WASHINGTON — The agencies overseeing state-sponsored Amtrak trains in California have asked Congress to address the national passenger railroad’s method of charging them for operations, focusing new attention on a long-simmering dispute. A Nov. 30 letter by San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Executive Director Stacey Mortenson, obtained by Trains News Wire, urges “that states only […]
Amtrak, Metra propose schedule to STB for Union Station dispute; will provide information on remaining issues Dec. 15 Attorneys for Amtrak and Metra will inform the Surface Transportation Board on Dec. 15 of unresolved issues in their dispute over Metra’s lease at Chicago Union Station under a proposed schedule to address those issues presented to […]
Amtrak, Metra end mediation; Union Station dispute to return to STB Mediation of Amtrak’s dispute with Metra over Metra’s lease at Chicago Union Station has ended with some issues still unresolved. In a letter to the Surface Transportation Board, representatives of STB and Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service said the two parties had met nine […]
Amtrak adds digital payment options Amtrak is adding new digital payment options on Amtrak.com and the Amtrak smartphone apps, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. Each can be used for tickets and other purchases, and can be saved on customer profiles as a preferred payment option. “We know every minute counts for our customers […]
WILMINGTON, Del. — Amtrak, the Delaware Department of Transportation, and the Delaware Transit Corp. have completed a $71.2 million project adding 1.5 miles of third main track on the Northeast Corridor between Wilmington and Newark, Del. The project, which also includes bridge replacement and other improvements, eliminates a two-track section of the corridor. “The completion […]
Tuesday morning rail news: Amtrak to pay $2.25 million, repair stations to meet ADA standards Amtrak will pay $2.25 million to settle claims it discriminated against disabled passengers by failing to accommodate those passengers at its stations. The Washington Post reports the passenger railroad will also fix dozens of stations over the next decade to accommodate people […]
Wednesday morning rail news: New Senate bill would provide virus relief funding for transit, Amtrak Transit systems would receive $15 billion and Amtrak would get $1 billion under a new $908 billion, bipartisan Senate COVID-19 relief proposal introduced Tuesday. Reuters reports that in all, transportation — including airlines, airports, and private buses — would receive $45 billion […]
Tuesday midday rail news: Amtrak lands contract to operate Metrolink trains Southern California commuter rail service Metrolink has awarded Amtrak a new contract to operate its services, effective Jan. 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. As part of the contract, Amtrak provides and manages engineers and conductors to operate Metrolink trains. Amtrak, which was […]
Fourth in a series WILLISTON, N.D. — The eastbound Empire Builder departed Portland, Ore., with a heavy contingent of travelers filling seats in the baggage-coach, mostly going to Pasco and Spokane, Wash. In the Superliner coach ahead, the lower-level seating carried patrons heading to at least a dozen destinations, ranging from Sandpoint, Idaho, to […]
Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn has named Stephen Gardner as president, effective Dec. 1. An Amtrak press release describes the move as “part of a broader set of actions taken under Flynn’s leadership, working with the board of directors, to ensure that Amtrak is well positioned for success in fiscal year 2021 and beyond.” It says […]
NEW YORK — An independent report released Monday contends Amtrak’s Hudson River tunnels can be repaired while the tunnels remain in service, contrary to a longstanding belief that the tunnels cannot be fully refurbished until they can be taken out of service following the construction of the proposed Gateway Project tunnel between New Jersey and […]
WASHINGTON — Amtrak President and CEO Bill Flynn today cautioned the passenger railroad faces cuts with long-term impact without additional funding from Congress. “If the current level of funding is extended in a continuing resolution beyond Dec. 11, 2020, and supplemental funding isn’t provided,” Flynn said during a conference call, “we’re going to be unable […]
