Cutting Amtrak wrong for Montana

It was recently announced by the leadership at Amtrak that they will be eliminating ticket agent positions in Montana at both Havre and Shelby, citing budget problems and the proliferation of online ticket sales. This move is short-sighted, will further erode customer satisfaction with our nation’s passenger rail service and disproportionately impact senior citizens, the disabled and those in rural areas without access to reliable, high-speed internet. 

Amtrak’s long-distance routes, including Montana’s Empire Builder, provide a critical transportation link to our nation’s citizens, especially in rural America. On a daily basis, Amtrak transports people to and from communities along the Hi-Line for purposes that include doctor appointments and family visits. Amtrak is a federally-subsidized passenger rail service that historically has been supported in a very bipartisan way in Congress by both Democrats and Republicans. 

  Unfortunately, this latest announcement will only make things worse for Amtrak. By cutting customer service through eliminating these ticket agents, there will no longer be staffed positions at the depots in Havre or Shelby to help customers purchase tickets, or assist with baggage handling. While it is understandable that the number of online tickets purchased for travel on Amtrak is growing, there are many places in rural Montana where access to reliable, high-speed internet is either non-existent or unreliable.  Additionally, having customer-friendly agents available to help with baggage handling, especially for those travelers needing a little more assistance, is important. The elderly, disabled and parents with small children are all examples where having a little help with the boarding process can make a big difference. 

  Bear Paw Development has encouraged Amtrak to reverse this decision, and we have asked our congressional delegation to weigh in on this topic.   

  As we work to build the regional economy of northern Montana, we need partners who will help with that effort. A reliable transportation system is key, and is part of what is needed for our communities to grow and prosper. Keeping the Empire Builder as a viable option for long-distance rail travel should be important to all of us. 

Contact Montana’s congressional delegation and urge them to encourage Amtrak to keep these jobs along the Hi-Line, for the betterment of those who use this service and for Amtrak itself. 

Our congressional delegation can be reached at the following regional offices in Great Falls:

Senator Jon Tester – 406-452-9585

Senator Steve Daines – 406- 453-0148

Representative Greg Gianforte – 406-952-1280

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Paul Tuss, Havre

Bear Paw Development Corp. executive director