Wednesday afternoon rail news:
— As of Friday, April 24, Amtrak will replace the remaining daily Hiawatha round trip between Chicago and Milwaukee with Thruway Bus service, reflecting the continuing decline of ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Southbound service will be handled by Bus 3332, departing from the Milwaukee Intermodal Station at 7:55 a.m. and arriving at Chicago Union Station at 9:54 a.m. Northbound service will be provided by Bus 3339, originating at Chicago at 5 p.m. and arriving at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station at 6:59 p.m. Reservations will be required to maintain social distancing. The bus substitution will be in effect through Monday, May 25. Up-to-date information on service changes because of the pandemic is available on the Amtrak website.
— May 1 is the entry deadline for “Connections,” the Center for Railroad Photography & Art’s 2020 John E. Gruber Creative Photography Awards Program. Entries are limited to three digitally submitted images per photographer; images must have been taken within the last five years. Prizes are $750 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place; other entries recognized by the judges will receive a one-year subscription to the Center’s magazine, Railroad Heritage. More information is available at the Center’s website.
— Fort Worth, Texas, based American Track has acquired the track inspection, maintenance, and repair group of Savage Transportation Management in Salt Lake City. American Track, formed by Hilltop Private Capital in 2016, operates in 10 U.S. locations to provide rail support services to mines, ports, refineries, manufactures, warehouses, transload facilities, short lines and mainline railroads. More information is available at the company website.
— Canadian Pacific Railway has released a new video, “Proud to be a railroader,” saluting the workers who continue to provide essential service during the coronavirus pandemic. The video is available for viewing here.
