Another memory of this RI train: Santa Fe and Rock Island had separate stations in Amarillo. If you had a through ticket from The Santa Fe SF Chief to a location on the RI line, the railroad provided transportation between stations. It was provided by a very decrepit former school bus that emitted more smoke than an Alco diesel at its worst. Passenger load on the bus was usually two or three people at most.

In spite of the very limited passenger traffic on this line, station agents and train crews did their best to provide very good service. Every time I rode it the RDC was always right on time.

Looking at the ghosts of the past was interesting. For example, the fairly late Oklahoma City union station had a large empty space where a restaurant had been at one time (possibly a Harvey House).