WASHINGTON – Amtrak is setting a new standard of travel with enhanced safety and cleaning measures. With its medical director, public health and safety team and partnership with the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, we have studied, analyzed and made improvements to the Amtrak travel experience – from beginning to end – for the safety and health of our people and travelers. In an effort to simplify and safeguard the travel experience, several cleaning, contact-free and convenience measures have been implemented into every part of the customer journey — from time of booking to the moment of arrival.
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After more than five years of data-driven and federally-led studies, Amtrak has initiated a process before the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) to require CSX Transportation (CSX) and Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) to permit the operation of two daily Amtrak trains between New Orleans and Mobile starting in 2022. Under STB procedures, CSX and NS will be required to provide Amtrak access to their railroads for this service or prove to the public why they cannot successfully host these trains in accordance with the law.
WASHINGTON – As part of its COVID-19 recovery efforts, Amtrak announces full restoration of daily service for 12 long distance routes following pandemic-related schedule reductions in 2020. Providing customers significantly more departures for the upcoming summer travel season, the new schedule has been updated on all Amtrak reservation systems, including Amtrak.com and the Amtrak app.
“We thank Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the many champions of Amtrak, on both sides of the aisle, who helped secure $1.7 billion in federal funding for Amtrak in the American Rescue Plan. This critical funding will benefit the entire Amtrak network, our state and commuter partners, customers and employees. With this support, we can restore daily long-distance service, bring back furloughed employees as a result of the pandemic and continue our progress on vital capital projects. We will work closely with Congress and the Biden Administration on next steps for funding to support Amtrak’s long-term growth. Funding options include expanding the Amtrak network through new corridor routes, that will create thousands of new jobs, reducing our nation’s carbon footprint, and helping the economy recover and flourish in the years ahead.”
At this time, various states are undertaking specific safety precautions at stations for customers arriving from out of state. Check with each state for specific guidance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential travel for 14 days.
Due to the Presidential Inauguration, special pedestrian and vehicle traffic patterns around Washington Union Station are in place and will require extra time to get to the station. Additionally, once arriving to the station, there is no access to taxi or ride share services and Metro is operating adjusted service, including no service at Union Station. The Metro station at NOMA/Gallaudet, a short walk from Union Station, will remain open. Please follow the instructions of station personnel and law enforcement for exiting and entering the station.
“This is a victory for Amtrak customers and for anyone who believes people and communities across the country deserve a world-class passenger rail network with schedules that you can count on. For too long, many freight railroads have put their cargo ahead of our passengers – in direct opposition to the law.”
STOCKTON, Calif.– Amtrak San Joaquins continues to provide safe and reliable rail service to passengers and is taking extra steps for prepare for an expected increase in ridership around the Thanksgiving holiday. Travelers will experience enhanced safety, cleaning and physical distancing measures that have been put in place to promote public health. As part of Amtrak’s partnership with experts from the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Amtrak San Joaquins has implemented a series of protocols including required face coverings, contactless amenities, disinfection, social distancing on board and in stations, and sophisticated air filtration.
This Thanksgiving travel season, Amtrak is ready to help customers travel safely and comfortably to reconnect with friends and family. Amtrak is delivering a new standard of travel that includes enhanced cleaning protocols, contactless amenities, social distancing on board and in stations, required face coverings and sophisticated air filtration. Amtrak customers can avoid traffic and enjoy free Wi-Fi on most trains, plenty of leg room and no middle seat.
