Amtrak NextGen Acela debut set for Aug. 28

WASHINGTON — Amtrak announced today that the first five Next Generation Acela trainsets will begin operating over its Boston-Washington Northeast Corridor on Thursday, Aug. 28. Information regarding which departures will be new Acelas and when they can be booked was not initially revealed. “As the official launch date approaches, customers should look for more information […]

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Kato HO scale GE P42

Color photo showing front of modern streamlined HO scale passenger diesel painted red, silver, and black with red, blue, black, and yellow graphics on white background

Kato HO scale GE P42 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current models, $210 to $220; with pre-installed ESU LokSound sound decoder, $398 to $420 Era: 1996 to present (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Kato USA Inc., 100 Remington Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173; 847-781-9500; katousa.com Kato HO scale GE P42 features: Both trucks have coreless motor, […]

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California Zephyr’s many plusses impacted by staffing: Amtrak trip report

Passenger train under cloudy skies.

CHICAGO — A text and email alert received overnight by passengers ticketed on Amtrak’s eastbound California Zephyr departing Denver Monday, July 28, warned, “Train 6 will have reduced seating capacity due to unplanned equipment maintenance needs. Passengers may have difficulty finding seats. Passengers are encouraged to rebook travel if possible. We apologize for any inconvenience.” […]

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New boarding platform opens at Washington Union Station

Train at wide concrete platform at station

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has opened a new track and platform at Washington Union Station, expanding the facility’s capacity. Track 22, on the station’s lower level, previously was a storage track with no passenger access. It will primarily serve Virginia Railway Express commuter trains, as well as Amtrak long distance and Virginia trains. The project required […]

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STB grants Amtrak request to end Sunset Limited case

Two passenger trains at station at night

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board has granted Amtrak’s request to dismiss the passenger operator’s complaint over handling of the Sunset Limited and close the board’s investigation into the matter. “The Board favors parties coming together to voluntarily resolve disputes whenever possible, and I commend the parties here for finding a mutually satisfactory outcome,” STB […]

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Amtrak overall on-time performance remains below FRA standard

Train in station trainshed

WASHINGTON — None of Amtrak’s three business segments achieved the target of 80% customer on-time performance in the second quarter of 2025, the fourth consecutive quarter that has been the case. The quarterly on-time performance report was released last week by the Federal Railroad Administration. State-supported trains fared best in statistics released by the Federal Railroad […]

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Amtrak names Corneanu as chief financial officer

Man in blue suit

WASHINGTON — Costin Corneanu has been named as Amtrak’s executive vice president, chief financial officer, effective Aug. 4. The Amtrak board approved the appointment today (July 31, 2025). Corneanu will succeed Tracie Winbigler, who will retire on Jan. 1, 2026. Until then, she will remain in her executive vice president role as chief transformation officer. […]

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Bill to support rail electrification reintroduced in Congress

Passenger train led by cab car passes stopped commuter train with locomotive in push mode.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass) and Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) have reintroduced a bill that would devote $200 billion over a five-year period for rail projects including high speed rail and electrification of some lines. The All Aboard Act, announced by Markey on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) revives legislation introduced late in 2024 […]

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Rail Passengers Association expresses concern over UP-NS merger plans

An Amtrak train and a Union Pacific train run parallel to one another

WASHINGTON — The Rail Passengers Association said today it will be “actively involved in protecting the rights of passengers” as the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger is considered by the Surface Transportation Board. Amtrak had no comment on the merger announcement. Neither did commuter rail operator Metra, which has been involved in a lengthy legal and […]

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