The more correct statement is that it was tried in the mid-70's and abandoned by President Carter in one of the more massive Amtrak cutbacks. The Pioneer, the Desert Wind, that Chicago - Florida train, and the San Joaquins were all scheduled for the cutting block. Merit probably had little to do with the decision.

Only one was saved, only one State came forward to protect its service: California's San Joaquin. Back then the SJ carried about 80,000 per year. Now it carries 750,000. Now, the SJ is the only Amtrak route offering service to Las Vegas. If the SJ's were extended to Barstow, it would be ironic if Bakersfield and Fresno had train service to Las Vegas before Los Angeles!