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Cuts to Amtrak 'Southwest Chief' ?
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –The Southwest Chief has hit another bump in the track.
KOB-TV uncovered documents revealing exactly what Amtrak management has in store for our state’s largest passenger rail link.
Because of outdated railroad track and signal systems between Raton Pass, NM and Lamy, NM upgrades need to be made that would cost more than what is included in that Department of Transportation-provided TIGER grant.
Amtrak officials said they’re not willing to contribute any money without a "comprehensive plan from other stakeholders." That means the company doesn't plan on paying to repair track and signals they don’t own. (BNSF Railway owns the tracks)
As for the passengers, documents outline a plan to divert service at Albuquerque, sending eastbound passengers on charter buses to meet up with the train in Colorado or Kansas.
Westbound passengers wouldn’t be affected and will still be able to take the Chief to Los Angeles.