Amtrak Pioneer Route Restoration Proposed in FRA Report

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) submitted a report to Congress urging action to restore passenger train service. The report proposes a daily Amtrak route from Portland to Denver, with stops in Baker City, Oregon. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak ended its Pioneer Route in 1997, and efforts to revive it have occurred sporadically since then. Oregon’s senators have endorsed the idea multiple times, advocating for the route’s return. In 2021, Congress instructed the FRA to evaluate potential new long-distance train routes, including the Pioneer Route. The recent FRA report highlights the Pioneer Route as one of its proposed daily runs.

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A local group from Baker County collected 1,090 signatures in 2024, supporting the route’s restoration. These signatures were sent to Amtrak, the FRA, and state legislators. Despite this effort, the report emphasizes that restoring service requires further analysis. The FRA stresses the need for extensive planning, engineering studies, and cost assessments before making final recommendations.

Amtrak Pioneer Route Gains Support from FRA and Local Advocates

Funding remains a major challenge for reinstating the Pioneer Route, as long-distance operations rely heavily on federal support. Unlike regional services, these routes lack state or local funding contributions. The FRA report outlines the need for federal commitment to sustain the operational costs of new routes.

The timing of the FRA report coincides with the cancellation of Greyhound’s bus route between Portland and Boise. This development underscores the importance of improving transportation options for rural areas. Advocates argue that rail service could provide a sustainable and reliable alternative to existing transit.

Matt Krabacher, a Baker City resident and vice president of the Association of Oregon Rail and Transit Advocates (AORTA), expressed strong support for the FRA’s findings. He called the inclusion of the Pioneer Route in the report “hugely important” for advancing the project.

“The FRA has established the Pioneer as a national priority, giving states a reason to pursue its restoration,” Krabacher said. He believes the report provides a solid foundation for convincing lawmakers to support the project. Without federal recognition, persuading legislators to back the route would have been much harder.

Funding Challenges for Amtrak’s Pioneer Route Restoration

Krabacher emphasized that the FRA report legitimizes the route as a viable option for expanding the national rail network. He noted that federal funding is already available to cover the majority of costs associated with creating new rail connections.

“Having the Pioneer Route in this report allows citizens to pressure their legislators with clear evidence,” Krabacher said. He sees the FRA’s endorsement as a game changer, reducing barriers to securing state-level support for the project.

The FRA’s assessment is a critical first step in a long process toward restoring passenger rail service. The report’s findings highlight the potential for federal investment to revitalize the Pioneer Route and strengthen regional transportation infrastructure. Advocates like Krabacher remain optimistic, believing the project could benefit both the economy and the environment.

Restoring the Pioneer Route would connect rural communities in Eastern Oregon with larger urban centers. Improved rail service could boost tourism, provide a sustainable alternative to driving, and offer a critical link for travelers. The FRA’s report sets the stage for further collaboration between federal, state, and local stakeholders to make this vision a reality.

Source: www.masstransitmag.com

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