A preliminary study released Sept. 18 by Amtrack indicates higher than expected costs for a proposed resumption of service of the Pioneer Route, which includes a stop in Shoshone, about 50 miles south of Sun Valley.
The route, which operated from 1977 to 1997, ran from Seattle to Denver, through Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah. Within Idaho, the train had stops in Boise, Shoshone and Pocatello.
Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., initiated a study by Amtrak on the feasibility of reinstating all or portions of the route. The study was authorized by the Senate in January 2007. A final report is due Oct. 15.
After viewing the initial report, Crapo is questioning calculations by Amtrak that restoring the route would cost $400 million in track upgrades and new equipment in addition to an annual operating cost of up to $40 million.
"Unfortunately, the draft report appears to understate the ridership ... and overstates the capital investment requirements and annual costs," Crapo wrote in a letter to Amtrak.
Crapo argued that the study's estimated ridership numbers are too low in light of recent, population increases in Idaho, Oregon and Utah. As well, he wrote that comments from constituents coming to his office are overwhelmingly in favor of seeing the service return.
In July, the city of Sun Valley unanimously approved a resolution in support of the service, which noted that the train would be an environmentally friendly method of travel, and would increase accessibility and attract more visitors to the Wood River Valley.
The effort to bring back the service has been championed by the Pioneer Restoration Organization, a coalition of communities along the route of the Pioneer train.
The group's Web site, www.pioneertrain.com, has a list of endorsements from public officials from cities across the West, including Boise, Boulder, Colo., and Hood River, Ore.
Jon Duval: jduval@mtexpress.com
