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National Group Launches Campaign to Save Empire Builder

Cuts could eliminate Amtrak service in more than 220 communities

By Justin Franz
A passenger grabs onto a hand rail on an Amtrak train car in Whitefish. Beacon File Photo

Amid fears that Amtrak’s long-distance passenger trains will be cut in President Donald Trump’s proposed budget, the National Association of Railroad Passengers has kicked off a campaign to rally support for services like the Empire Builder.

The Trump administration has proposed drastically cutting transportation spending, a move that could eliminate Amtrak service in more than 220 communities, including 12 in Montana. In response, NARP has launched a website, townswithouttrains.com, to inform passengers of potential cuts. Last weekend, NARP organized rallies across the country and vice president of operations Bruce Becker said additional events would take place in the coming weeks, including in Montana.

“Passenger rail service is so important, especially in small towns in Montana where, in some places, it’s the only form of public transit available,” Becker said.

The Empire Builder runs between Chicago and Seattle/Portland daily, making stops in East Glacier Park, Essex, West Glacier, Whitefish and Libby.