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[CNJRoss]

WZZM-TV, Grand Rapids, MI, 4/20:
 

Amtrak: New train schedule allows more time in Chicago

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) -- Amtrak has released its new schedule for the route between Grand Rapids and Chicago.

 

The Pere Marquette will now leave from Grand Rapids at 6 a.m. and arrive in Chicago a little after 9 a.m. local time. It will leave from Chicago at 6:30 p.m. and get back to Grand Rapids at 11:40 p.m.

 

Continue here.

[CNJRoss]

Amtrak news release, 4/20:

 

 

NEW AMTRAK PERE MARQUETTE TRAIN SCHEDULE
More time in Chicago, more jobs for Michigan, starting next month

CHICAGO – A new schedule for the Amtrak Pere Marquette will make it more convenient for passengers to attend sports, music and theatre events in Chicago and result in eight to 10 jobs being based in Grand Rapids, Mich.,effective May 4. The new schedule (attached) also improves connections with other Amtrak trains.

 

The current schedule allows a six-hour day in Chicago and was crafted for Chicago-based crew cycles. Last year’s opening of the Vernon J. Ehlers Station allowed for the creation of a crew base in downtown Grand Rapids and a nine-hour day for passengers to work or play in Chicago.
Amtrak employed 237 Michigan residents last year, with total wages of $19.5 million. Goods and services purchased in Michigan by Amtrak totaled $17.3 million in 2014.

 

All Amtrak service in Michigan is operated under a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

 

 

Michigan Service Schedule (eff. May 4, 2015)

[KevinKorell]

PR people will work to tout the positives.  But who is touting the negatives?  That is where I come in.

 

That nine hours in Chicago might be better for making connections, but it makes travel to Grand Rapids useless, reducing the equipment dwell time to 6-1/2 hours at GRR.  That means getting in at 11:30 PM and departing 6 AM. One would need to spend 2 overnights to accomplish anything in the area other than sleeping.