The Southwest Chief passes through Hinsdale, Ill., on April 28, 2018. Amtrak’s CEO says the effort to maintain the train must be balanced against the need of the entire national network. TRAINS: David Lassen WASHINGTON — Responding to a letter from two major private-car organizations, Amtrak President and CEO Richard Anderson says the passenger railroad […]
Railroad: Amtrak
Amtrak asks for proposals to rebuild or replace as many as 75 locomotives NEWSWIRE
WASHINGTON — Amtrak officials say they’re looking to replace or upgrade as many as 75 locomotives and have deals in place this year. Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson says the passenger railroad issued a request for proposals June 1 with an eye to having the latest safety features and the lowest emissions possible. “Our diesel locomotive […]
Unions decry end of full dining service on two Amtrak trains NEWSWIRE
The westbound Capitol Limited passes through Goshen, Ind., in March 2018. As of today, the train is one of two losing its full dining-car service. TRAINS: David Lassen TOLEDO, Ohio — Amtrak employee unions are calling on the passenger railroad to reinstate full dining-car service on two routes between the East Coast and Chicago, saying […]
After meeting with Amtrak CEO, head of passenger group says long-distance trains ‘not in crosshairs’ NEWSWIRE
An Amtrak coach attendant helps a mother and child aboard the Coast Starlight at Albany, Ore., on Aug. 27, 2013. Bob Johnston WASHINGTON — In a meeting last week, Amtrak President and CEO Richard Anderson told the head of the Rail Passengers Association that the company “will continue to operate, and even selectively upgrade, what […]
Man charged in Amtrak case asks to change plea to guilty NEWSWIRE
LINCOLN, Neb. — The man facing terrorism charges after stopping Amtrak’s California Zephyr last fall has asked to change his plea to guilty, the Omaha World-Herald reports. Taylor Wilson, 26, is scheduled to face trial in June on two charges of terrorism against a mass transportation after the incident last Oct. 22 when, as a […]
Former Amtrak president questions motives of current management NEWSWIRE
Joe Boardman stands with passenger rail supporters in Raton, N.M., in 2014. Bob Johnston ROME, N.Y. – “I’ve seen enough. I’ve heard enough,” explains former Amtrak President Joseph Boardman. Trains News Wire asked Boardman what prompted an email he sent early Tuesday and subsequently forwarded to elected officials throughout the country. “This is beyond common […]
Amtrak ‘City of New Orleans’ gets a new stop NEWSWIRE
MARKS, Miss. – Effective this weekend, Amtrak City of New Orleans trains will stop daily at a new station in Marks, Miss., on the Chicago-New Orleans route made famous in a song by Steve Goodman and recorded by Arlo Guthrie and many others. Service in both directions is effective tomorrow, May 5, with a ribbon-cutting […]
Amtrak to eliminate 15 station agents on long-distance routes NEWSWIRE
The Crescent stops at Meridian, Miss., a station that is about to lose its agent. Bob Johnston WASHINGTON — In another cost-cutting move, “made jointly by the operating divisions and the Long Distance Service Line,” says spokesman Marc Magliari, Amtrak will eliminate ticket agents at 15 stations serving seven long distance routes as early as […]
Private car owners disappointed by new Amtrak policies NEWSWIRE
Private cars bring up the rear on the westbound California Zephyr at Hinsdale, Ill. TRAINS: David Lassen WASHINGTON — Some private car owners say Amtrak’s new tariff rates and restrictions will make business more challenging and expensive, but at least they now have a written policy to work with. Amtrak announced an increase in tariffs […]
Updated: Cold-meal service coming to ‘Capitol,’ ‘Lake Shore Limited’ NEWSWIRE
The westbound Capitol Limited passes through Goshen, Ind., on March 24, 2018. The train is one of two which will offer cold-meal service for sleeping car passengers beginning June 1. TRAINS: David Lassen WASHINGTON — For sleeping car passengers on two Amtrak routes between Chicago and the East Coast, it appears dining innovation is a […]
Dome car trips on Amtrak to benefit Norfolk & Western 611 NEWSWIRE
Moonlight Dome will run several trips on Amtrak to support Norfolk & Western No. 611. Adam Auxier WASHINGTON — The Virginia Museum of Transportation will operate a series of private railcar trips utilizing a rare Baltimore & Ohio dome behind Amtrak trains beginning April 28 and 29. These trips are fundraising events for Norfolk & […]
UPDATED: New Amtrak guidelines add details on private-car, special-train moves NEWSWIRE
Two private cars bring up the rear on the westbound California Zephyr at Hinsdale, Ill, on June 24, 2016. TRAINS: David Lassen WASHINGTON — New Amtrak guidelines on special trains and private cars issued Wednesday provide a few exceptions from its original plan — to only allow private car moves between a train’s originating and […]