(The Associated Press circulated the following article on August 8.)
SAN FRANCISCO — With train tracks in disrepair and freight transportation on the rise, passenger trains are frequently falling behind schedule, discouraging all but the most die-hard train fans.
The Coast Starlight, a comfortable Amtrak train that connects Seattle to Los Angeles, once was one of the most popular trains in the world. Now, riders are increasingly choosing to drive or fly, in spite of the high gas prices, because the train regularly runs five to 15 hours late, said Gerald Cauthen, president of the Train Riders Association of California.
There were 26 percent fewer passengers on the Starlight in 2005 than in 1999. Since October 2005, only 2 percent of passengers arrived to their destinations on time, Amtrak officials said.
“Never again in my life will I get on another train,” said Alma Jones, who arrived in Los Angeles at 7:30 a.m. Friday, more than 10 hours late. “Next time, I’m gonna cover my eyes and get on an airplane.”
Amtrak spokeswoman Vernae Graham blames growing freight train traffic and the poor condition of the track for the dismal record.
Most of the delays happened between Portland and Sacramento, on a stretch of track owned by Union Pacific. Officials with the railroad said there’s unprecedented demand for freight transportation. Also, they’re doing maintenance on the railroad, which is adding to delays now, but will improve the situation in the future.
“This, unfortunately, is not going to be a quick fix,” said spokesman James Barnes. “What we’re confident about is that the long-term benefits that come from repairing the track will outweigh the short-term inconveniences.”