March 20, 1997
Contact: Marc Magliari (312) 655-1338

AMTRAK STATEMENT REGARDING THE TEXAS EAGLE, WHICH HAS BEEN SCHEDULED
FOR DISCONTINUANCE EFFECTIVE MAY 10, 1997

Amtrak has been working with state and local officials to explore service options along segments of train routes set for discontinuance on May 10, 1997. Governors along the route of the Texas Eagle were given notice that decisions about state financial support for the continuation of this service were required by last weekend.

Texas state officials have notified Amtrak of the filing of legislation to extend a loan to Amtrak to continue the operation of the Texas Eagle through Sept. 30, 1997. Gov. George Bush's office has indicated he will support the legislation. These efforts are a significant step toward continuation of Texas Eagle service in compliance with the March 15 deadline and talks between Amtrak and the Texas Department of Transportation are continuing.

Although the opening of the Texas Eagle to post-May 10 reservations will not be possible until the pending state legislation is approved, Amtrak will postpone until March 31 any further actions to withdraw the three-days-weekly service along the St. Louis-San Antonio portion of the route. At that time, Amtrak officials will reassess the progress made to date by Texas lawmakers.