Nearly three decades after it was discontinued, advocates are working to restore the historic Amtrak Pioneer line, a passenger route that once connected Portland to Salt Lake City, passing through several rural towns in Oregon and Idaho.
The original Pioneer operated from 1977 to 1997, linking Seattle and Denver via Portland, The Dalles, Pendleton, Baker City, Ontario, Boise, and Salt Lake City. Budget cuts led to its cancellation — but now, momentum is building for its return.
In January 2025, the Federal Railroad Administration recommended reinstating the route as part of its Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study, which proposed 15 new passenger lines nationwide.
Bridging rural and urban divides
Eastern Oregon advocate Matt Krabacher, vice president of the Association of Oregon Rail and Transit Advocates, launched a petition in 2023 to revive the line, gathering 1,500 signatures in support. Speaking at the Pacific Northwest Rail Summit on Thursday, Krabacher said restoring the route would boost economies, connect underserved towns, and make transportation more equitable.
“Rail is an added resiliency and sustainable form of transit that ensures our quality of life and access to transportation for the long term,” Krabacher said.
Funding challenges and next steps
The biggest hurdle is funding. Unlike highways, states like Oregon, Idaho, and Utah don’t dedicate revenue streams to passenger rail. Advocates suggest forming an interstate rail compact or a state-level rail authority to finance the project.
Elaine Clegg, an Amtrak board member and CEO of Valley Regional Transit in Boise, said the Pioneer would serve some of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., including Idaho and Utah, both of which have seen rapid housing expansion.
“Amtrak should build a national network that truly connects the United States — not just parts of it,” Clegg said.
Economic and environmental benefits
Supporters say reviving the line would:
- Create construction and manufacturing jobs
- Reduce traffic congestion along Interstate 84
- Provide accessible transit for seniors, students, and veterans
- Offer a low-carbon transportation alternative
For residents of small towns like Baker City, the nearest major airport is hours away — a challenge for those needing medical care.
“People in my town have to drive hours or move where healthcare is,” Krabacher said. “A train or bus connection could change that.”
The proposed line is more than transportation — it’s about connecting rural and urban communities across the Pacific Northwest and the Intermountain West.
