Editorial: Promising train may not pan out

Thursday, Aug. 3, 2000 | 9:45 a.m.

A proposed high-speed Amtrak passenger train between Los Angeles and Las Vegas was supposed to offer another important way for Southern California tourists to get here, but don't expect this to become a reality anytime soon. As the Sun's Richard N. Velotta reported last week, Union Pacific Railroad, which would have to make $28 million in track improvements to accommodate a new 300-passenger train, is just now starting to get the necessary federal approvals for this endeavor.

What is particularly disturbing is the apparent lack of communication between Amtrak and Union Pacific. After all, it was only last December that Amtrak officials came to Las Vegas, suggesting that service could start as early as next month. But if the federal government decides the building of new tracks could affect the environment, an environmental impact statement might be required, which could take from 12 months to 18 months to complete.

The tales of Southern California visitors getting caught in traffic snarls on Interstate 15 during the weekend are legendary. Indeed, residents from Southern California comprise Las Vegas' biggest source of visitors. It's critical then to find fast, convenient and inexpensive ways to get these visitors here, which makes this setback to getting train service to Los Angeles so disappointing.