Amtrak fan urges public to speak out

During a 33-year career as a railroad ticket agent, Kenneth Geispert of McCook saw first-hand the convenience and economy of traveling on passenger trains.

Even now -- 23 years after retiring -- Geispert, of 812 W. Third, is urging Nebraskans to join him in the fight to save Amtrak service. He is particularly concerned about the California Zephyr route, which travels from Chicago to the outskirts of San Francisco and passes through McCook along the way.

Geispert is asking residents of this area to appeal to governors, senators and congressional representatives for support.

Quoting from a newsletter he receives, Geispert asked citizens to "support the preservation, improvement and expansion of Amtrak rail passenger service all across the nation. Amtrak has many opponents, both in congress and the transportation department, and its very survival is at stake."

In this era of rising gasoline costs, Geispert says it makes sense for America to invest in Amtrak. He joins other Amtrak supporters in pointing out that Europe, Japan and Australia already make substantial investments to improve passenger service.

During his career, Geispert served as a ticket agent for the old CB&Q (Chicago, Quincy & Burlington Railroad), the Burlington Northern and Amtrak. He started in 1949, the same year the California Zephry made its debut, and continued on the job until the last day of May in 1982.

He remembers many loyal passenger train users, including Dean Krotter of Palisade.

One of the problems faced by Amtrak is the lack of local promotion. With limited funds, local boarding times and rates are not advertised. Those wishing to travel by Amtrak must seek out information to make their travel plans.

But -- for those who go to the trouble -- there are advantages to rail passenger travel. Geispert says passenger trains are both economical and convenient, especially for trips to the closest cities: Denver and Lincoln. And -- as an added bonus -- rail passengers have the advantage of a close-up look at the countryside.