Bob2 wrote:

UP's new management, has taken a different approach, called cooperation, since they also want assistance from the States along the corridor for a number of key infrastructure projects, like the Colton Crossing grade separation.

I've heard UP (unlike NS and some other Class 1s) isn't all that interested in Government funded projects IF there's a stipulation that additional passenger service must be operated. Recall the Donner Pass situation a year or so ago. They walked away from Government money because they didn't want to run anything more over the mountain other than AMTK # 5 and 6.

I think the timekeeping of Amtrak trains operating on UP territory has improved because, with the lousy economy, there are fewer freight trains out there to offer interference, and ALSO because there's been a change of command in Washington. UP no longer has Dick Cheney (a former board member) pinch hitting for them on Capitol Hill and in the White House. There are storm clouds forming where re-regulation of the industry is being seriously considered. For right now, at least, UP feels that running Amtrak trains on time MIGHT be in their short-term best interest. At least until they can get another Dick Cheney or Drew Lewis or Averill Harriman in Washington to do their bidding for them. A cameleon changes its colors when the situation warrants it, but, you'll also note, it returns to its ORIGINAL color when it feels the time is right.