Amtrak Cuts Back … and Still Delivers.

Word is flashing about on-line that, because of the coronavirus, Amtrak has made drastic cuts in its schedule—cuts that will probably be in effect for at least the next several months.

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That said, it is a fact that Amtrak has maintained a much higher level of service than probably most of us expected. Only two of their trains have been shut down completely, albeit temporarily: the Adirondack (New York City to Montreal) is one, the Pere Marquette (Chicago to Grand Rapids) is the other.

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And, yes, there are fewer trains running on what are normally the busier routes. There has been a reduction in frequency of the Hiawatha service between Milwaukee and Chicago, for instance, and fewer trains are running on the Boston-New York-Washington corridor. But the remaining roster of trains, including the long-distance western trains, continue to operate.

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Considering that Amtrak ridership is down a staggering 95% compared to last year, suspending service on only two routes is astonishing. The rest of Amtrak’s routes continue to be served, although there is less frequency on some of the busy ones and many of the trains are operating with fewer cars, both coaches and sleepers.

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And while dining cars continue to be part of the long-distance train consists, these days the diners are serving more as lounge cars where passengers may, if they wish, consume their meals . . . which, as we all know, come in cardboard boxes.

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Still, there is reason to pause and consider this: the airlines are in bad shape in what is a virtual shut down of the industry. Yet, in spite of all the problems and impediments, Amtrak passenger trains are continuing to provide a transportation alternative to some 500 cities and towns all across the country. Passenger rail: safe, reliable and affordable. Let’s hope that the general public and their elected representatives take note.