Sunday afternoon weather-related rail news:
Amtrak to modify, cancel Northeast Corridor service for Monday
Amtrak, in keeping with recent practice, is canceling or modifying schedules in the Northeast in anticipation of a winter storm. A notice on the passenger railroad’s website says all Acela service is cancelled, as is the New York-Pittsburgh Pennsylvanian. Northeast Regional and Keystone Service will operate on a limited schedule, while Empire Service will operate on a modified schedule. For more information, visit Amtrak.com, use the Amtrak smartphone app, or follow @AmtrakNECAlerts and @AmtrakAlerts on Twitter.
With storm approaching, MTA, NJ Transit, SEPTA make service changes
Several transit agencies have announced service changes or suspensions for Monday:
— New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority has announced service adjustments for the Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road because of the approaching storm, and warns of possible impact on the more than 220 miles of exposed track on the New York City Subway and Staten Island Railway. Metro-North trains are scheduled to end operation early on Monday night, while the Long Island will run a weekend schedule Monday and Tuesday. Some subway equipment will be stored underground, affecting lines with express service. More information is available here.
— NJ Transit will suspend all rail, light rail, and bus service Monday, except for its Atlanta City Line commuter rail service. The agency said it was making the move “out of an abundance of caution for NJ Transit customers and employees.” More information is available here.
— WPVI-TV reports that the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority does not currently plan changes to its Regional Rail or Norristown High-Speed Line schedules, but such changes are possible if conditions warrant. The agency was planning to keep its City Trolley Tunnel operating overnight to allow a transit option protected from the weather. The tunnel has been closed overnight for maintenannce.
Surfliner, Starlight service suspended because of storm damage
Amtrak service between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, Calif., has been suspended until further notice because of storm damage on the Union Pacific line along the Pacific Coast. Pacific Surfliners that normally serve San Luis Obispo will originate or terminate in Santa Barbara today and Monday, with a bus connection provided. Watch the Pacific Surfliner website for updates. Coast Starlight service is also being affected; contract Amtrak or watch the Amtrak Alerts Twitter feed for further information.
