Amtrak sued over lease of retired locomotives NEWSWIRE

HHP8_Lawsuit_Murray

Nine decommissioned HHP-8 locomotives cross a highway in Bear, Del., in an March 27, 2017, work-train move from Amtrak facilities in Bear to the company’s Wilmington, Del., shops. Amtrak is being sued over the lease contracts for eight of its 15 HHP-8s. Michael S. Murray NEW YORK — Two investment groups are suing Amtrak over […]

Read More…

Amtrak worker dies in yard accident (updated) NEWSWIRE

CHICAGO — An Amtrak worker has died in an industrial accident at the passenger railroad’s yard south of Chicago Union Station. CBS-2 Chicago reports that the accident happened on Saturday. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office said the worker, whose identity has not been released, died of multiple blunt-force injuries. No other injuries were reported; […]

Read More…

House subcommitee to hold hearing on Amtrak NEWSWIRE

Trains_Washington_Watch

WASHINGTON — A hearing Wednesday to be held by the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials is expected to provide a forum for state operating authorities, unions, and the Rail Passengers Association to directly air concerns to lawmakers about the way current Amtrak management conducts its business. “Amtrak Now and Into the Future […]

Read More…

Amtrak sets ridership record in 2019, aims for more services in 2021 NEWSWIRE

Amtrak2020

Eastbound train No. 162, left, meets Acela Express No. 2253 at Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme, Conn., in March 2015. Amtrak hopes to add a fourth service level in 2021 when additional Acela equipment is available. Robert A. LaMay WASHINGTON – Amtrak announced another ridership record in Fiscal Year 2019, providing 32.5 million […]

Read More…

Burlington, Vt., council hears opposition to plans preparing for Amtrak service NEWSWIRE

Ethan_Allen_Hartley

Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express departs Rutland, Vt., in September 2013. Burlington, Vt., residents are expressing concerns over preparations to handle trains in their city when the Ethan Allen is extended from Rutland to Burlington. Scott A. Hartley BURLINGTON, Vt. — Burlington’s city council is requesting more information from Vermont’s Agency of Transportation about projects related […]

Read More…

Wisconsin legislative committee approves funds for ‘Hiawatha’ equipment NEWSWIRE

Hiawatha_equipment_Johnston

A former F40 locomotive converted to a cab car leads a southbound Hiawatha through the Techny interlocking in Northbrook, Ill., on May 23, 2019. Tracks diverging in foreground are used by Canadian Pacific for trains to or from Bensenville Yard west of Chicago. CP won’t allow more round trips until more tracks are added in […]

Read More…

Weather hampering Amtrak operations in Northeast NEWSWIRE

Amtrak2

NEW YORK — Amtrak is cancelling some trains and operating a modified schedule with others this afternoon as a result of “severe weather issues in the Northeast,” the passenger railroad says in an advisory on its website. Cancelled trains are: — Boston-New York Acela Express No. 2190; — Empire Service trains 280 (Niagara Falls-New York) and […]

Read More…

Amtrak Thanksgiving plans won’t include extra Michigan trains NEWSWIRE

Amtrak_Thanksgiving_1_Johnston

Thanksgiving-weekend travelers line the Holland, Mich., platform on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, for an extra Chicago-bound Pere Marquette.   Bob Johnston Passengers grouped by departure snake through Chicago Union Station’s Great Hall on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in 2018. Bob Johnston CHICAGO — Amtrak has touted more Midwest coach capacity out of the Windy City […]

Read More…

Predmore named to Amtrak safety position NEWSWIRE

Amtrak2

WASHINGTON — Steve Predmore has become the latest executive with an aviation background to join Amtrak, joining the passenger railroad as executive vice president and chief safety officer. Predmore will join Amtrak on Nov. 4, reporting to Stephen Gardner, senior executive vice president and chief operating and commercial officer. Predmore has most recently been vice […]

Read More…

Illinois city manager indicted over Amtrak lobbying effort NEWSWIRE

Amtrak_LakeForest_Lassen

Amtrak’s westbound Empire Builder passes the Metra Milwaukee North line station in Lake Forest, Ill., on June 2, 2019. Lake Forest’s former city manager has been indicted as a result of his efforts to bring an Amtrak stop to the community. TRAINS: David Lassen LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The former city manager of Lake Forest […]

Read More…

Illinois senator responds to report on cost of Amtrak on-time problems NEWSWIRE

Trains_Washington_Watch

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) is calling for freight railroads to do more to improve Amtrak on-time performance, indicating to Amtrak and the Federal Railroad Administration his interest in working with the passenger railroad and federal agency on the issue. Durbin sent letters to Amtrak and the FRA in response to a report […]

Read More…

‘Save the Southwest Chief’ rally gains support in Lamy, N.M. NEWSWIRE

Amtrak Southwest Chief rally Lamy, New Mexico, 2019 by Thomas Scalf

New Mexico U.S. Senate Candidate Maggie Toulouse Oliver speaks of the importance of rail transportation and the influence of train travel in her life growing up.  Thomas Scalf LAMY, N.M. — The New Mexico Rail Passengers Coalition held a rally at the old depot in Lamy, N.M. to Save the Southwest Chief. Fifty people gathered in […]

Read More…