483 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Regarding cutting back the Maple Leaf and Adirondack, I suspect one reason is the added need for USCBP to check the health of each passenger entering the USA from Canada (or vice versa in Canada), which would be too time consuming. Much as they are doing in the selected international airports.

[BillMagee]

All Keystone service and the Pennsylvanian suspended starting Wednesday, March 18.

 

Updates to Service

March 16, 2020, 6:00 pm ET

While Amtrak continues to operate across the nation, we have adjusted some services due to significantly reduced demand in key markets.

• Northeast Corridor: The Northeast Corridor will be operating approximately 40% of typical weekday schedules. Northeast Regional and Acela service will still operate between Boston, New York, and Washington and Northeast Corridor services that extend into Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, and other states will continue to operate but with some reductions in frequencies for certain markets referenced below.
• Keystone Service: In coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, all Keystone Service is suspended as of Wednesday, March 18, and all Pennsylvanian trains as of Thursday, March 19.
• Amtrak Hartford Line and Valley Flyer: The Amtrak Hartford Line and Valley Flyer Service are operating on a Saturday schedule on a daily basis.
• New York State Service: Starting Tuesday, March 17, all Maple Leaf, Adirondack, Empire Service, and Ethan Allen Express are operating on a reduced schedule, with no service to Canada.
• Cascades: The Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, BC is closed. As a result, Amtrak Cascades service north of Seattle is suspended until further notice. Daily thruway bus service between Seattle, Everett, Mt. Vernon and Bellingham will still operate.
• Amtrak Downeaster: Service is being reduced on a temporary basis between Tuesday, March 17 and Sunday, March 22.
• Winter Park Express: The Winter Park Express is cancelled for the rest of the season. 

Other services may also be impacted as circumstances change and Café service will be suspended on some trains operating between Washington DC and New York City.

[KevinKorell]

Amtrak Downeaster website, an update specific to that corridor:

 

 

 

                                                                                   3/16/20 - COVID-19

 

NNEPRA, in partnership with Amtrak, is closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak.    The Downeaster will operate on a modified schedule.  The situation is evolving, but at this time the following service plan is in place until further notice: 

• Beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Train 688 and Train 689 will be suspended.  All other trains will operate as scheduled.

• Beginning Wednesday, March 18, Train 683 and Train 684 will also be suspended.  All other trains will operate as scheduled. 

• Beginning Saturday, March 21, the Downeaster will operate  the following on weekends: Trains 692, 693, 694 and 695.

Additional changes are anticipated, and passengers should visit Amtrak.com for the most recent information. 

The NNEPRA Team is actively engaged with Amtrak on its efforts, taking action based on guidance from public health experts and reports from collaboration with stakeholders and other transit partners.  Enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented on trains and at Downeaster stations.

 

For more information about measures being taken by Amtrak please visit: https://media.amtrak.com/2020/03/amtrak-takes-active-measures-to-maintain-safe-environment/

 

During this time, passengers may cancel or change their reservations without penalty.

 

To cancel your reservation call 1-800-USA-RAIL. 

 

To modify/change your reservation use the mobile app or visit www.Amtrak.com and click "Modify Trip"

[KevinKorell]

Washington, DC Post, 3/14/20:

 

 

  Amtrak cuts more trains as coronavirus lessens demand  

 

 

 

Amtrak said late Friday it is reducing its service between Washington and Boston by as much as 35 percent starting Monday, as the coronavirus outbreak drastically decreases travel demand.

 

Story

[KevinKorell]

Pittsburgh, PA Tribune, 3/17/20:

 

   Amtrak to suspend Pennsylvania passenger trains 

 

 

Amtrak will suspend its passenger rail service between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia beginning Wednesday and all of its passenger service in Pennsylvania will be shut down as of Thursday because of a reduction in demand for the service, the railroad said.

 

Details

[KevinKorell]

WSYR-TV, Channel 9 in Syracuse, NY, 3/17/20:

 

 

  Buffalo-area person who tested positive for COVID-19 took Amtrak train through Utica and Syracuse 

 

 

As the Erie County Health Department investigates its 11 cases of COVID-19, it’s tracing back where the infected people may have come into contact with others.

 

 

Details

[KevinKorell]

March 18th update:

 

 

Service Adjustments Due to Coronavirus

March 18, 2020, 11:30 am ET

 

While Amtrak continues to operate across the nation, we have adjusted some services due to significantly reduced demand in key markets. The most up-to-date schedules are available when booking your trip on Amtrak.com and in the mobile app.

 

Service Modifications
Reduced schedules

• Northeast Corridor: Operating approximately 40% of typical weekday schedules, including Northeast Regional and Acela service.
• Adirondack (New York – Montreal): No service to Canada
• Amtrak Cascades (Eugene – Vancouver, B.C.): No service to Canada
• Amtrak Hartford Line (New Haven, Conn. – Springfield, Mass.): Operating on a Saturday schedule
• Amtrak Thruway Bus routes
• Downeaster (Boston – Brunswick, Maine)
• Empire Service (New York – Niagara Falls)
• Ethan Allen Express (New York – Rutland, Vermont)
• Hiawatha (Chicago – Milwaukee)
• Maple Leaf (New York – Toronto): No service to Canada
• Valley Flyer (New Haven, Connecticut – Greenfield, Mass.): Operating on a Saturday schedule 
• Wolverine (Chicago – Pontiac)

Canceled services

• Keystone Service (Harrisburg – New York)
• Pennsylvanian trains (New York – Pittsburgh) as of Thursday, March 19
• Pere Marquette (Chicago – Grand Rapids) as of Thursday, March 19 
• Winter Park Express (Denver – Winter Park Resort)

Other services may also be impacted as circumstances change and Café service will be suspended on some trains operating between Washington, DC and New York City.

 

Customers with reservations on trains that are being modified will be contacted and typically be accommodated on trains with similar departure times or another day. 

 

Amtrak is waiving change fees on all existing or new reservations made before April 30, 2020. To change reservations, log in to your account or go to Modify Trip on Amtrak.com, or find your reservation from your account on the home screen in the Amtrak mobile app. A fare difference may apply to your new itinerary. If you want to cancel your reservation, you must call 1-800-USA-RAIL (not available via Amtrak.com or the app). 

[CNJRoss]

CNBC 3/18/20
 

Coronavirus response: US and Canada closing world’s longest border to non-essential traffic, Trump and Trudeau say

 

 

The United States border with Canada will temporarily close to “non-essential traffic” due to the coronavirus pandemic, the leaders of both countries said Wednesday morning.

 

The U.S.-Canada is the world’s longest border between two countries. The closing will affect tourism, but not trade, or workers involved in so-called essential work.

 

Continue here.

[KevinKorell]

WNEM-TV, Channel 3 in Saginaw, MI, 3/18/20:

 

 

  Amtrak modifies schedules in WI, MI to and from Chicago  

 

 

Amtrak Midwest Services changes and modifies schedules for trains in Wisconsin and Michigan that are traveling to Chicago.

 

Read

[CNJRoss]

TrainOrders.com 3/17/20:
 

Several Acela Sets Heading for Storage

 

A total of six so far.  .  .  .

 

Continue here.

 

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