Pioneer inaugural ticket, 1977.

The inaugural special of the Pioneer (Seattle-Salt Lake City) ran from June 4-6, 1977, followed by the start of revenue service on the 7th. It consisted of two F40PH locomotives, two Amdinettes and four Amcoaches. Members of the press and state and local political and transportation officials rode aboard the train, and at each stop, the general public was invited to tour the new Amfleet equipment.

According to an article in Amtrak NEWS, the busiest stops were at Boise, Idaho and Pendleton, Ore.—each had more than 3,000 visitors. In La Grande, Ore., members of the high school wrestling team washed the train with brushes and buckets, and the money earned was spent on a summer camp. No stops were made between Portland and Seattle since that part of the route already had regular passenger rail service.

Initially designated as a two year experimental route, the Pioneer operated until 1997.

From the Ann Owens Collection.