Last weekend we were in Cheyenne Wyoming and visited the beautiful and large stone railroad station. It is still in pristine shape and now houses a museum in the former baggage/freight area. The passenger area is still clean well kept and in great condition.. The ticket office lies quiet, the platforms are still there. Despite the 12 tracks in the yard and a double mainline track in front there has been no rail service in Cheyenne, WY for 20 years. The Amtrak Pioneer was the last three day train to serve Cheyenne, Boise, Salt Lake City, Odgen, Portland and Seattle. It also met a connecting train for through service to CHI.
Everyone has been aware of the problems of the Empire Builder route, the constant delays and the often crowded trains. Another train route to Seattle would probably go over well, alleviate congestion and give the people of Wyoming, Southern Idaho , Oregon and Washington new service. A few of the better train stations remain but as I understand it, the Union Pacific has removed many of the smaller stations along the former route to prevent future service. AFAIK, the larger stations at Cheyenne, Boise, and Odgen remain..
When we stood in the Cheyenne Depot we watched as many UP freight trains passed but felt a sense of sadness that many parts of our country are still without rail service. The Amtrak Pioneer was a big loss. A new one is needed.
Everyone has been aware of the problems of the Empire Builder route, the constant delays and the often crowded trains. Another train route to Seattle would probably go over well, alleviate congestion and give the people of Wyoming, Southern Idaho , Oregon and Washington new service. A few of the better train stations remain but as I understand it, the Union Pacific has removed many of the smaller stations along the former route to prevent future service. AFAIK, the larger stations at Cheyenne, Boise, and Odgen remain..
When we stood in the Cheyenne Depot we watched as many UP freight trains passed but felt a sense of sadness that many parts of our country are still without rail service. The Amtrak Pioneer was a big loss. A new one is needed.