HASTINGS, Neb. -- The Omaha World-Herald reports that the Amtrak passenger train is popular with Hastings College students from Colorado, who have a safe and relatively inexpensive way home.

"There is always someone else there when I am," said Denae Parker, a senior from Arvada, Colo. "It's easy, convenient and cheaper than flying."

Amtrak has been struggling financially, and the California Zephyr through Hastings in south-central Nebraska is one of 18 long-distance routes Amtrak has talked about ending.

Earlier this month, however, Amtrak backed away from threats to close routes this fall. The railroad hopes to obtain more federal funding to keep its operations going.

Steve Lincoln, communications coordinator at Hastings College, said about 158 students from Colorado attend the college.

"It's possible that many of them ride the train home on breaks," he said.

Senior Susantha Weerasinghe of Grand Junction, Colo., and sophomore Todd Nielsen of Denver use the train.

"Sometimes, we plan to sit together, to meet at the station, that sort of thing," Nielsen said.

"It is a really convenient way home," Weerasinghe said. "Especially in the winter."

Getting to Grand Junction by car in the winter can be impossible because it is hard to get over the Rocky Mountains, Weerasinghe said.

"Really the train is the only way to get home safely," Weerasinghe said. Riding the train also is less expensive than plane fare, Weerasinghe said.

Many students would rather ride the train than pay the costs of driving, Nielsen said.

"It averages about $90 roundtrip on the train," he said. "You spend that much for gas, food, and the wear and tear on a vehicle. Plus in the winter, you know you get home safely."

Sophomore Heidi Musil of Greeley, Colo., said the train was the only reason she made it back to school after interim break in January 2001.

"I actually drove home (to Greeley)," she said. "But there was a bad storm, and instead of taking a chance driving, I took the train back to school. That way, my parents knew I was safe."

The fact that Amtrak makes a stop in Hastings was one of the reasons she chose Hastings College, Musil said.

"It was an easy, affordable and convenient way home."

Relatives of students also take the train to visit them in Hastings.

Senior Jamie Green of Aurora, Colo., said her family has taken the train to visit her at college. Nielsen's family in Denver always has used the train to see family members who live in Hastings.