CHICAGO—Most trains on Amtrak’s capacity-constrained network ran close to on time while handling big passenger loads throughout the Thursday-through-Sunday weekend, although some travelers’ plans were inconvenienced as a result of problems both within and beyond the company’s control. A number of challenges impacted long-distance trains in addition to those News Wire previously outlined [see “Buses […]
Every time an acquaintance or travel writer returns from Europe and sets foot on American soil, you’ll hear the same refrain: “Oh, if only we had passenger trains like that.” What they mean, of course, is that Amtrak cannot possibly compare. Not on frequency, not on speed, not on equipment, not on stations, not on […]
GLENDORA, Miss. — A derailment and fire involving a Canadian National Railway train occurred today (July 5, 2025) in the town of Glendora, with the hazardous materials involved leading to the evacuation of about 200 residents. The Clarksdale Press Register reports Tallahatchie County Emergency Management Agency Director said 13 cars had derailed, with a tank […]
CHICAGO — Two planned and two unplanned bus bridges are occurring over the Fourth of July holiday weekend to keep passengers moving on Amtrak’s long-distance network. Coast Starlight equipment will spend the night of July 4-July 5 at Sacramento, Calif., and Klamath Falls, Ore., while Seattle-Los Angeles passengers are bused overnight between the two stops […]
MOBILE, Ala. — It has been a long wait for the launch of Amtrak’s Gulf Coast service. Clearly, some people can’t wait to take a trip. A day after the start date for service was announced and tickets went on sale, the first regular run of Amtrak Mardi Gras Service in each direction on Aug. […]
WASHINGTON — Amtrak will live stream an upcoming board of directors meeting, set for Thursday, July 31, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET, the company has announced. Those wishing to view the meeting must register in advance on Zoom. There will be no in-person attendance or public question-and-answer session. The company says expected topics […]
UNION, Ill. — The Illinois Railway Museum has added two former Amtrak diesels — an F40PHR and SDP40F — to its collection. Dynamic Rail Preservation, or DynaRail, has donated F40PHR No. 231 and SDP40F No. 644. The latter unit went to BNSF where it was known as SDF40-2 No. 6975. No. 231 is one of […]
NEW ORLEANS — Press events held today from Mobile, Ala., to New Orleans have filled in more details on the launch of two daily round trips of Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service, beginning Aug. 18. The start date and other details were announced this morning [see “Amtrak to launch …,” Trains News Wire, July 1, 2025]. […]
WILMINGTON, Del. — AmeriStarRail, which for some time has been proposing privately owned and operated passenger service on the Northeast Corridor, has gone in a new direction with its latest proposal — literally and figuratively. The company is now proposing a long-distance train that would offer coast-to-coast service in less than 72 hours between New […]
MOBILE, Ala. — Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service between Mobile and New Orleans will launch on Aug. 18, ending the lengthy effort to restore passenger operations on a route that last saw an Amtrak train in 2005. Tickets were placed on sale this morning; adult coach fares will be as low as $15 for full-route service, […]
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Four people were taken to the hospital for treatment of “heat-related issues” after Amtrak’s southbound Floridian was halted by mechanical problems today (Sunday, June 29, 2025), WJXT-TV reports. Train No. 41 was en route from Chicago to Miami when it was delayed in Nassau County, Fla., north of Jacksonville, about 10:30 a.m. […]
ORANGE, Calif. — Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner has introduced a railcar wrapped with a limited-time design celebrating the 70th anniversary of Disneyland, an event the state-supported passenger operation is also marking with special promotions. The wrapped car was unveiled and entered service on Wednesday, June 25. “We are thrilled to be part of the Disneyland Resort […]
