WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) urged Amtrak officials to reconsider cutting ticket agent jobs at Amtrak’s Havre and Shelby stations and to take action to ensure the transportation needs of rural Montanans are met, including adding a stop in Culbertson.
Sen. Daines made the remarks during a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee meeting on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.
“The Empire Builder is critically important to keeping our rural communities connected, transporting out-of-state visitors to some of Montana’s pristine landscapes and supporting local economies,” said Sen. Daines in a press release. “Amtrak must take action to ensure the needs of Montanans and rural travelers are met.”
During the hearing, Sen. Daines expressed his concern regarding the loss of ticketing agent jobs at the Havre and Shelby stations and asked Stephen Gardner, the Executive Vice President of Amtrak, what actions Amtrak could take to support the local communities.
Gardner told Sen. Daines that Amtrak remains supportive of adding a stop at Culbertson once station infrastructure is in place.
