6 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Amtrak Preparing for Pending Winter Storm

 

Preparations underway throughout Northeast Corridor

 

January 25, 2015

5:45 p.m. ET

 

Amtrak forces are preparing for the potential of a highly disruptive winter storm to impact the Northeast Corridor during the early part of the coming week. With extreme conditions expected in some areas over the next 24 to 36 hours, crews are actively monitoring the latest forecasts and planning for the possibility that service adjustments may be necessary.

 

Amtrak is planning to operate a normal Monday schedule, but may re-evaluate as conditions warrant.

 

Announcements about service changes will be made as far in advance as possible, but passengers holding reservations for travel late Monday and early Tuesday are strongly encouraged to keep a close eye on conditions and make any necessary changes in advance of their scheduled departure.

 

A wide range of tools are available to assist with travel planning including Amtrak.com, the Amtrak mobile apps (available for iPhone, Android & Windows phones) and 1-800-USA-RAIL.

 

Following is a summary of major preparation activities already underway:

 

Equipment Positioning – To more quickly respond to potential problems, diesel locomotives and on-track maintenance equipment are strategically positioned in designated locations along the Northeast Corridor. Should downed trees or limbs disable the overhead electrical system, diesel power can help move trains when it is safe to do so, and on-track equipment can be dispatched to make any necessary infrastructure repairs.

 

Tree Trimming Crews – To supplement standard coverage, independent contractors are on standby to quickly respond to reports of trees or limbs down along the right-of-way, which could damage the overhead electrical system or prevent safe passage of trains. Amtrak engages in a regular year-round tree trimming program to proactively minimize such impacts.

 

Additional Staffing – Mechanical, engineering and operations forces are mobilizing additional crews to ensure safe and efficient operation of the railroad. Additional on-board staff are also on standby and ready to respond should a re-crewing need arise.

 

Amtrak’s top priority is the safety of our passengers, employees and the traveling public. Anyone planning to travel during the storm is urged to allow extra time and be extremely careful in and around stations, on platforms and on-board trains.

 

Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.

 

Passengers with travel plans can confirm their train's status, change their plans or review refund information using a range of tools – including Amtrak.com, smartphone apps or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Service Alerts, Passenger Notices and other announcements are posted at Amtrak.com/alerts.

 

To be notified of service disruptions on the Northeast Corridor (including Acela Express, Northeast Regional and other corridor services), follow @AmtrakNEC on Twitter.

 

[KevinKorell]

 

Amtrak Modifies NEC Schedule for Remainder of Monday, Jan.26

Jan. 26, 2015
1:25 p.m. ET

 

Due to the winter storm forecast to impact the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak will operate a modified schedule for the remainder of Monday, Jan. 26.

Acela Express and Northeast Regional service will operate between Boston and Washington; however, passengers should expect reduced frequencies, mainly north of New York.

 

Corridor services, including Keystone Service (New York – Harrisburg, Pa.), Empire Service (New York – Albany, N.Y.), Amtrak Downeaster (Brunswick, Maine – Boston) and the Springfield Shuttle (New Haven, Conn. – Springfield, Mass.), will operate as scheduled.

 

Passengers holding reservations that require modification are being accommodated on other trains and proactively notified by Amtrak Customer Service. A range of tools, including Amtrak.com, smartphone apps and 1-800-USA-RAIL, are available to assist in travel planning.

 

Amtrak is actively monitoring this severe winter storm and will provide an update on Tuesday’s service later today.

 

To prepare and respond to this severe winter storm, Amtrak has added additional mechanical, engineering and operational forces, positioned diesel locomotives and on-track maintenance equipment, and added tree trimming crews to quickly respond to potential problems.

 

Amtrak’s top priority is the safety of our passengers, employees and the traveling public. Anyone planning to travel during the storm is urged to allow extra time and be extremely careful in and around stations, on platforms and on-board trains.

 

Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.

 

Passengers with travel plans can confirm their train's status, change their plans or review refund information using a range of tools – including http://Amtrak.com/  , smartphone apps or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Service Alerts, Passenger Notices and other announcements are posted at Amtrak.com/alerts.

 

To be notified of service disruptions on the Northeast Corridor (including Acela Express, Northeast Regional and other corridor services), follow @AmtrakNEC on Twitter.

 

[KevinKorell]

And Amtrak's dominoes continue to fall.....

 

Amtrak Suspends Service in the New England Region on Tuesday, Jan. 27

 

Reduced schedule offered south of New York

 

Jan. 26, 2015
6 p.m. ET

 

Due to the severe winter storm that is impacting the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak has suspended Northeast Regional and Acela Express service between New York and Boston on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

 

In addition, Empire Service (New York – Albany-Rensselaer, N.Y.), Amtrak Downeaster (Brunswick, Maine – Boston), Vermonter (Washington – St. Albans, Vt.) and the Springfield line (New Haven, Conn. – Springfield, Mass.), are all suspended, as well as Lake Shore Limited service between New York and Albany-Rensselaer, N.Y., and Boston and Albany-Rensselaer, N.Y., only.

 

Acela Express and Northeast Regional trains between New York and Washington, and Keystone Service (New York – Harrisburg, Pa.) will operate at reduced frequencies.

 

Passengers holding reservations that require modification are being accommodated on other trains and proactively notified by Amtrak Customer Service. A range of tools, including Amtrak.com, smartphone apps and 1-800-USA-RAIL, are available to assist in travel planning.

 

Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.

Passengers with travel plans can confirm their train's status, change their plans or review refund information using a range of tools – including Amtrak.com, smartphone apps or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Service Alerts, Passenger Notices and other announcements are posted at Amtrak.com/alerts.

 

To be notified of service disruptions on the Northeast Corridor (including Acela Express, Northeast Regional and other corridor services), follow @AmtrakNEC on Twitter.
 

# # #

[KevinKorell]

From Amtrak Downeaster site:

 

 

PRIORITY ALERT: Severe Winter Weather - all trains cancelled Tuesday January 27

 

A blizzard is forecast for most of the Downeaster service area from 10pm Monday, January 26 to 4am Wednesday January 28 - with safety of our passengers and crews the utmost importance, we have cancelled all trains for Tuesday. We anticipate to resume normal service Wednesday January 28. We will continue to update the status of the railroad here on our website.

 

[KevinKorell]

 

UPDATE: Amtrak Resumes Limited Service Between New York & Albany

New York to Boston service remains suspended due to winter storm

 

 

January 27, 2015
9:50 a.m. EST

 

As weather conditions slowly improve in the Northeast, Amtrak is resuming limited operation of the Empire Service between New York and Albany. The Lake Shore Limited (Chicago – New York/Boston) will now operate between New York and Chicago but connecting service to and from Boston remains suspended.

 

Amtrak Northeast Regional and Acela Express services continue to operate on a reduced schedule between New York and Washington. Service remains suspended between New York and Boston, as well as the Amtrak Downeaster (Brunswick, Maine – Boston), Vermonter (Washington – St. Albans, Vt.) and the Springfield Shuttle (New Haven, Conn. – Springfield, Mass.).

 

Keystone Service (New York – Harrisburg, Penn.) is operating between Harrisburg and Philadelphia with reduced frequencies.

 

Most Virginia trains are in service, but will not operate north of New York. Virginia service Train 84 (Richmond, Va. -- New York) and Train 93 (Boston -- Richmond, Va.) are suspended today. Train 174 (Norfolk, Va.-- Boston) and Train 125 (Boston -- Norfolk, Va.) will operate only to/from Philadelphia and Train 95 (Boston -- Newport News, Va.) will originate in Washington. All other Virginia service will originate or terminate in New York.

 

Passengers are encouraged to confirm train status before traveling to the station. Amtrak is monitoring the weather situation and will continue to modify service as appropriate. Additional announcements will be made as information warrants.

 

Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.

 

Passengers with travel plans can confirm their train's status, change their plans or review refund information using a range of tools – including Amtrak.com, smartphone apps or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Service Alerts, Passenger Notices and other announcements are posted at Amtrak.com/alerts.

 

To be notified of service disruptions on the Northeast Corridor (including Acela Express, Northeast Regional and other corridor services), follow @AmtrakNEC on Twitter.

[CNJRoss]

Amtrak to Resume Service to Boston Wednesday

Limited service restored following winter storm

January 27, 2015

7:10 p.m. ET

 

Amtrak will resume operation of Acela Express and Northeast Regional trains on a modified schedule with reduced frequencies between New York and Boston on Wednesday, January 28. A full schedule of trains will operate between New York and Washington.

 

Empire Service (Albany – New York), Vermonter (St. Albans, Vt. – Washington) and Keystone Service (Harrisburg, Pa. – New York) trains will operate on their normal schedules. The Lake Shore Limited (Chicago – New York/Boston) will operate normally. The Springfield Shuttle (New Haven, Conn. – Springfield, Mass.) will operate on a modified schedule with some reduced frequencies.

 

Limited Amtrak Downeaster (Brunswick, Maine – Boston) service will be available. Train 684 will depart Portland at 12:45 p.m. and Train 685 will depart Boston North Station at 5:00 p.m.

 

Virginia service will operate normally, although Trains 95 & 171 will originate in New York rather than Boston. Train 174 will terminate in New York.

 

Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.

Passengers with travel plans can confirm their train's status, change their plans or review refund information using a range of tools – including Amtrak.com, smartphone apps or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Service Alerts, Passenger Notices and other announcements are posted at Amtrak.com/alerts.

[KevinKorell]

Amtrak Northeast Corridor Operations Return to Normal Thursday

January 28, 2015
1:15 p.m. EST


Amtrak Acela Express and Northeast Regional services return to normal on Thursday, January 29, with a full schedule of trains between Washington, New York and Boston following this week’s winter storm.


All corridor and connecting services will operate normally as well.
Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.


Passengers with travel plans can confirm their train's status, change their plans or review refund information using a range of tools – including Amtrak.com, smartphone apps or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Service Alerts, Passenger Notices and other announcements are posted at Amtrak.com/alerts.



To be notified of service disruptions on the Northeast Corridor (including Acela Express, Northeast Regional and other corridor services), follow @AmtrakNEC on Twitter.