Amtrak’s Borealis reaches 250,000-rider mark

Passenger train led by road-switcher style locomotive

CHICAGO — Amtrak’s Borealis reached the 250,000-passenger milestone during the July 4th holiday weekend, the passenger operator has announced. The train, funded by the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, launched in May 2024. It continues to exceed initial passenger estimates, carring more than 18,500 passengers in its first month and reaching 100,000 riders in […]

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Storm aftermath leads to Amtrak delays on Northeast Corridor

Amtrak logo.

NEW YORK — Amtrak is cautioning passengers that Northeast Corridor operations may experience delays this morning (July 15, 2025) because of heavy rain overnight, while area transit agencies are also recovering from the storm. An Amtrak customer advisory says overnight weather impacts have led to some trainsets arriving later than usual, which may lead to delays […]

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Flooding hits Amtrak’s Keystone Service

Amtrak logo.

LANCASTER, Pa. — Amtrak’s Keystone Service is currently disrupted by flooding, with delays to continue into the evening after some service was suspended between Lancaster, Pa., and Harrisburg, according to the Amtrak NEC social media feed. Amtrak first reported the problem about 3:50 p.m. ET today (July 14, 2025), reporting that service had been suspended […]

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Justice Department and Norfolk Southern near settlement deal in Amtrak Crescent case

Amtrak train at station

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department and Norfolk Southern have reached a settlement in principle regarding the railroad’s handling of Amtrak’s Crescent. Government lawyers disclosed the agreement in a court filing last week, which requested additional time to finalize the settlement. U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson approved the parties’ request for a 60-day extension. […]

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WalthersProto HO Budd 73-foot baggage car

Color photo HO scale baggage car with metal finish and red, white, and blue graphics on white background

WalthersProto HO Budd 73-foot baggage car Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $105.98 Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com WalthersProto HO Budd 73-foot baggage car features: Factory-installed formed-wire grab irons Factory-printed road numbers (two cars per paint scheme) Freestanding roof vents Limited edition, one-time run of these road numbers […]

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Local Texas group to fund Heartland Flyer for a year

Long passenger train two locomotive and bilevel cars

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Heartland Flyer passenger service has received a one-year funding reprieve, thanks to a decision by the federally designated planning organization for the Dallas-Fort Worth area to divert funding from regional highway tolls to cover the Texas portion of the train’s operating grant. The Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas […]

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A few disruptions mar Amtrak’s holiday weekend

Passenger train stopped at station on curve

CHICAGO—Most trains on Amtrak’s capacity-constrained network ran close to on time while handling big passenger loads throughout the Thursday-through-Sunday weekend, although some travelers’ plans were inconvenienced as a result of problems both within and beyond the company’s control. A number of challenges impacted long-distance trains in addition to those News Wire previously outlined [see “Buses […]

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European passenger trains can dazzle or disappoint: Analysis

Every time an acquaintance or travel writer returns from Europe and sets foot on American soil, you’ll hear the same refrain: “Oh, if only we had passenger trains like that.” What they mean, of course, is that Amtrak cannot possibly compare. Not on frequency, not on speed, not on equipment, not on stations, not on […]

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CN derailment in Mississippi leads to fire, evacuations

Canadian National logo

GLENDORA, Miss. — A derailment and fire involving a Canadian National Railway train occurred today (July 5, 2025) in the town of Glendora, with the hazardous materials involved leading to the evacuation of about 200 residents. The Clarksdale Press Register reports Tallahatchie County Emergency Management Agency Director said 13 cars had derailed, with a tank […]

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Buses step in for Amtrak long-distance trains over holiday weekend

CHICAGO — Two planned and two unplanned bus bridges are occurring over the Fourth of July holiday weekend to keep passengers moving on Amtrak’s long-distance network. Coast Starlight equipment will spend the night of July 4-July 5 at Sacramento, Calif., and Klamath Falls, Ore., while Seattle-Los Angeles passengers are bused overnight between the two stops […]

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First runs of Mardi Gras Service sell out quickly

Train of two locomotives and one passenger car stopped on siding

MOBILE, Ala. — It has been a long wait for the launch of Amtrak’s Gulf Coast service. Clearly, some people can’t wait to take a trip. A day after the start date for service was announced and tickets went on sale, the first regular run of Amtrak Mardi Gras Service in each direction on Aug. […]

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Amtrak to provide live stream of upcoming board meeting

Amtrak logo.

WASHINGTON — Amtrak will live stream an upcoming board of directors meeting, set for Thursday, July 31, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET, the company has announced. Those wishing to view the meeting must register in advance on Zoom. There will be no in-person attendance or public question-and-answer session. The company says expected topics […]

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