Good Bye...
So Long...
Farewell...
#21 & #22
The Texas Eagle

http://trainweb.com/routes/route_21/n970326.htm

It is with great sorrow that I announce to you my untimely death
on May 10, 1997.

Over the years I have done my very best to provide you with safe,
comfortable service through Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas.
While I admit not all my trips were trouble free, I gave it my all!
But as of May 10, I will go to an early grave because Congress
and the President don't believe rail travel deserves even a few of the tax,
dollars you send to Washington.
From the bottom of my heart, I regret that my family and friends
in Arkansas will lose all rail passenger service in their entire state.
And Texas will lose 80% of all rail passenger service when I expire.
I am extremely grateful to everyone who wrote their Congressmen
and Senators on my behalf -- expressing outrage over my untimely death
from yet anohter cut in Federal funding. If not for your letters, I would
have expired last November. Because of your support, I received a stay
of execution.
Only another outpouring of support can keep me alive.
And time is so short
Can you do it again? I think you can ... I think you can! ...
I think you can!! ... I think you can!!!

May 28, 1998 Update: On a happy note, that outpouring of support did come forth and the Amtrak Texas Eagle was saved! Not only that, but service was expanded to 4 trains per week including restoration of through cars on every train and direct California Service. For more information, click here to check the new Amtrak Web Site: www.texaseagle.com.