WASHINGTON — A group evaluating Amtrak food and beverage service says improving service will hinge on first fixing “systems … behind the scenes” that impact that service nationwide. The Food and Beverage Working Group was created by Congress as part of 2021’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to evaluate the onboard food and beverage operation, a key […]
Railroad: Amtrak
Martinez Amtrak station remains closed
MARTINEZ, Calif. — The Amtrak station in Martinez, Calif., remains closed this weekend as a result of a mercury spill discovered on Monday, with the source of the spill still a mystery to authorities. KTVU-TV reports that Contra Costa County health officials said Friday they are making progress in cleaning up the spill, discovered by […]
Portal Bridge issues resolved, NJ Transit reports
KEARNY, N.J. — Repair work at the Portal Bridge has been completed, NJ Transit reports in an update on its website, ending signal issues that disrupted operations for Amtrak and the commuter agency since Thursday. The NJ Transit update says its trains are operating at or near normal schedules today (Saturday, May 13). Regular operations […]
Issues at Portal Bridge to continue into weekend for NJ Transit, Amtrak
KEARNY, N.J. — Operational problems caused by signal issues at New Jersey’s Portal Bridge will continue into the weekend for Amtrak and NJ Transit, although the lighter weekend schedules for both mean fewer schedule changes are planned. NJ Transit plans to resume normal commuter rail operations on Saturday and Sunday. Its trains may still be […]
Five Amtrak maintenance workers hurt in Boston incident (updated)
BOSTON — Five members of an Amtrak maintenance-of-way crew have been taken to a hospital following an incident at a Boston rail yard Friday morning, WXFT-TV reports. The injuries are non-life-threatening, Amtrak said in a statement. The incident occurred about 4:30 a.m. at the Readville commuter rail station in Boston’s Hyde Park neighborhood, about 8 […]
Problems at Portal Bridge disrupt Amtrak, NJ Transit service
NEW YORK — Amtrak and NJ Transit are experiencing major service issues today as a result of problems that began Thursday at the infamous Portal Bridge in Kearney, N.J. An Amtrak advisory issued Thursday afternoon says all trains traveling between New York and Newark are experiencing delays because of signal issues at the bridge. All […]
Jackson, Mich., station to receive historical markers
JACKSON, Mich. — Jackson’s Amtrak station, said to be the oldest continuously operating rail passenger station in the United States, is about to receive additional historical recognition. The news site Mlive.com reports ceremonies this Saturday, May 13, will place two sets Michigan historical markers at the building to note its role in the Underground Railroad, […]
Amtrak reaches settlement with freight customers on Harrisburg Line
WASHINGTON – Amtrak has reached a settlement in principle with two freight customers in Pennsylvania who had asked federal regulators to prevent the loss of rail service during a six-week track project. Amtrak told federal regulators on May 10 that it had reached a confidential settlement with Esbenshade and the Wenger Group, which operate feed […]
Martinez mercury spill larger than first realized; station still closed
MARTINEZ, Calif. — A mercury spill at the Martinez Amtrak station has led to a health advisory for the city’s downtown after the spill area was discovered to be larger than originally realized. KPIX-TV reports that by Tuesday afternoon, traces of Mercury had been found in a five-block area, according to county agency Contra Costa Health. […]
Amtrak preparing procurement plans for new maintenance facilities
WASHINGTON — Amtrak is preparing plans for new maintenance facilities in Seattle, Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C., and is providing advance notice of its procurement plans to allow companies time to prepare bids for those projects. The facilities will handle maintenance, repairs, inspections, and cleaning for new Acela, Airo, and long-distance equipment. Each […]
Early short Amtrak consists
On May 1st, 1971, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, or Amtrak, was formed. On this 52nd anniversary, I thought we should take a look at small Amtrak trains from the start. If you want to learn about how to model modern short Amtrak consists, check out my previous article. Instead of focusing on two individual […]
Amtrak station in Martinez, Calif., closed by mercury spill
MARTINEZ, Calif. — The Amtrak station in Martinez has been closed after a mercury spill was discovered in the station’s parking lot, Bay City News Service reports. Hazardous material teams responded to a reported spill at the station about 5:45 p.m. Monday evening, Contra Costa Health reported. The scene was eventually cleared, but the station […]