More Tuesday morning rail news:
[TRAINS: David Lassen]
Union Pacific will pay a one-time $1,000 bonus to its union employees who have worked at least 30 days during the COVID-19 pandemic, the railroad has announced. “While many fellow citizens were sheltering in place, our craft professionals rolled
up their sleeves and answered the nation’s call during one of its greatest times of need,” CEO Lance Fritz said in a press release announcing the move. “The pivotal role these essential employees play delivering critical supplies and keeping the economy open cannot be emphasized enough. This recognition reflects how notable their efforts are and how much their great work is appreciated.”
Pending union approval, all current agreement employees — including those furloughed — who worked at least 30 days between March 1 and Nov. 30, 2020, will be eligible to receive the bonus. As of September, UP had about 27,000 union employees.
Amtrak reminds passengers to book early for Thanksgiving in light of travel changes
Amtrak is advising passengers to book tickets early and be aware of changes to rail travel because of the COVID-19 pandemic as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. Available seats have been limited — currently to 50% of actual seating capacity — to allow for social distancing; signage has been added at the busiest stations to indicate safe distancing in high-traffic areas; and a capacity indicator has been added to the ticketing portions of Amtrak’s website and smartphone apps to provide information on which trains are less crowded. The company is also advising passengers to arrive at least 30 minutes before train departure, 60 minutes if in need of ticketing or baggage assistance. Face coverings are required in stations and aboard trains. More information, including details of Amtrak’s cleaning and air quality measures, is available at the Amtrak website.
