Phoenix, Arizona-- The Arizona Rail Passenger Association has confirmed that Southern Pacific Railroad is considering eliminating or downgrading the primary AMTRAK rail line connecting Phoenix with Los Angeles. In effect, this action will permanently eliminate Phoenix and Tempe AMTRAK passenger rail service.
Abandoning this line will result in the stifling of regional passenger rail development and the loss of rail connections to numerous other cities. Phoenix will become the largest metropolitan area in the U.S. without rail passenger service.
In addition, eliminating this strategic rail route between metropolital Phoenix and Los Angeles will result in significantly increased freight transit times between these points, hindering the recruitment of additional rail-served industries in the Valley's West Corridor.
The Phoenix metropolitan area is poised to enter the 21st century as an important participant in the world-wide economy especially in financial markets, manufacturing, and distribution. Loss of this vital link will be a step backward toward achieving our goal of world wide integration.
The Arizona Rail Passenger Association (ARPA) is an all volunteer group of concerned citizens, established in 1978, with the goal of promoting the rail passenger mode of transportation. For more information regarding ARPA or this release, contact the ARPA Hot Line at 480/947-5710.