ATLANTA — Operation of Amtrak’s Crescent has been suspended between Atlanta and New Orleans because of a bridge issue on Norfolk Southern’s main line near Slidell, La. The Amtrak Alerts feed on X.com reported on Monday, Oct. 1, that the southbound Crescent that left New York on Sept. 30 was being terminated in Meridian, Miss., […]
Railroad: Amtrak
California governor signs LOSSAN Corridor legislation
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California’s governor has signed legislation giving the state more authority in managing the LOSSAN Rail Corridor, the route of Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, as well as Metrolink and Coaster commuter trains. SB 1098, sponsored by state Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), allows the state’s secretary of transportation […]
Amtrak Inspector General seeks risks of cost overruns, delays in Baltimore tunnel project
WASHINGTON — Amtrak is increasing the risk of cost overruns and schedule delays on Baltimore’s Frederick Douglass Tunnel project because it has not completed all necessary planning as the start of major construction approaches, the Amtrak Office of Inspector General says in a report released Tuesday, Oct. 1. Major construction is slated to begin this […]
Herrmann named as Amtrak’s general counsel
WASHINGTON — Amtrak has named Byl Herrmann as execute vice president and general counsel, responsible for the long-term priorities and annual operating plan for the company’s legal department. “Byl has helped guide the evolution of Amtrak’s Law department and corporate development over many decades and brings a comprehensive and deep knowledge of all facets of […]
Once-in-a-generation floods hit North Carolina mountain railroads (additional update)
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Communities along the former Southern Railway and Clinchfield Railroad in western North Carolina have seen record-setting rainfalls in the days prior to Hurricane Helene. Now, tropical weather is pouring additional rainfall into the area, creating what local meteorologists are calling a once-in-a-generation storm. Places along NS’ former Southern S-Line on the French […]
From the Cab: Amtrak calendar paintings
Gil Reid’s prized Auto Train watercolor Wall calendars have always been an effective business advertising tool, and some of the most memorable and collectable have been products of the public relations departments of America’s railroads. Anxious to make establish the branding of its role as the newly formed National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak began producing […]
Siemens, Alstom share plans for North American passenger equipment and high speed worldwide
BERLIN — InnoTrans provides the opportunity for the world’s railway operators to meet the leading train manufacturers in one place, and this works for the media, as well. Trains News Wire has spoken to the two leading European train builders who also are very active in North America at the show in the last two […]
Railroads prepare for tropical storm threat in Southeast (updated)
TAMPA, Fla. — After an unusual lull in hurricane activity in August and September, railroads are monitoring a new tropical disturbance that will make landfall around Tallahassee, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 26, likely as a Category 2 or 3 hurricane. “CSX is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Helene, which is projected to intensify to hurricane strength […]
Amtrak conductors ratify new contract
WASHINGTON — Amtrak conductors and assistant conductors have approved a new seven-year contract agreement by a three-to-one margin, the union representing those more than 2,100 workers has announced. “Our members are a major part of the experience passengers have aboard Amtrak,” said Jeremy Ferguson, president of the Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation […]
Amtrak combines Capitol Limited, Silver Star to create the new Floridian (updated)
WASHINGTON — Amtrak is temporarily combining the Capitol Limited and Silver Star trains to create the new Floridian. Amtrak says the change is due to the upcoming East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project in New York. During this project, one tunnel tube will be closed at a time, minimizing service impacts, maximizing construction access and modernizing the tunnel infrastructure to […]
Amtrak passenger train names: A legacy unfolds
Amtrak has honored past passenger trains over the years by inheriting their names. How many are in service today and how close — or far — do they follow the original routes? Auto Train Eugene K. Garfield’s Auto-Train carried passengers and their automobiles over the former Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac and Seaboard Coast Line railroads […]
Take Amtrak to see a model railroad
If you’re like me and enjoy riding Amtrak, but also enjoy model railroading, you’ve likely asked yourself “can I take Amtrak to see a model railroad?” The answer is yes! Four model railroads call Amtrak stations their home Durand Union Station Model Railroad Engineers Inc. Durand Union Station 200 Railroad Street Durand, Mich. 48429 […]