A SunRail train heads north from downtown Orlando. SunRail opens a four-station extension to its route today. TRAINS: David Lassen ORLANDO, Fla. — SunRail, the Orlando-area commuter rail system, will open its four-station, 17.2-mile “Southern Extension” today, expanding the system to 48.9 miles and 16 stations. The four new stations are Poinciana, Kissimmee, Tupperware, and […]
A Southwest Chief route inspection train prepares to leave Newton, Kan. on Aug 4, 2016. Two photos, Bob Johnston The southbound Saluki is more than an hour late passing through Farina, Ill., north of Centralia, Ill., on May 5, 2018. WASHINGTON – Amtrak management’s refusal to provide a $3 million match that would unlock a […]
Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson Amtrak WASHINGTON — Members of the Amtrak Service Workers Council, a coalition of unions representing Amtrak’s on board service employees, say they are frustrated with changes being made at the nation’s passenger railroad. Last week, the council, which includes members represented by Transport Workers Union of America, UNITE-HERE, and the Transportation […]
WASHINGTON — A Federal appeals court ruling Friday will allow Amtrak and the Federal Railroad Administration to revive on-time performance metrics, Politico is reporting. The 2-1 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is the latest ruling in a long-running court battle that has already seen the matter go […]
CHICAGO — After receiving only one response to its request for proposals for new coach cars, Metra said Wednesday it will issue a new RFP that it hopes will be more competitive and attract different, more modern designs. “I think we’ve had about 70 years of service from this design,” Metra Chairman Norm Carlson said […]
Amtrak is adding a hot-meal option to the boxed lunch and dinner choices it offers on the Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited. Bob Johnston WASHINGTON — Amtrak is adding a hot-meal choice to lunch and dinner food service for sleeping-car passengers on the Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited. Beginning this week, slow-braised beef […]
Steve Carter WASHINGTON – Investigators in a two-day hearing covering two recent fatal Amtrak derailments are questioning the safety of Talgo trains involved in one of the derailments. The equipment operates under a Federal Railroad Administration waiver. The derailment in December 2017 killed three and injured more than 60. It occurred on the first Amtrak […]
A Siemens Charger locomotive leads an Amtrak Cascades train over the Chambers Bay bridge in Steilacoom, Wash., on June 26, 2018. The agency which operates the San Diego-area Coaster commuter trains is buying five new Chargers. TRAINS: David Lassen OCEANSIDE, Calif. — The North County Transit District, which operates Coaster commuter trains in the San […]
ROME, N.Y. — Amtrak service to the Rome, N.Y., station has been temporarily suspended after a portion of the station ceiling collapsed on Wednesday afternoon, the Rome Sentinel reports. Only one person was in the station when the ceiling fell in about 3:15 p.m., the newspaper reports, and was not injured. The station has been […]
“We are committed to making your dining service with us even better” says the menu perched on the seat of a westbound Lake Shore Limited roomette, departing Albany-Rensselaer, N.Y. on June 17, 2018. With that as the measuring stick, how does Amtrak’s new pre-prepared, cold-meal service measure up? FULL SCREEN Bob Johnston It was encouraging […]
Amtrak P40s that didn’t make the first cut for rebuilding wait their turn in Bear, Del., on June 7, 2010. Bob Johnston Q Whatever became of Amtrak’s P40s? They were numbered in the 800 series and looked very similar to the P42s in service today. What’s the difference between them? Does Amtrak still have any […]
FULL SCREEN Riverside Investment & Development via Amtrak An artist’s rendering of a Chicago Union Station redevelopment design as viewed from Adams and Canal streets in the city. FULL SCREEN Riverside Investment & Development via Amtrak An artist’s rendering of a Chicago Union Station redevelopment design as viewed during “blue hour” from Canal Street in […]
