In a photo taken from a video feed, Rail Passenger Association President Jim Mathews holds up his “survival pack” for long-distance Amtrak travel during Wednesday’s House hearing. Bob Johnston An Amtrak San Joaquin heads south from Madera, Calif., on Oct 21, 2019. The executive director of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority expressed her frustrations […]
Railroad: Amtrak
‘Zephyr’ detoured after BNSF derailment in Iowa on Wednesday NEWSWIRE
MCPHERSON, Iowa — BNSF Railway crews are working to re-open a stretch of Iowa main line closed early Wednesday after a derailment in the western part of the state. According to a BNSF service advisory, a train derailed near McPherson about 3:30 a.m., blocking the main line. A railroad representative did not respond to a […]
Amtrak sued over lease of retired locomotives NEWSWIRE
Nine decommissioned HHP-8 locomotives cross a highway in Bear, Del., in an March 27, 2017, work-train move from Amtrak facilities in Bear to the company’s Wilmington, Del., shops. Amtrak is being sued over the lease contracts for eight of its 15 HHP-8s. Michael S. Murray NEW YORK — Two investment groups are suing Amtrak over […]
Amtrak worker dies in yard accident (updated) NEWSWIRE
CHICAGO — An Amtrak worker has died in an industrial accident at the passenger railroad’s yard south of Chicago Union Station. CBS-2 Chicago reports that the accident happened on Saturday. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office said the worker, whose identity has not been released, died of multiple blunt-force injuries. No other injuries were reported; […]
House subcommitee to hold hearing on Amtrak NEWSWIRE
WASHINGTON — A hearing Wednesday to be held by the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials is expected to provide a forum for state operating authorities, unions, and the Rail Passengers Association to directly air concerns to lawmakers about the way current Amtrak management conducts its business. “Amtrak Now and Into the Future […]
Amtrak sets ridership record in 2019, aims for more services in 2021 NEWSWIRE
Eastbound train No. 162, left, meets Acela Express No. 2253 at Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme, Conn., in March 2015. Amtrak hopes to add a fourth service level in 2021 when additional Acela equipment is available. Robert A. LaMay WASHINGTON – Amtrak announced another ridership record in Fiscal Year 2019, providing 32.5 million […]
Burlington, Vt., council hears opposition to plans preparing for Amtrak service NEWSWIRE
Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express departs Rutland, Vt., in September 2013. Burlington, Vt., residents are expressing concerns over preparations to handle trains in their city when the Ethan Allen is extended from Rutland to Burlington. Scott A. Hartley BURLINGTON, Vt. — Burlington’s city council is requesting more information from Vermont’s Agency of Transportation about projects related […]
Wisconsin legislative committee approves funds for ‘Hiawatha’ equipment NEWSWIRE
A former F40 locomotive converted to a cab car leads a southbound Hiawatha through the Techny interlocking in Northbrook, Ill., on May 23, 2019. Tracks diverging in foreground are used by Canadian Pacific for trains to or from Bensenville Yard west of Chicago. CP won’t allow more round trips until more tracks are added in […]
Weather hampering Amtrak operations in Northeast NEWSWIRE
NEW YORK — Amtrak is cancelling some trains and operating a modified schedule with others this afternoon as a result of “severe weather issues in the Northeast,” the passenger railroad says in an advisory on its website. Cancelled trains are: — Boston-New York Acela Express No. 2190; — Empire Service trains 280 (Niagara Falls-New York) and […]
Amtrak Thanksgiving plans won’t include extra Michigan trains NEWSWIRE
Thanksgiving-weekend travelers line the Holland, Mich., platform on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, for an extra Chicago-bound Pere Marquette. Bob Johnston Passengers grouped by departure snake through Chicago Union Station’s Great Hall on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in 2018. Bob Johnston CHICAGO — Amtrak has touted more Midwest coach capacity out of the Windy City […]
Predmore named to Amtrak safety position NEWSWIRE
WASHINGTON — Steve Predmore has become the latest executive with an aviation background to join Amtrak, joining the passenger railroad as executive vice president and chief safety officer. Predmore will join Amtrak on Nov. 4, reporting to Stephen Gardner, senior executive vice president and chief operating and commercial officer. Predmore has most recently been vice […]
Illinois city manager indicted over Amtrak lobbying effort NEWSWIRE
Amtrak’s westbound Empire Builder passes the Metra Milwaukee North line station in Lake Forest, Ill., on June 2, 2019. Lake Forest’s former city manager has been indicted as a result of his efforts to bring an Amtrak stop to the community. TRAINS: David Lassen LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The former city manager of Lake Forest […]