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. […]
Railroad: Amtrak
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, […]
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 […]
New York’s governor proposes expanding Penn Station for first time since 1910 NEWSWIRE
NEW YORK — New plans were announced Monday for New York Penn Station, during a speech to New York Civic leaders by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. To augment the new Moynihan Train Hall and existing Pennsylvania Station, buildings and land on the south full city block adjacent to the current facility will be acquired […]
Mobile city council delays Amtrak vote until Jan. 28 NEWSWIRE
MOBILE, Ala. — As expected, the Mobile City Council has delayed its vote on providing funding support for the restoration of Amtrak service to the Gulf Coast. Fox 10 News reports the vote is now set for Jan. 28. Mobile is asked to being commit to providing $2 million to $3 million to match a […]
Mobile likely to delay decision on Amtrak funding NEWSWIRE
MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile City Council, which had been expected to vote today on funding to support the return of Amtrak service to the city, is now likely to delay that decision. AL.com reports that the vote is likely to be delayed because council members learned a deadline to submit matching funds for a […]
North Carolina also to benefit from Virginia-CSX deal NEWSWIRE
RALEIGH, N.C. — The recent deal between Virginia and CSX that will allow expanded passenger and commuter rail service south of Washington D.C. also reaches into North Carolina. The Raleigh News and Observer reports that the North Carolina Department of Transportation will eventually acquire about 10 miles of CSX right-of-way from the Virginia state line […]