It is sunset, both literally and figuratively, for Amtrak’s long-distance trains, as on October 12, 2020, Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, San Francisco Zephyr, Empire Builder and Coast Starlight change from daily to tri-weekly operation. This is a recipe for disaster, and reminiscent of how many railroads sabotaged their passenger service to justify “train offs” to get out of operating passenger trains – actions that led the Federal Government to form Amtrak in 1971. Reduced service could kill off Amtrak’s trains that cross 2/3s of the country, and this would be a blow to many small-town economies. Amtrak train 4, the eastbound Southwest Chief heading from Los Angeles to Chicago, departs Fullerton at eventide on the last day of September. (Fullerton, California – September 30, 2020)
California-bound rail travelers from the east have three choices to reach the Golden State: California Zephyr, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle. A look back through the years including the now-defunct Desert Wind
