KINGMAN – A meeting was held at Kingman City Hall on Oct. 29 by train advocacy group All Aboard Arizona. The Arizona organization sought to raise awareness about the future of rail services, specifically Amtrak’s Southwest Chief train, and described how it would affect Mohave County citizens’ transportation. Representatives from All Aboard Arizona board, Vice President Roger Clark and Executive Director Tony Trifiletti, put on a presentation describing a threat to railway services, and their attempts to voice concerns to lawmakers. The presentation and discussion took place in the council chambers of Kingman City Hall, and was attended by concerned Mohave County citizens.
Trifiletti, the main presenter, described the current situation, as well as the focal mission of the organization. “We seek rail-based solutions for transportation services, where rail-based solutions are appropriate.” Trifiletti also described the history of Amtrak, and the various problems the Amtrak service has had in recent years, with current problems being centered on the interests of Amtrak president and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Anderson, and the will of Congress.
Trifiletti said that Amtrak can only do what Congress allows it to do, and with money that Congress provides. As such, it falls on the members of Congress to protect the interests of people who use or rely on Amtrak.
Currently there are members of both Congress and Amtrak that consider the use of long distance trains as an obsolete operation. Because there are people in Congress who don’t support all functions of Amtrak, funding for the services are currently at risk. The Southwest Chief runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, and is the only long distance railway for people in the Southwest.
After making All Aboard Arizona’s argument for the funding of trains, Trifiletti opened the floor to questions, and a discussion about the viability and need for Amtrak commenced. The majority of attendees appeared to be vocally supportive of the rail system, and discussed their own experiences, detailing their preference and sometimes dependence, on the train.
Some questions raised concerns about the nature of Amtrak, and whether Amtrak was a luxury that the country could continue to provide.
Ultimately, All Aboard Arizona disagrees with the perception that trains aren’t essential services. Trifiletti and Clark reiterated multiple times, that trains are the only option for some people, and that Amtrak’s budget makes up a relatively small percentage of the country’s budget.
Attendees of the meeting inquired during the discussion about what could be done to help keep the Southwest Chief running. “What can we do to prevent this?” asked Trifiletti. “Writing to Amtrak, is not going to have much of an effect. Make sure Congress knows our position. Particularly in the Senate. Write to your congressman. Write to the governor.” The ending of the meeting was an entreaty to the attendees to use their voices to keep the trains running.
“We need grassroots support,” said Clark. Clark also detailed their desire to have greater outreach through strong support and larger membership. Their website AllAboardArizona.org, debuted last month, and they are currently seeking someone with social media expertise to join the organization. Membership costs start at $35/year.
All Aboard Arizona’s advocacy isn’t solely focused on prevention of rail closings. They also advocate for an increase in rail-based transportation in all areas of the country, proper restructuring and repairs of current railways and higher quality services on trains.
- Michael Morrison
