Monday morning news on passenger and commuter rail systems affected by the coronavirus outbreak:
— Amtrak has further reduced operations on the Northeast Corridor, leaving about 40% of the normal weekday schedule in operation, the passenger railroad said Sunday afternoon. Also, in its first schedule change outside of the eastern U.S., Amtrak has cancelled the remainder of this year’s Winter Park Express ski train service, reflecting the planned closure of the Winter Park ski area because of the coronavirus. Additional schedule changes are likely; watch Amtrak.com and Amtrak’s smartphone apps for the latest information.
— As of Tuesday, March 17, VIA Rail Canada will reduce service in the Quebec City-Windsor, Ontario, corridor by 50%, and meal service will be modified in line with social distancing guidelines. Additional workers will be added for further sanitization procedures, which may result in trip delays and late departures. Schedule and other details are available on the VIA website.
— New Mexico Rail Runner is suspending service as of today through April 3, becoming the first commuter rail system to shut down completely as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision reflects a directive from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for state agencies to adjust, and in some cases suspend, certain functions to minimize public health risks. “We must take into account that the Rail Runner carries people up and down a 100-mile corridor through central New Mexico every day,” Dewey Cave, Executive Director of the Mid- Region Council of Governments, said in a press release. “It is our hope that by suspending service for at least the duration of the declared state of emergency that we help limit people’s exposure to the public health risk created by COVID-19.” While Rail Runner trains will not be carrying passenger, positive train control testing will continue.
— Metra will waive its $5 handling fee on monthly pass refunds, reflecting the number of customers facing travel and work-from-home restrictions because of the Covid-19 virus. Passes will be refunded on a percentage basis, with no refunds after the 18th day of the month.
Anna Harding: Not only do you need a long soon when you sup with the devil but when you dance with the devil, you best be wearing asbestos underwear.
Buying monthly passes is mostly electronic and doesn’t require human intervention.
Giving out credits or refunds is manual and requires a set of humans to check them for accuracy.
Hence, handling fee.
Mister Reid:
Long tongs. As in, “When you sup with the devil you need a long spoon.”
“Handling fee”?