The Sunset Limited is Amtrak’s longest train route and therefor has the greatest potential over other long-distance trains. In a recent press release Amtrak claims that the Sunset Limited costs $8 million a year but if it were eliminated, Amtrak would loose $9 million a year in connecting passengers. I believe that a big reason the Sunset Limited is one of Amtrak’s worst performing trains financially is because it is one of few Amtrak trains that isn’t daily.
The Texas Eagle is the perfect example. After near elimination in 1997, the train was increased to daily service and is now highly profitable. The Empire Builder, California Zephyr, Crescent, and City of New Orleans all increased revenue when they increased frequency. When is it going to be the Sunset Limited’s turn?

I understand Amtrak does not have enough Superliners for a daily Sunset Limited. Nor does it have the money to order new Superliners. What Amtrak does have is older Heritage cars it could easily refurbish and Amfleet cars released from San Diegan and Mertroliner services that could be placed on the Cardinal, which could then also become daily, and its Superliners used for Sunset Limited service. Heritage and Amfleet cars could also replace Superliners and Hi-Levels used on the Kentucky Cardinal and Heartland Flyer to allow them to be used in Sunset service. The Sunset Limited could also operate with fewer cars per train. I am sure there are other ways adjustments could be made in order for the Sunset Limited to become daily.

The Sunset Limited has the potential for its mail and express business to be outstanding. Especially once it is rerouted through Dallas/Ft. Worth. With out a doubt many shippers would take advantage of coast-to-coast service in 3 days. This would cover many expenses for operating the train.

I rarely encounter an on-time Sunset Limited. This not only hurts passenger revenue for the Sunset but it also gives people the impression that all Amtrak trains normally run as late as the Sunset Limited does. I rarely hear positive comments about Amtrak from locals including the newspaper which has run several stories about the Sunset’s tardiness.

The Sunset Limited is a beautiful and historic route that needs to be used to its potential. I appreciate the efforts Amtrak has taken to improve the Sunset like future plans of rerouting it through Dallas/Ft. Worth. Let me know what you think.