Amtrak cab car No. 406 at Denver Union Station in January 2017. Chip Sherman DENVER, Colo. – The Winter Park Express will have a lounge car when it departs Denver for Winter Park, Colo. on Jan. 3. Ever since the weekend ski train began operating in 2016, skiers and snowboarders have been asking Amtrak to […]
Railroad: Amtrak
Federal grant to pay for PTC on part of ‘Chief’ route NEWSWIRE
A Southwest Chief inspection train hosting community leaders pauses at La Junta, Colo, on Aug 4, 2016. A federal grant will pay for the installation of PTC on the Chief’s route between Dodge City, Kan., and Las Animas, Colo., near La Junta. Bob Johnston WASHINGTON — In a boost to efforts to maintain the route […]
News report: Amtrak study finds Northeast Corridor at risk from climate change NEWSWIRE
Amtrak’s operations center for the Northeast Corridor, located in Wilmington, Del., is at risk of climate-change-related flooding, according to a news report. Al DiCenso NEW YORK — Several locations on the Northeast Corridor risk inundation from rising waters as a result of climate change, according to a report prepared for Amtrak. Bloomberg reports that the […]
Siemens to supply 75 new Tier 4 locomotives to Amtrak NEWSWIRE
A rendering of a new Siemens Charger locomotive ordered by Amtrak. The passenger railroad will receive 75 of the engines. Siemens Mobility WASHINGTON – With demand for Amtrak service at record levels, Amtrak will acquire new mainline passenger diesel locomotives from Siemens Mobility to replace its aging National Network locomotive fleet. These initial 75 locomotives […]
Amtrak ‘San Joaquins’ adjust schedules NEWSWIRE
A San Joaquin with former New Jersey Transit Comet cars prepares to depart Bakersfield, Calif., on Jan 31. 2017. A schedule adjustment has added more service to Bakersfield on weekends and holidays. Bob Johnston STOCKTON, Calif. — Amtrak’s San Joaquins have introduced new schedules to better accommodate weekend travelers and shorten connections to bus service. […]
Boston South Station Acela Lounge renamed as Metropolitan Lounge NEWSWIRE
BOSTON — Amtrak customers traveling in and out of Boston South Station can now enjoy the newly renovated and re-branded Metropolitan Lounge ,as part of a larger Amtrak lounge station refresh initiative. Previously known as ClubAcela, the newly opened Metropolitan Lounge, still in its convenient location near the platforms for easy boarding access, features new […]
Amtrak to end checked baggage service on ‘Lake Shore’ Boston section NEWSWIRE
BOSTON — Amtrak will end checked baggage service on the Boston section of the Lake Shore Limited, effective Jan. 7. The change on trains 448 and 449 means Springfield, Mass., will lose checked baggage service entirely, while Northeast Regional trains 65, 66 and 67 (Boston-Washington-Newport News overnight) will be the only trains with checked baggage serving Boston […]
One year after ‘Cascade’ derailment, route awaits return to service, investigation continues NEWSWIRE
A year after the fatal derailment of Amtrak Cascades train No. 501, service has not yet returned to the Point Defiance Bypass. Steve Carter A northbound Amtrak Cascades train passes the southern end of the Point Defiance Bypass, the track at right, at Nisqually, Wash., in June 2018. A year after the derailment of the […]
Amtrak launches social media photo contest NEWSWIRE
Amtrak’s California Zephyr passes through Western Springs, Ill. Amtrak is holding a social media contest for holiday-themed photos. TRAINS: David Lassen NEW YORK — Amtrak has launched a social media photo contest looking for holiday pictures. Six winners will receive a $100 Dunkin’ gift card, and six will include an Amtrak “swag bag” with various […]
Congressmen join effort to sway Amtrak plans to close call center NEWSWIRE
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Members of California’s congressional delegation have joined the effort to save Amtrak’s reservation call center in Riverside, which employs about 500 workers. The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports that 37 of the state’s representatives in Congress have agreed to sign a letter asking Amtrak to change its plan to close the Riverside center on […]
Amtrak, NJ Transit ask for limits on Portal Bridge opening NEWSWIRE
NJ Transit trains meet at New Jersey’s Portal Bridge, a bottleneck on the Northeast Corridor. Amtrak and NJ Transit are asking the Coast Guard to change rules for opening the bridge. Russell Sullivan NEW YORK — Amtrak and NJ Transit have joined New Jersey officials in asking for limits on opening of the Portal Bridge, […]
Amtrak study on Virginia service delayed by NS NEWSWIRE
Amtrak service returned to Roanoke in October 2017. A study on extending service to the southwest, into the New River Valley, is on hold. Bob Johnston CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. — A study to determine what is needed to bring Amtrak service to Christiansburg and the New River Valley has been placed on hold because Norfolk Southern […]