HARTFORD, Conn. – An Amtrak train has struck an engineering truck at Newington, about 5 miles southeast of Hartford on Friday. Six people onboard the train are injured. Two workers in the truck were able to escape before the impact, according to local media reports. Passengers were transferred to another train in the afternoon. According […]
Railroad: Amtrak
Oversight report says Amtrak at risk of missing deadline for new Acelas NEWSWIRE
A power car for one of Amtrak’s new Acela trainsets takes shape at Alstom’s Hornell, N.Y., plant in June 2019. Bob Johnston WASHINGTON — A day after Amtrak released a video of its new Acela trainset moving for the very first time, the passenger carrier’s Office of Inspector General released a report warning there is […]
Engineer sues Amtrak over fatal ‘Cascades’ derailment NEWSWIRE
The engineer in the fatal December 2017 Amtrak Cascades derailment in suing Amtrak, alleging he was not properly trained. Steve Carter TACOMA, Wash. — The engineer at the controls of an Amtrak train involved in a fatal Washington state derailment in 2017 has sued the passenger railroad, alleging that he was not properly trained. On […]
Kansas Legislature committee discusses Amtrak ‘Heartland Flyer’ extension NEWSWIRE
Amtrak’s southbound Heartland Flyer arrives at Norman, Okla., on June 13, 2015 Bob Johnston The Ways and Means Committee of the Kansas Legislature meets to discuss the extension of Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer from Oklahoma City to Newton, Kan. Evan Stair TOPEKA, Kan. — The Ways and Means Committee of the Kansas State Legislature met Jan. […]
Mobile, Ala., support for Amtrak service remains uncertain
MOBILE, Ala. — Resistance to helping fund Gulf Coast Amtrak service remains among Mobile City Council members ahead of an expected Jan. 28 vote on a financial commitment by the city. Earlier this week, a three-member council finance committee failed to recommend support for a resolution which would commit the council to provide money toward […]
Amtrak’s new Alstom-made Acela trainset moves in Hornell, N.Y. NEWSWIRE
From Amtrak: “They grow up so fast! Amtrak’s new Acela fleet, set to enter service in 2021, continues its progression at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, NY, and the first train, out of 28 trainsets, will be moving to Pueblo, CO in mid-February for further testing. This video shows off the new trains in action, highlighting […]
Amtrak backs away from $25,000 charge, will carry Illinois passengers in wheelchairs at regular price NEWSWIRE
CHICAGO — Amtrak has retreated from its stance that two wheelchair users would have to pay $25,000 to take a train from Chicago to Bloomington, Ill., saying it would find a way to carry those passengers — and two others headed to the same conference — for the regular $16 ticket cost. National Public Radio, […]
Multi-level transportation
Amtrak’s Pioneer began as an Amfleet-only train. By June 1981 it had become a hybrid of Amfleet, Superliner, and heritage equipment, as seen here in Pendleton, Ore. Bob Johnston photo […]
Amtrak asks passengers in wheelchairs to pay $25,000 for trip in Illinois NEWSWIRE
An Amtrak Lincoln Service train passes through Lemont, Ill., in January 2018. Amtrak has told two passengers who use wheelcharis that wanted to use the train between Chicago and Bloomington, Ill., that it would cost $25,000 to accommodate them. TRAINS: David Lassen CHICAGO — Amtrak told two people who use wheelchairs that their proposed trip from […]
Amtrak suggests new routes to Tennessee legislative committee NEWSWIRE
Bob Johnston NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Extending Illinois-sponsored trains from Carbondale, Ill., to Memphis, Tenn., and establishing a route between Nashville and Atlanta were ideas suggested by an Amtrak representiative to a Tennessee legislative committee this week. As first reported in the Nashville Tennessean, Amtrak Senior Director of Government Affairs Ray Lang’s appearance Tuesday before the […]
Metrolink to end Amtrak contract for crews NEWSWIRE
An inbound Metrolink Ventura County Line train approaches the Corbin Avenue grade crossing in Northridge, Calif., on Jan. 10, 2020. Metrolink will end its operating contract with Amtrak, according to an Amtrak memo. TRAINS: David Lassen LOS ANGELES — Commuter railroad Metrolink will not renew its operating contract with Amtrak, Amtrak executive Stephen Gardner has […]
‘Silver Star’ to get Viewliner for flexible dining in May; companion fare sale offered NEWSWIRE
Creole shrimp and Andouille “flexible” entrée with demitasse salad awaits heating on the ‘Cardinal’ on Oct 1, 2019. Bob Johnston WASHINGTON – After dropping full dining car service on its New York-Miami Silver Star in early 2016, Amtrak will add “flexible” dining meals for sleeping car passengers with Viewliner II diners on May 1. The […]
