Amtrak, union reach agreement on relocation, severance for call center workers NEWSWIRE

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A weathered sign marks the location of Amtrak’s reservation call center in Riverside, Calif., slated to close in January. David Croteau RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Amtrak has reached an agreement with the union representing workers at its soon-to-close Riverside call center over severance or relocation packages, the company said in a Friday email to the Riverside […]

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Amtrak 188 engineer to stand trial in 2019 NEWSWIRE

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PHILADELPHIA – The locomotive engineer at the controls of an Amtrak train that derailed near Philadelphia in 2015 is set to stand trial in September 2019. Eight people died and more than 200 were injured when Amtrak train No. 188 derailment on the Northeast Corridor in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood in May 2015. A National […]

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Colorado’s ‘Winter Park Express’ gets a lounge car

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DENVER – The Winter Park Express will have a lounge car when it departs Denver for Winter Park, Colo. on Jan. 3. Ever since the weekend ski train began operating in 2016, skiers and snowboarders have been asking Amtrak to sell snacks and beverages onboard the train. This week, Amtrak announced that their wishes would […]

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Federal grant to pay for PTC on part of ‘Chief’ route NEWSWIRE

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A Southwest Chief inspection train hosting community leaders pauses at La Junta, Colo, on Aug 4, 2016. A federal grant will pay for the installation of PTC on the Chief’s route between Dodge City, Kan., and Las Animas, Colo., near La Junta. Bob Johnston WASHINGTON — In a boost to efforts to maintain the route […]

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News report: Amtrak study finds Northeast Corridor at risk from climate change NEWSWIRE

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Amtrak’s operations center for the Northeast Corridor, located in Wilmington, Del., is at risk of climate-change-related flooding, according to a news report. Al DiCenso NEW YORK — Several locations on the Northeast Corridor risk inundation from rising waters as a result of climate change, according to a report prepared for Amtrak. Bloomberg reports that the […]

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Siemens to supply 75 new Tier 4 locomotives to Amtrak NEWSWIRE

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A rendering of a new Siemens Charger locomotive ordered by Amtrak. The passenger railroad will receive 75 of the engines. Siemens Mobility WASHINGTON – With demand for Amtrak service at record levels, Amtrak will acquire new mainline passenger diesel locomotives from Siemens Mobility to replace its aging National Network locomotive fleet. These initial 75 locomotives […]

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Amtrak ‘San Joaquins’ adjust schedules NEWSWIRE

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A San Joaquin with former New Jersey Transit Comet cars prepares to depart Bakersfield, Calif., on Jan 31. 2017. A schedule adjustment has added more service to Bakersfield on weekends and holidays. Bob Johnston STOCKTON, Calif. — Amtrak’s San Joaquins have introduced new schedules to better accommodate weekend travelers and shorten connections to bus service. […]

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Boston South Station Acela Lounge renamed as Metropolitan Lounge NEWSWIRE

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BOSTON — Amtrak customers traveling in and out of Boston South Station can now enjoy the newly renovated and re-branded Metropolitan Lounge ,as part of a larger Amtrak lounge station refresh initiative. Previously known as ClubAcela, the newly opened Metropolitan Lounge, still in its convenient location near the platforms for easy boarding access, features new […]

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Amtrak to end checked baggage service on ‘Lake Shore’ Boston section NEWSWIRE

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BOSTON — Amtrak will end checked baggage service on the Boston section of the Lake Shore Limited, effective Jan. 7. The change on trains 448 and 449 means Springfield, Mass., will lose checked baggage service entirely, while Northeast Regional trains 65, 66 and 67 (Boston-Washington-Newport News overnight) will be the only trains with checked baggage serving Boston […]

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One year after ‘Cascade’ derailment, route awaits return to service, investigation continues NEWSWIRE

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A year after the fatal derailment of Amtrak Cascades train No. 501, service has not yet returned to the Point Defiance Bypass. Steve Carter A northbound Amtrak Cascades train passes the southern end of the Point Defiance Bypass, the track at right, at Nisqually, Wash., in June 2018. A year after the derailment of the […]

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Amtrak launches social media photo contest NEWSWIRE

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Amtrak’s California Zephyr passes through Western Springs, Ill. Amtrak is holding a social media contest for holiday-themed photos. TRAINS: David Lassen NEW YORK — Amtrak has launched a social media photo contest looking for holiday pictures. Six winners will receive a $100 Dunkin’ gift card, and six will include an Amtrak “swag bag” with various […]

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Congressmen join effort to sway Amtrak plans to close call center NEWSWIRE

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RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Members of California’s congressional delegation have joined the effort to save Amtrak’s reservation call center in Riverside, which employs about 500 workers. The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports that 37 of the state’s representatives in Congress have agreed to sign a letter asking Amtrak to change its plan to close the Riverside center on […]

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