CHICAGO — Amtrak has expanded its list of train cancellations in and out of Chicago because of a forecast of “extremely cold temperatures” to include an extensive number of state-supported services to Illinois and adjacent states.
The company had previously announced cancellations of the Empire Builder in both directions between Chicago and Spokane, Wash., for today (Jan. 17, 2025) through Monday, Jan. 20 [see “Storm cancellations, maintenance failures …,” Trains News Wire, Jan. 13, 2025]. While the Builder is once again accepting reservations as of Tuesday, Jan. 21, some cancellations of state-supported trains have now been made through Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Cancelled in an advisory updated at 8 p.m.. ET today are the following trains. Alternate transportation is being provided as noted, although the advisory indicates that the company is still in the process of securing buses, so that information may change.
The Chicago-St. Paul, Minn., Borealis:
— Westbound train No. 1333 on Saturday, Jan. 18; in both directions (trains 1333 and 1340) Sunday through Tuesday, Jan. 19-21. Alternate bus transportation will be provided on Jan. 18 and Jan. 19
Hiawatha service between Chicago and Milwaukee:
— On Saturday, Jan. 18, northbound trains 339 (a 5:08 p.m. departure from Chicago) and 341 (8:05 p.m.). Bus transportation will be provided.
— On Sunday, Jan. 19, southbound trains 332 (an 8:05 a.m. departure from Milwaukee) and 336 (1:05 p.m.) and northbound trains 337 (3:15 p.m.) and 341. Bus transportation will be provided.
— On Monday, Jan. 20, and Tuesday, Jan. 21: southbound trains 330 (6:15 a.m. departure), 334 (11 a.m.) and 336, and northbound trains 331 (8:25 a.m.), 337, and 341.
— On Wednesday, Jan. 22, northbound trains 339 and 341.
Wolverine service between Chicago and Pontiac, Mich.:
— On Sunday, Jan. 19, eastbound trains 352 (departing Chicago at 2:15 p.m.) and 354 (departing 5:50 p.m.).
— On Monday, Jan. 20, and Tuesday, Jan. 21: eastbound trains 352 and 354; westbound trains 351 (a 5:43 a.m. departure from Pontiac) and 353 (an 8:50 a.m. departure).
— On Wednesday, Jan. 22, westbound trains 351 and 353.
The Chicago-Quincy, Ill., Carl Sandburg:
— On Sunday, Jan. 19, and Monday, Jan. 20: Westbound No. 381 (a 7:40 a.m. departure from Chicago) and eastbound No. 382 (a 5:30 p.m. departure from Quincy.
Amtrak cautions that additional cancellations or delays may occur because of the weather. Watch the Amtrak website or Amtrak Alerts and Amtrak NEC Alerts on X.com for additional updates.
The current Accuweather.com forecast calls for lows between -1 degree and 3 degrees in Chicago Sunday through Tuesday; of minus-1 to to minus-15 Saturday through Monday in St. Paul, Minn., and of 2 to minus-4 in Pontiac Sunday through Tuesday.
— Updated at 7:15 p.m. CT with information on alternate bus transportation.
Amtrak best hope that none of the buses are involved in a serious incident with injuries and ————
I agree with Amtrak chargers are not built for extreme cold plus the cars they don’t have accurate heating. Not only that cold weather can damage switches and it can cause sliding on the track and damage wheels. Until the weather improves or Siemens mobility delivers some upgrades to the chargers all equipment is grounded and no trains are allowed to leave Union Station.
So sad they are canceling trains due to extreme weather. Then offering alternative bus service. Says it all. Buses can run but trains can’t.
Old equipment (try starting a 40 yr old car in those temps) & new technology not suited for extreme cold, maybe mutual understanding with some RR’s since they will obviously have problems of their own to deal with that there would be no help available in the event of a breakdown.
OK. It’s cold. Trains can’t run? What’s the real problem?