''We're going to deny their request because of increased security concerns,'' CSX spokeswoman Susan Keegan said. ''We don't want any special passenger trains operating on non-Amtrak routes, and currently that is not an Amtrak route.''

Augusta Mayor Bob Young said he found out about the roadblock Thursday when he contacted CSX to work out event details.

Mr. Young and Amtrak had planned to bring the train through town during the weekend of Nov. 9 so officials and residents could examine a passenger train.

The event was designed to increase local support for Augusta's ongoing campaign to secure passenger rail service.

IMPACT: Mayor Bob Young's plan to bring an Amtrak demonstration train to Augusta next month as a step in securing Amtrak service has been canceled because of security concerns.

''I'm extremely disappointed,'' Mr. Young said. ''This was an opportunity for Augusta to see and take a ride on an Amtrak train.''

Bus service between Augusta and Amtrak's terminal in Columbia is expected to begin in a few weeks, once Amtrak has finalized contract negotiations with Southeastern Stages Inc., Mr. Young said.

''This was as much a surprise to Amtrak as it was to us,'' Mr. Young said. ''But since September 11, there's been a lot of surprises.''

He said Amtrak officials would continue looking at ways to bring the train.

''I'm letting Amtrak and the railroads work it out,'' he said. ''We're still trying to make it happen.''

Staff Writer Heidi Coryell Williams contributed to this article.

Reach Vicky Eckenrode at (706) 823-3227 or vicky.eckenrode@augustachronicle.com.