Dedicated Amtrak line between SF Bay Area and Reno possible?

[homersimpson101]

Do you think its possible that there will someday be a dedicated Amtrak line from SF Bay Area to Reno and back? Since Amtrak California trains can't leave the state, wouldn't it make sense to use long-distance Superliners or Amfleet cars?

 

[Cal]

I think Amtrak California trains technically can leave the state, but either CA would have to be really nice and fund it or Nevada would have to chip in. If a service were to start, it wouldn't use a dedicated Amtrak line, but the UP's existing ROW. I think it could use a small number of CA Bilevels that are freed up from the San Joaquin Ventures, or it would use Horizons. But no matter what cars it used, it will add another strain to an already very strained system, equipment wise. And I don't think there are any concrete plans and even if there were it would be many years before it took off, so this is all just fantasy. It would definitely not use superliners though, they are way too limited.

 

[zephyr17]

Do you think its possible that there will someday be a dedicated Amtrak line from SF Bay Area to Reno and back? Since Amtrak California trains can't leave the state, wouldn't it make sense to use long-distance Superliners or Amfleet cars?

1. There is no way Amtrak or the states will fund a new dedicated, passenger only rail line through a notoriously difficult mountain range, the Sierra Nevada.
2. If you are talking about a new National Network Amtrak service between the Bay Area and Reno using the current UP line over Donner Pass, be aware that is against current law, the PRIIA Act of 2008. Any service under 750 miles must be primarily funded by state and other local entities. California could fund it either by themselves or jointly with Nevada.
3. California/CCJPA already funds Thruway bus service to Reno/Sparks. There may not be a restriction on funding services with destinations outside California. It would be a matter of political prioritization. Many states purchase and provide equipment for state supported services, including California. If California elected to fund such a service, including equipment could well be part of that package.