Have been hoping that there might be some announcements affecting Amtrak and / or RRs. Anyone with information?
Not really new news, but look what I found. 2017 Dallas Crescent Extension Study. Shows the expected route, and timetable.
So in this study they were expecting to split the Southern Crescent at Meridian, MS into two sections. One section would proceed to Fort Worth, TX and the other section would proceed to New Orleans. Both trains would have sleeping cars, baggage cars and cafe or dining car service.
Interesting read:
https://irp.cdn-website.com/be785d40/files/uploaded/10%2017%20TXDOT%20and%20I-20%20Corridor%20Council%20DFW%20to%20Meridian%20Passenger%20Rail%20Study.pdf
CMStPnP Not really new news, but look what I found. 2017 Dallas Crescent Extension Study. Shows the expected route, and timetable. So in this study they were expecting to split the Southern Crescent at Meridian, MS into two sections. One section would proceed to Fort Worth, TX and the other section would proceed to New Orleans. Both trains would have sleeping cars, baggage cars and cafe or dining car service. Interesting read: https://irp.cdn-website.com/be785d40/files/uploaded/10%2017%20TXDOT%20and%20I-20%20Corridor%20Council%20DFW%20to%20Meridian%20Passenger%20Rail%20Study.pdf
Mark me in as Hopoeful, but not gonna hold my breath crowd. The Southern extension, froim NOLA to lMobile, and beyond; has taken years,; inclusive of much effefusive publicty. Not to mention,,various governmental entities weighing in; and the involved railroads, slow walking the rject at al most every step.
The 'new' service between Ft. Worth and Meridian; will have, not only many regulatory mountains to climb. Yoyu can bet that the involved rail companies, will lNOT welcome a new 'destraction'on to their current freight oinly corridor...
You could bet they will not be a welcoming sponsor for a new tenant, AMTRAk SERVICE; even though AMTRAK is support CPKC in their merger battle. I'd bet UPRR and NS will kick and scream over any 'new' system traffic; between DFW area, and Meridian. The rehabilitation of the M&B(CSX>G&W) is most likely, not figured in yet? [My 2Cents.]
samfp1943Mark me in as Hopoeful, but not gonna hold my breath crowd.
Same way but they get closer and closer each time. Originally the plan was KCS all the way from Dallas. They have since changed the route and rationalized it more to fit Amtrak. The last time it fell apart was lack of funds from the Casinos in LA which was to be the sponsor. Now Amtrak has a Federal Application for funds pending to see what the capital costs might be. Of course NS will probably protest as will UP but CPKC already said it would accomodate this in return for Amtrak supporting it's merger. Myself I think UP would be reluctant but go along with it if Amtrak paid for the missing PTC or something of that nature. NS I think would dig in it's heels but then again NS has a minor role in this if they use the existing Southern Crescent schedule. Having DFW to NY Sleeper service would be nice.
My preferred new routings would be:
DFW to Kansas City (some lady in KS keeps pushing this) - Heartland Flyer extension.
DFW to Denver (talked about but never really looked at).
DFW to New Orleans direct, bypassing Houston.
DFW - Southern Crescent section or connection (above).
Why not have the New Orleans section split off at Birmingham and run via Montgomery and Mobile and run thru New Orleans to Houston and San Antonio? The TEXAS EAGLE woud have to be adjusted but this could open the door to twice daily service to sume of the Texas cities.
bill613a Why not have the New Orleans section split off at Birmingham and run via Montgomery and Mobile and run thru New Orleans to Houston and San Antonio? The TEXAS EAGLE woud have to be adjusted but this could open the door to twice daily service to sume of the Texas cities.
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