Amtrak ups contribution to Gateway project; overall price revised downward NEWSWIRE

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NEW YORK — Amtrak has increased its funding commitment for the stalled Gateway tunnel project, which has seen the estimate of its overall cost move downward. The agency directing the project is hoping those two factors might increase the prospects of receiving federal funding. NorthJersey.com reports that Amtrak has increased its commitment by $600 million, […]

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Former Buffalo station demolished; work to begin on new building NEWSWIRE

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A rendering of the new Buffalo Amtrak station. Work is concluding on tearing down the old station, and work on the new buidling could begin in September. New York State Department of Transportation BUFFALO, N.Y. — Demolition of Amtrak’s former New York Central passenger station in Buffalo could conclude today, setting the stage for work […]

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‘Valley Flyer’ shuttles in Massachusetts’ ‘Knowledge Corridor’ to begin Aug. 30

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Starting Friday, Aug. 30, Amtrak will be extending New Haven, Conn.-Springfield, Mass., shuttles 40 miles north to and from Greenfield, Mass. The service is part of a two-year pilot program to test demand for expanded rush-hour service connecting with Northeast Corridor trains. Two weekday round trips — morning southbound and evening northbound […]

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Analysis: Rare ‘City of New Orleans’ promotion a product of CN actions, local support NEWSWIRE

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Passengers line up to board southbound City of New Orleans coaches at Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 8, 2018. The train has not operated south of Jackson regularly since last winter. NEW ORLEANS — Amtrak announced a  “buy one, get one” fare deal this week after the City of New Orleans again started serving its namesake […]

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Full ‘City of New Orleans’ service restored NEWSWIRE

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NEW ORLEANS — Lengthy disruptions to Amtrak’s City of New Orleans ended Tuesday, with the restoration of full service over the route between Chicago and New Orleans. Since May, a combination of scheduled track work, floodgates which had to be opened on a spillway near New Orleans, and other restrictions have meant that passengers were bused […]

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Amtrak adds service to two New Jersey stations NEWSWIRE

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Its headlight dimmed for a meet, an Amtrak Northeast Regional train passes through the station at Princeton Junction, N.J., on Aug. 8, 2019. Amtrak has added service to Princeton Junction and New Brunswick, N.J. TRAINS: David Lassen NEW YORK — As of Monday, Aug. 19, Amtrak has added additional Northeast Corridor service to two stops […]

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State hearing to consider additional Amtrak service to Pittsburgh NEWSWIRE

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ALTOONA, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s legislature will hold a hearing on the possibility of increasing train service between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The Aug. 28 hearing by the state house of representatives transportation committee’s subcommittee on railroads will be held at the Altona Railroaders Memorial Museum. It is scheduled for a 3 p.m. start. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review […]

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Amtrak unveils two-day, 50%-off, September-only fare sale NEWSWIRE

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New York-bound ‘Acela Express’ train No. 2104 hurtles through Princeton Junction, N.J., on April 25, 2019. The discounted $87 Washington-New York September fare is available for Sept. 13 on this train but not on eight of 15 other ‘Acelas’ running that day. Bob Johnston WASHINGTON – Beginning today through Aug. 17, Amtrak is offering a […]

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Amtrak foodservice still in flux NEWSWIRE

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Broiled salmon, mashed potatoes, and green beans on the ‘Crescent’ in July 2019. Bob Johnston WASHINGTON – A leaked Amtrak presentation that describes the elimination of Auto Train’s coach dining car and introduction of so-called “contemporary” pre-packaged meals on the New York-Miami Silver Meteor and New York-New Orleans Crescent may not be the last word […]

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STB urges mediation in Amtrak-CN contract renewal dispute

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WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board will appoint a mediator to resolve differences in long-simmering operating agreement negotiations between Amtrak and Canadian National. The agency’s decision, released late last week, provides a rare glimpse inside a document which governs on time performance measurement, financial incentives, and penalties. Amtrak and its hosts generally keep contract details […]

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Office car 10000 of brewing and Amtrak fame is for sale NEWSWIRE

One of the best known private cars of the late 20th century, the former Amtrak office car 10000, which was used by the passenger railroad’s presidents, is for sale. Railroad equipment brokerage firm Ozark Mountain Railcar has listed the car for sale from an unidentified private owner. The 65-year-old Wabash-built office is listed for $40,000. […]

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No injuries as two Amtrak trains hit trees in New York’s Empire Corridor NEWSWIRE

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RHINECLIFF, N.Y. — Thunderstorms that rolled through parts of Upstate New York Wednesday evening disrupted Amtrak Empire Corridor service, as two trains hit trees that had fallen onto the tracks. No injuries were reported in either event. The southbound Adirondack, Train 68, sustained an air leak and damage to an electrical box after hitting a […]

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