Empire Builder train service continues at all Amtrak stations on the corridor
CHICAGO – In response to lower ridership
demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Amtrak, in partnership with the Wisconsin
and Illinois state transportation departments, will temporarily substitute daily
Amtrak Thruway Buses for Amtrak Hiawatha Service trains between
Milwaukee and Chicago.
Effective Friday, April 24, Bus 3332 will operate in place
of Hiawatha Service Trains 330 and 332. The bus will originate at the downtown
Milwaukee Intermodal Station at 7:55 a.m. and arrive at Chicago Union Station at
9:54 a.m. Also effective that day, Bus 3339 will operate in place of Hiawatha
Service Train 339, originating in Chicago at 5:00 p.m. and arriving at the
Milwaukee Intermodal Station at 6:59 p.m. All times local.
These buses will serve all Amtrak stations on the Hiawatha Service corridor except Glenview, Ill. The Amtrak Empire Builder serves Glenview and will continue to also temporarily provide daily service at all other Hiawatha stations. Full schedules are on the Amtrak Passenger Service Notice.
Reservations will be required in order to maintain social
distancing for seating on Buses 3332 & 3339. Amtrak customers traveling
with current monthly and 10-ride tickets are welcome without reservations.
Customers are strongly encouraged now to wear masks while
using all Amtrak services. The bus operator will wear a facial covering while
interacting with customers and the buses will be thoroughly cleaned between
trips. More information about safe essential travel is at Amtrak.com.
The Thruway Bus service substitution will be in effect through Monday, May 25. Hiawatha train service is expected to resume on Tuesday, May 26. These ADA-accessible motor coaches offer passengers many of the same features as our trains including Wi-Fi service, reclining seats, ample legroom, tables, cupholders and lavatories.
An image gallery with a photo credit to the Wisconsin DOT is available.