I am kind of confused (again....?), since the PTC Coast grant funding was included in the FRA project list released just a week or so ago....?

Since there is no sourcing on this, and the post is of a dubious nature, it is suspect until someone can confirm it, with an actual reliable source.

It is my longer term view, however, that operating passenger trains, at mainline passenger speeds, over PTC "dark" territory, or any other "dark" territory, from failure, or from being taken out of service, is almost over, here in the US.

It has been my understanding that the Coast will have PTC done, and that part of the funding for the improvements that UP and the consultants have identified for potential Salinas, and a Daylight are also moving forward.

So the Starlate is probably in way less danger than the SW Chief, and folks had better figure out what to do soon about Raton, and find some funding for it.