Analysis: Big-picture flaws in Amtrak’s latest fare sale

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WASHINGTON — Amtrak is once again attempting to attract online bargain hunters by offering advance-purchase fares up to 35% off as part of its “Track Friday” sale, which runs through Monday, Dec. 2. The saving over the lowest available “saver” prices are good for travel from Dec. 9, 2019, to April 30, 2020, although discounts […]

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Legislator opposes Durbin’s “Fairness” Act NEWSWIRE

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The Northbound Saluki speeds through Buckley, Ill., before the 60 mph restriction was imposed by CN. Bob Johnston CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – U. S. Rep Rodney Davis, R–Ill., says legislation proposed by U.S. Sen Dick Durbin, D–Ill., is “a premature step right now,” the Champaign News Gazette is reporting. The comments came at a news conference […]

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Senator introduces ‘Rail Passenger Fairness Act’ NEWSWIRE

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The southbound Saluki is running an hour late passing through Farina, Ill., on May 5, 2018. Poor on-time performance on the route has led U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin to introduce a bill allowing Amtrak to sue host railroads over delays. Bob Johnston WASHINGTON — U. S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), has introduced legislation that would […]

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Amtrak releases photo of new Acela trainset NEWSWIRE

New Acela trainset prototype on display in Hornell, N.Y.

A new Acela trainset at Alstom’s Hornell, N.Y., shops. Amtrak HORNELL, N.Y. — Amtrak released a new photo today of a prototype high speed trainset being built in upstate New York.  France’s Alstom is building the new Acela trainsets at its Hornell shops. The passenger sets with power cars are expected to enter service on […]

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Amtrak unveils Coca-Cola-decorated electric locomotive NEWSWIRE

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Amtrak marks a new partnership with Coca-Cola by wrapping ACS-64 locomotive No. 606. Here, it hustles the northbound ‘Silver Meteor,’ train No. 98, through Newark, Del., on Nov. 14. Gary Pancavage NEWARK, Del. – Amtrak has debuted a new look for Siemens ACS-64 No. 606: the colors of Coca-Cola. The locomotive has pulled the northbound […]

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Amtrak policies challenged at House hearing NEWSWIRE

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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 […]

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Amtrak sued over lease of retired locomotives NEWSWIRE

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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 […]

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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; […]

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