FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – Amtrak will cut service beginning October 19th for its long-distance routes nationwide to three times a week instead of the current daily service because ridership has dropped during the coronavirus pandemic. Those routes include the Empire Builder that serves Fargo and many other cities in North Dakota and Minnesota along its line stretching from Seattle to Chicago.
Barry Green represents North Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana for the Rail Passengers Association, which lobbies on behalf of long-distance passenger service. He says not only does the reduction in service cause an inconvenience for those that use the Empire Builder, but it will also mean an economic hit to those communities it serves system-wide, estimated at almost $300 million over the next 9 months, according to a survey conducted by the RPA. He says that income comes from travelers using taxis or Uber, hotels, eating at local restaurants, and tourist activity just to name a few. In 2019, Amtrak reported had revenue of $1.7 million in revenue at its Fargo station, with more than 18,500 passengers.
Bob Mark was prepared to board the Empire Builder early Monday at the Fargo station, headed home in rural Rolette County. He said he relies on Amtrak to visit family in the Fargo area and believes his $40 ticket is worth it.
Green says a $5 billion bill that would retain daily Amtrak service has passed the House but has not been taken up by the Senate. He’s urging those having an interest in seeing continued service to contact their congressional delegation to support the funding.
