Amtrak busing passengers over Marias Pass

KALISPELL (AP) — Amtrak is busing its Empire Builder passengers between stations in Whitefish and Shelby due to the threat of avalanches on Marias (muh-RY'-us) Pass.

Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said Wednesday that passengers will ride buses between the two stops until at least Saturday, while the empty train will travel over the pass.

Magliari tells the Flathead Beacon (http://bit.ly/P1fQK0 ) that BNSF Railway rules don't allow loaded passenger trains to run if there has been a recent slide. The rail line was closed late Sunday night between Essex and Marias Pass after an avalanche covered the tracks with 7 feet of snow and debris.

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