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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/6/2005 - STAFF REPORTS (16) rage i of3 April 6, 2005 While Palm Springs increasingly depends on air transportation, automobiles and even buses to support tourism, another mode of has brought visitors to the Coachella Valley for over 100 years. The r'r „��? ��;,� �,��r', the oldest named American passenger train has served southwest and southeast destinations since 1894. Even 11:frgazinle began as an onboard publication aboard this train. The Los Angeles to New Orleans and Orlando, Floridan" c N .' once originated in San Francisco and for a while served Miami, Florida. Once a part of the proud Southern Pacific passenger train fleet, the 7F"r, has been operated by the National Railway Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) since 1971. Palm Springs train travelers have had to endure poor ,-,., , .sr: arrival times, at the Garnet Station, of 1:04 a.m. eastbound and 3:22 a.m. westbound plus delays, on a tri-weekly schedule. However, as of March 8, 2005, the Amtrak J,".O— Palm Springs times are rescheduled to 5:06 p.m. eastbound and 6:37 a.m. westbound. Even with common delays related to freight trains, the times are more civilized and allow better planning for weekend, holiday or event stays. While this is welcome news especially with Coachella Valley gasoline prices reaching near $3.00 a gallon, The Bush Administration's Domestic Budget Proposals allows no funding of Amtrak Long Distance Passenger Trains. Please write vour legislators in support of this service. http://www.desertnrenmis mm/hnrint^lmernicni dii