NEWSWIRE: New Mexico says it’s backing out of 2008 Raton purchase - Trains Magazine

The track upon which the SWC operates which would be the responsibility of BNSF if the SWC were rerouted through Amarillo is from Newton, KS to Lamy, NM a distance of about 635 miles. Currently BNSF operates freight service on the 356 mile segment from Newton to La Junta, CO and apparently entends to continue that service. But south from La Junta to Lamy they have altered their business so that they have no need for the 279 miles between them.

Also BNSF has told AMTRAK that it does not need the ATS (automatic train stop) signal system on the 356 mile segment for the operation of its freight trains. AMTRAK has been notified that certain parts, but not all, of this 356 mile segment need upgrading  (new rail) if trains are to operate at speeds greater than 60 MPH. That is why the SWC has been running at 60 MPH over that portion which needs upgrading. but can continue to run at 90 MPH where the track and signal system permit safe operation.

The SWC station stops which would be eliminated if it were rerouted through Amarillo are: Hutchinson, KS; Dodge City, KS; Garden City, KS; Lamar, CO: La Junta, CO; Trinidad,CO; Raton, NM;  Las Vegas, NM; Lamy (say Santa Fe), NM and Albuquerque, NM all of which place politics into play.

Additionally, if the reroute that has been offered to AMTRAK were implemented there would have to be passenger facilities created for those station stops comtemplated on the new route. Which BNSF would not pay for but would provide the space at locations which would make them safe from the very busy freight operations on that line. There is no ATS on the reroute line so 79 MPH is maximum.

My take on this current news is that the contracural Agreement signed by the State and BNSF will govern the outcome. It would astonish me if BNSF left any loopholes in that Agreement which would allow the State to withdraw under the conditions now in the news. More likely, in my opinion, is that the State is now trying to use its political power to get BNSF to allow the State to withdraw "gracefully".