Southwest Chief Secures Stronger Legislative Protections in Congress

The Southwest Chief is receiving renewed federal support as lawmakers push legislation to protect this iconic long-distance train route from significant changes without congressional approval. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Legislative Push to Safeguard the Southwest Chief

Amtrak’s Southwest Chief runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, connecting rural communities in southeastern Colorado and northern New Mexico. This service is more than a scenic journey; it’s an economic lifeline for small towns along the route.

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In 2019, Amtrak leadership proposed replacing over 500 miles of the line between Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico with buses. That plan failed after political opposition and leadership changes. Rail advocates have since worked to guarantee the line’s survival.

Economic and Community Impact of the Southwest Chief

New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich added a clause to an appropriations bill requiring congressional approval before any major route changes. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved it, sending the bill to the full Senate.

The Rail Passengers Association, representing 125,000 members nationwide, strongly supports the measure. Vice President Sean Jeans-Gail emphasized that the route’s main role is to connect smaller towns between its endpoints, supporting both travel and local economies.

The train passes through Lamar, Trinidad, and La Junta before crossing Raton Pass toward Albuquerque. An economic study commissioned by the association found the route contributes $49 million annually to Colorado’s economy. This data fueled bipartisan pressure to preserve the service and shaped Amtrak board appointments.

Senator Heinrich is the only appropriations committee member from states affected by the original bus bridge plan. While critical of other parts of the bill, he stated that protecting the Southwest Chief remains a top priority.

However, the House version lacks similar protections, leaving uncertainty over the final legislation. Beyond politics, Amtrak faces operational challenges, including deferred maintenance and outdated equipment. Jeans-Gail warned that crews will face difficulty keeping trains running reliably until new railcars arrive in eight to nine years.

Amtrak has requested hundreds of millions of dollars from Congress to address maintenance backlogs, calling it a race against time to preserve service quality nationwide. The fate of the Southwest Chief now depends on upcoming negotiations between the House and Senate.

Source: www.cpr.org

FAQ

What is the Southwest Chief?

The Southwest Chief is an Amtrak long-distance passenger train running from Chicago to Los Angeles, serving many small communities in between.

How does the Southwest Chief benefit local economies?

An economic study found it contributes $49 million annually to Colorado’s economy, supporting tourism, jobs, and regional connectivity.

Can Amtrak change the Southwest Chief route without Congress?

If the proposed legislation passes, Amtrak will need congressional approval for major route changes or discontinuations of the Southwest Chief.

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