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CNN Saturday Morning News

Amtrak's Long-Distance Lines Face Possible Extinction

Aired April 06, 2002 - 07:46   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: The end of the road may be fast approaching for many of Amtrak's long-distance lines. Our Keith Oppenheim takes us aboard for a look at the problem.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KEITH OPPENHEIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Hop on the Empire Builder, the fully equipped sleep liner that rolls daily from Chicago to Seattle, 2,200 miles in two days, nowhere near airline speed; but oh, the options. A car for sightseeing, another for dining, and of course a sleeper compartment where the conductor will tell you not to expect a long line at breakfast.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And I really wouldn't worry about that too much tomorrow because we lose everybody in the Twin Cities. So we should be pretty slow after that point.

OPPENHEIM: Being slow in terms of business is part of the problem.

KATHLEEN CANTILLON, AMTRAK SPOKESWOMAN: I'm reaching a point this year where we need additional money for capital investment, as well as operating our business.

OPPENHEIM: According to one estimate, 18 of Amtrak's long- distance routes operate at an annual loss of nearly three-quarters of $1 billion and some or all could be cut, Amtrak says, unless the service gets more government money, as much as 1.2 billion in 2003.

But keep in mind, notifying that train routes might be stopped is required by law and some might see all of this as a government funded operation just jockeying for money. But since Amtrak has had budget problems since it began some 30 years ago, there's a real possibility this time that some or all of the long-distance lines might be shut down.

And if that happens, people like Quincy Gaines (ph) see a loss. There would be no more rides on trains like the California Zepper (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: These three engines provide us with the - with the power that it takes to get through those Colorado Rockies and go through those spectacular views of the canyons. OPPENHEIM: In many states, Amtrak is a vital connector for smaller communities. One problem is for some passengers traveling by train is more of about novelty than convenience.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I usually go by airplane, so I, you know, I mean I probably won't ever come back by train.

OPPENHEIM: Others appreciate the need for a national train system.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Our transportation system in light of what's happened in September, we need some diversity.

OPPENHEIM: And hope that a deal that could be worked out so the long trip by train has not come to the end of the line.

Keith Oppenheim, CNN, Chicago.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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