you reaching out to Municipalities (reach out to Regional Coordinator Betsy Nelson at [email protected] for more information)

Comments

"The COVID Pandemic has been and continues to be the biggest challenge faced by Americans as it has taken a deadly toll on the world and on the world’s economies. During COVID Locomotive Engineers at Amtrak and other Passenger and Freight Railroads have embodied the definition of essential workers. This dedication by our members is not new. We applaud the Rail Passenger’s Association for recognizing the vital contributions of our members and their hard work moving Americans and freight during the COVID pandemic."

Dennis Pierce, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) National President
December 21, 2021, on the Association awarding its 2021 Golden Spike Award to the Frontline Amtrak Employees.