Amtrak officials say they support a passenger rail connection between Pueblo and La Junta, saying the route would attract more than 14,000 riders a year and generate nearly $1.5 million in ticket revenue.
The Pueblo Chieftain reports that Amtrak's Ray Lang voiced his support for the project Thursday to Colorado's Southwest Chief Commission. Via the Chieftain:
Amtrak’s ridership study showed about 40 passengers daily would board or depart from the Union Depot in Pueblo on “thru cars” to the Southwest Chief at La Junta.
The connection would be nearly immediate for passengers heading east toward Chicago, with a two-hour delay for those headed west toward Los Angeles, which Amtrak believes would attract new riders.
