Small Town News

Amtrak Passenger Rail Service Could Return to Eastern Oregon

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Travelers to and from eastern Oregon could have another option if a move currently being discussed in Congress results in action. Legislators from the Pacific Northwest are advocating for the reinstatement of a discontinued passenger train, and if their congressional colleagues agree, travel by rail would once again be as close as Baker City.

Until 1997, Amtrak's Pioneer rail line wound from Denver to the Pacific Coast. The Pioneer line, which had served towns throughout eastern Oregon and southern Idaho, was shut down at that time after losing a reported $20 million. A number of now-abandoned train stations along the line served Idaho and eastern Oregon, including the station in Baker City.

In October of 2008, Senators Mike Crapo of Idaho and Ron Wyden of Oregon helped pass legislation which approved $13 billion over five years for improved passenger rail service. Amtrak officials are reportedly working on a feasibility study regarding reinstating Pioneer rail service, which once served Ontario, La Grande, Pendleton and Boise in addition to Baker City. The Pioneer route started in Seattle and ended in Chicago, winding through a swath of rural Idaho, Oregon and Utah along the way.

As part of the feasibility study, Amtrak will consider whether there is renewed interest in riding the train. According to an article in the magazine Oregon Business, the growth in ridership has grown nationwide. In fact, the Cascade line running from Eugene, Oregon to Vancouver, Washington has grown in riders by a reported 12 percent.

Baker City and the Umatilla County Board of Commissioners have written letters to state and federal representatives encouraging reinstatement of the Pioneer line.

The support for reinstatement of the Pioneer has gathered non-partisan support in Congress from Senator Ron Wyden, Representative Earl Blumenauer, Representative Greg Walden as well as Idaho representatives and businesses.

Reinstatement of the Pioneer is viewed as a probable stimulus to economic growth in rural communities and as a part of "green transportation options" for rural Oregon and southern Idaho.



Copyright 2009 Hells Canyon Journal, Halfway, Oregon. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2009 Hells Canyon Journal Halfway, Oregon. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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