A Saturday update on rail developments stemming from the coronavirus pandemic:
— Amtrak will introduce significant cuts to Northeast Corridor service effective Monday, March 16, operating on its Saturday schedule seven days a week through at least March 29, the company has announced. As an example of the degree of cuts involved, the regular weekday southbound New York-Washington schedule includes at least 40 trains, with 17 Acela Express departures. (Additional trains run on select days.). The Saturday southbound schedule between the two cities includes 27 trains, with just four Acela Express departures. Amtrak had previously announced suspension of three Acela trains and trimmed its Keystone Service between New York and Harrisburg, Pa.
— VIA Rail Canada has suspended operation of its two overnight trains — the flagship Canadian between Toronto and Vancouver, British Columbia, and the Montreal-Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ocean — until at least Friday, March 27. Friday’s departure of the Ocean from Halifax had left when the decision was made and was allowed to continue to Montreal. Friday night’s departure from Montreal, and Friday’s scheduled departure of the Canadian from Vancouver, were cancelled. “This exceptional preventive measure was made to help minimize the risk of contamination to the best of our ability. The government’s recommendations on social distancing and travel limitations is in line with our Illness Control Plan, which is focused on the health and safety of our passengers and employees,” VIA CEO Cynthia Garneau said in a press release.
— Washington D.C.’s Metro has become the first U.S. transit system to announce service cuts because of the Covid-19 virus. Beginning Monday, trains will operate on 12-minute headways Monday through Saturday and on 15-minute headways on Sunday. Normally, trains run as frequently as every four minutes during the morning and evening rush hours. Metro said schedule will remain in effect until further notice.
I was thinking similarly. There maybe time to do maintain projects in this window of opportunity. Take the covid lemon and make lemonade. Cheers
Curtis, an interesting suggestion.
Perhaps now is the time to attempt serious work on the Hudson River tunnels.