On November 16, 2012, Union Pacific agreed to allow the X Train to run on what has been exclusively a freight train rail line since 1997, when Amtrak terminated passenger service between L.A. and Las Vegas.

FORBES: The $100 Million 'X Train' Will Be A Party From L.A. To Vegas

Campaigners hoping for the re-opening of a passenger rail route between Portishead and Bristol have been travelling on the line.

BBC: Passengers ride freight line from Bristol-to-Portbury

Although it lost out on the West Coast Main Line rail franchise, First said it was benefitting from strong passenger growth in its rail services.

BBC: Hurricane Sandy hits First Group profits by ?10m

Jon Crampton, of Network Rail, said passenger and freight demands had led to the reinstatement of the line and it was likely to be a reality soon.

BBC: Rail link 'should extend to Cambridge'

And why should rail passengers be any less subsidised than the motorist, the airline passenger or the barge-line shipper?

ECONOMIST: Victim: Kenya