DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT: Amtrak Sunset Limited Service
SUMMARY:
A resolution by the City Council of San Antonio, Texas supporting the Rail Passengers Association's request for Amtrak to increase the frequency of service of the Sunset Limited to daily as soon as practicable.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Rail Passengers Association (RPA), formerly known as National Association of Railroad Passengers is the largest advocacy organization for rail passengers in the United States. In 2018, RPA approached the Mayor's Office seeking support to increase the frequency of rail service provided by Amtrak on the Sunset Limited route. This route provides passenger service from New Orleans to Los Angeles. Currently, the Sunset Limited stops in San Antonio three days a week, or triweekly. Similar train routes in other areas of the nation run daily. There is only one other long distance route operated by Amtrak with triweekly service; the Cardinal which operates in the northeast.
RPA requested the Mayor and City Council approve a resolution requesting Amtrak to increase service to San Antonio on the Sunset Limited route. RPA provided the following items for inclusion in the proposed resolution:
* Sunset Limited is a part of Amtrak's basic national train network connecting Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
* The five states have seen a population growth in the counties served by the Sunset Limited route of 22% between the years 2000 and 2016.
* The increasing congestion on the I-10 corridor serving San Antonio needs increased safe, affordable, and reliable alternatives to automobile and air travel
* Amtrak has announced its plan to handle ticketing for the Texas Central Rail which will connect with the Sunset Limited in Houston.
* A daily stop on the Sunset Limited in San Antonio will enhance connectivity with the existing daily trains su...
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