Re: NNG- Amtrak to Craig, CO?

Dave Peterson Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I was driving between Craig and Steamboat Springs,
> CO yesterday and saw an Amtrak train headed
> westbound towards Craig. There’s no scheduled
> indicated in the Craig branch. Anyone know
> anything about this?

Nope.
WAG: it was a private charter of some sort using Amtrak equipment. Perhaps some sort of inspection by a prospective buyer? Any rumors floating?

2nd, and considerably less likely, possibility is that the line is being evaluated for some proposed service. I would rate this as unlikely because:
1) As already noted, the line ends at Craig and would not be a candidate for regular Amtrak (aka National System) service.
2) A Denver(or Orestod) - Craig service could be put on if UP agreed to allow it (last service was in '68 so well before the Railpax bill) and if the state of Colorado agreed to fund it. I'd rate this unlikely simply because there would already have been much political debate about such an idea before it got to the stage of test runs and even the Denver (com)Post would have noticed that going on. IE We'd have heard about it!

So I don't expect to see the Yampa Valley (Mail) in the schedule anytime soon.

I'd love to be wrong, btw.

Hank