A shortage of workers is leading Amtrak to limit California Zephyr service to the Chicago-Denver portion of its route, effective today. The Zephyr becomes the first of Amtrak’s long distance trains to see a change in service because of the coronavirus outbreak.
An email to Amtrak employees says a worker on the route has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, leading to a 14-day self-quarantine for other coworkers. Today’s eastbound Zephyr will be turned at Reno, Nev., with passengers continuing by bus; this afternoon’s westbound departure from Chicago will terminate in Denver. The train scheduled to depart Emeryville, Calif., on Monday will instead originate in Denver, with no alternate transportation provided, according to the Amtrak Alerts Twitter feed.
