Navigating Amtrak’s long-distance network this summer

Passenger train with one locomotive arrives on embankment above station platform

  Finally ready to make that long-postponed train trip? Amtrak’s reservation system, both the www.amtrak.com version and the smartphone app, works reasonably well for travelers on East, Midwest, and West Coast corridors only looking for a coach seat on routes with multiple departures. But for anyone planning a longer trip on trains departing only once […]

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New releases continue CP, CN efforts to gain support for KCS merger bids

Logos for Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, and Kansas City Southern

In Monday morning’s latest installment in the regulatory and public-relations efforts to boost their respective bids for Kansas City Southern, Canadian Pacific and Canadian National have each issued new press release. CP’s cites what it terms “mounting opposition” to the CN-KCS merger proposal, while CN has released an open letter to “the Kansas City Southern […]

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BNSF earnings improve as intermodal and agricultural volume surge

BNSF Railway logo

OMAHA, Neb. — BNSF Railway’s first-quarter, pre-tax profit rose due to a surge in intermodal volume, as retailers sought to keep shelves and warehouses full and consumers’ online purchases boosted parcel shipments. BNSF’s pre-tax profit was up 4.7% to $1.7 billion, as revenue declined 0.4% to $5.2 billion. “The increase principally resulted from increased volume […]

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Restored CNJ steam locomotive to head benefit excursion

Man in cab of steam locomotiveC

MINERSVILLE, Pa. — Restored Central Railroad of New Jersey 0-6-0 No. 113 will head a special excursion on the Reading & Northern from Minersville to Port Clinton, Pa., and return on June 19. This 37-mile round trip trip is a benefit for popular R&N engineer Chris Bost, who is suffering from a nerve disease and […]

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Digest: Amtrak 50th anniversary ticket sale ends Wednesday

Amtrak logo.

Amtrak sale, offering 50% off or $50 for anniversary, ends Wednesday As part of events marking its 50th anniversary, Amtrak is offering a non-refundable “50% off or maximum $50 fare” sale that ends Wednesday, May 5. The offer is good on any train in coach or Acela Business Class for travel between June 2 and […]

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Digest: TSA extends transportation mask requirement through Sept. 13

Masked people wait for train

Mask requirement for trains, planes, transit extended through Sept. 13 The Transportation Security Agency has extended the face mask requirement for public transportation, including trains, commuter operations, and commercial aircraft, through Sept. 13. The requirement,which went into effect Feb. 1,  had been set to expire May 11. “Right now, about half of all adults have […]

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CSX details plans for Pan Am Railways track, locomotives, and service

Train coming around curve

WASHINGTON — CSX Transportation will gradually rebuild Pan Am Railways’ slow main line track, pare its aging locomotive roster, and extend positive train control over the full route of Amtrak’s Downeaster service that links Boston and Maine. CSX detailed its plans for the New England regional in a more detailed merger application filed this week with […]

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