Alpine Amtrak targeted

A few U.S. senators, led by John Sununu, R-N.H., are again taking aim at Alpine's Amtrak service, says Henry Wulff, president of Texas Association of Railroad Passengers (TXARP).

The Amtrak reauthorization bill came up on the Senate floor late last week, in the first of what is expected to be many nasty battles. Sununu's amendment to get rid of all routes losing $200 per passenger was defeated. The language of the amendment directly targets the Sunset Limited, which has stopped in Alpine for the past several decades.

Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., is also expected to offer amendments that would eliminate the Sunset Limited.

Wulff blasted Sununu and Coburn saying, "[The amendment] kills the long-distance train network and doesn't even use a rational basis (like revenue-to-cost ratio or loss per passenger-mile).

"Of course, the network is so skeletal that removing just about any individual route would have significant harmful network impacts."

Sununu's amendment to Senate Bill 294 was defeated by a vote of 66-28 (six senators not voting). To see vote, click on: www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/vote_menu_110_1.htm

More amendments are expected, including another from Sununu and probably one from Coburn.

"While we do not know the nature of Senator Coburn's amendment, it is likely to be negative, given his past voting record," Wulff said.

Alpine area officials are quick to agree.

"Amtrak continues to have huge potential for Alpine and for tourism in the Big Bend," said Brewster County Judge Val Beard. "Congress should be working to improve quality and reliability of service, not to eliminate service."

Beard added, "Everyone who cares about tourism development should contact their elected federal representatives."

Said Alpine Mayor Mickey Clouse, "Some time ago this same thing came up and somehow we were saved.

"I have just called the offices of [Texas] Sen. [Kay Bailey] Hutchison and Sen. [John] Cornyn with messages of our support" the train, Clouse added.

"The Sunset Limited is vital to the Big Bend area of Texas," she said. "It is a reliable mode of transportation for all.

"We have people traveling to great distances for health service we cannot provide here. We have SRSU students and family members traveling and visiting; it is a great source of transportation for students and parents, regardless where they live.

"I've met several families from different areas who have come to Alpine to use the Sunset Limited. I feel it would be a great loss without the services of Sunset Limited."

At the Alpine Convention and Business Bureau, Brenda Wallace said, "The attempt to do away with the Sunset Limited is a sad twist on promoting tourism.

Many visitors from Texas and all around the world use the Sunset to visit places such as Alpine - instead of driving - so they can enjoy the journey, whether it's for the spirit of adventure or to see something new.

"Many ride the train for many reasons," she said, "but when you add a historic railroad that dates back to the Transcontinental Railway and wildflower season, then you've got the best seat that no other travel can give you.

"The Sunset Limited, at one time, was the only true transcontinental passenger train in American history running between Los Angeles, and New Orleans," Wallace added. "Those of us in the tourism business would feel lost if this train was 'done away with.'"

"With the higher price of gasoline, many people are looking for alternative ways to travel," she said. "and at the Visitor Center, we are answering more phone calls inquiring about using the train to come to Alpine."

Ross B. Capon, executive director of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, said, "The message to your senators continues to be: Please support S. 294 and please vote against any other anti-passenger rail amendment that is offered.

"These are wolf in sheep's clothing attempts to kill the national system.

"Given the timeliness of this issue, e-mails and letters are not relevant. Phone calls are needed.

"You can reach any Senate office by calling use our toll-free Congressional Action Hotline. The number is 1-800-679-1581.

"When prompted, enter our access code: 1189. Please make this call during normal Senate business hours which are generally 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.

"If you are online, your senators' direct-dial number and web site are at http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm.

He added, "When you phone and ask for the staff person, you may be offered voice-mail. Accept it and leave a substantive message. Do not rely on the staffer's ability to return your call in a timely manner.

"Your message could go like this: 'Please support S. 294 and please vote against the Sununu per passenger subsidy cap amendment, which is a wolf in sheep's clothing - and any other anti-train amendment that is offered.'"

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Alpine Amtrak targeted

A few U.S. senators, led by John Sununu, R-N.H., are again taking aim at Alpine's Amtrak service, says Henry Wulff, president of Texas Association of Railroad Passengers (TXARP).

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