Amtrak seeks federal funding to expand services in the South and bring passenger rail back to Phoenix.

Amtrak has applied for $716 million in federal funding to bring passenger rail service back to Phoenix, the largest U.S. city without Amtrak service. The company plans to route the Sunset Limited train line through Phoenix, which would relieve congestion on Interstate 10, reduce pollution, and boost regional economies. The Arizona Department of Transportation has provided $3.5 million toward the planning effort.