Pioneer (train)

Pioneer
The final Pioneer at Green River, Wyoming in May 1997
Overview
Service typeInter-city rail
StatusDiscontinued
LocaleWestern United States
First serviceJune 7, 1977 (1977-06-07)
Last serviceMay 10, 1997 (1997-05-10)
Former operator(s)Amtrak
Route
TerminiChicago, Illinois
Seattle, Washington
Distance travelled2,662 miles (4,284 km)
Service frequencyThrice weekly
Train number(s)25/26
On-board services
Class(es)
  • First class (sleepers)
  • Reserved coach
Sleeping arrangements
  • Bedrooms
  • Roomettes
Catering facilities
Observation facilitiesSightseer lounge
Technical
Rolling stockSuperliners
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)

The Pioneer was an Amtrak long-distance passenger train that ran between Seattle and Chicago via Portland, Boise, Salt Lake City, and Denver. Operating from 1977 to 1997, the Pioneer was the last passenger rail route to serve Wyoming, Southern Idaho, or Eastern Oregon.

Rail advocates have been pushing for restoration of the Pioneer, though in 2021 Amtrak omitted the route from its 15-year expansion vision.[1][2]

  1. ^ Sowell, John (July 19, 2021). "Amtrak passenger train service through Boise ended in 1997. Could it make a comeback?". Statesman. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  2. ^ Holmes, Brian (April 2, 2021). "Amtrak expansion would connect to more of the US, but not southern Idaho". ktvb.com. Retrieved July 26, 2021.