Wow, that's convenient.
Wow, that's convenient.
The Empire Builder is Amtrak's busiest long distance route, providing service to over ½ million passengers annually between Chicago and Portland/Seattle (the train splits in Spokane.)
One train passes in each direction daily. The schedule is timed so the train will pass through the scenic Rocky Mountains (especially Glacier National Park) during daylight, but this is more likely in summer and on eastbound trains. It normally takes 45 to 46 hours to travel the entire route, barring delays. This averages 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) including stops.
The eastbound train arrives at East Glacier Park (Amtrak station) at 9:54 AM.
The westbound train arrives from Chicago at 6:45 PM.
Although there is still demand for leisurely long distance passenger rail service, the opportunity for real ridership growth is in shorter, regional trips of less than 600 miles where short-hop airflights are inefficient. IMHO, one way that Amtrak could become more efficient would be to operate Diesel multiple units on a more frequent/conventient schedule (DMUs) on shorter segments of these routes to accommodate commuters/daytrippers rather than long distance travelers.
Although traditional passenger rail is more fuel efficient than car or air travel, DMUs are even more fuel efficient than the classic locomotive pulled passenger cars.
Here is a YouTube of a US RailCar DMU that I think would provide wonderful regional service within these spectacularly scenic routes.