An Albuquerque new story says the SW Chief is being turned at French (S. of Raton) and at Albuquerque with passengers being bussed between these locations, approx. 200 miles. There was a washout near Las Vegas and the news story says BNSF owns the track and is repairing it.
Not too long ago, maybe two years, the State of New Mexico issued a big news release saying they were buying all of the BNSF track from Trinidad, CO to Albuquerque. BNSF does not, (is not) using this track and so an explanation would be appreciated; ie, who owns the track and who has maintainance responsibility?
As of this moment, there is no Amtrak "Passenger Service Notice" regarding a service disruption on the Southwest Chief. Here is the URL for the current service disruptions:
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1237608335997
Perhaps AMTRAK does not considered this an interruption because the busses are connecting between #3 and #4.
However, I have learned of this washout from two sources and unless someone has information which corrects that which I have obtained I shall continue to ask:
Who owns the track south from Trinidad? Who is responsible for maintainance on this track?
Good point that you make re: motorcoaches between points of service loss might not require a Passenger Service Notice. I just don't know Amtrak policy. However, I do note that the Pacific Surfline had a Passenger Service Notice posted (see my original URL hypertext) for several days this extended weekend for an significant interruption that did include motorcoach usage.
Perhaps there are others of you that know more about Amtrak policy regarding Passenger Service Notice criteria. Or, perhaps there is a newspaper website that can clarify the on-site situation.
beaulieuBNSF owns the Raton Pass line from Lamy Siding east. Rollin Bredenberg posted that BNSF expects to have their portion repaired on July 1st. When NMDOT will have their section repaired is anybody's guess. Amtrak is setting up a long-term Bus bridge.
Thank you, but more details please:
Where is the location that NMDOT has responsibility? and for BNSF?
Where is the BNSF post?
Thanks in advance.
diningcar beaulieuBNSF owns the Raton Pass line from Lamy Siding east. Rollin Bredenberg posted that BNSF expects to have their portion repaired on July 1st. When NMDOT will have their section repaired is anybody's guess. Amtrak is setting up a long-term Bus bridge. Thank you, but more details please: Where is the location that NMDOT has responsibility? and for BNSF? Where is the BNSF post? Thanks in advance.
Actually, NMDOT owns the track from MP 834 to MP 932 which is now the Albuquerque Subdivision. Both washouts on the line at Watrous and near Blanchard are on track owned and maintained by BNSF.
Does this mean that the State of New Mexico has walked away from their contractual agreement to buy the line from Trinidad to Mp 834 (Lamy)?
What incentive does BNSF have to keep this line south from Trinidad in a condition which would support AMTRAK operation?
What upgrades, and at what cost, would have to be made on the TRANSCON if the SWC were to be routed through Amarillo, Clovis and Belen? Anyone have info in that regard.
diningcar What upgrades, and at what cost, would have to be made on the TRANSCON if the SWC were to be routed through Amarillo, Clovis and Belen? Anyone have info in that regard.
Loss of stations at Dodge City?, Lamar, La Junta, Trinidad, Raton, Las Vegas NM, Alburquerque ( a very bad situation devastating to the city even though could connect on Rail runner at Belen). Also would hurt for any eventual service ABQ - Denver rail service through Raton. Not a good idea IMHO.
New stations ADA compliant at any new stations. Previous PRIIA documents for new and restored routes indicate each station $600,000 - 1M+ each.
Interesting to read all the comments. I rode the Chief a few years ago and I remember Raton and Albuquerque, but had no idea of the different owners of the tracks.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.