Unused U.S. Talgo Trains to Move to Nigeria
The two sets intended for Chicago-Milwaukee passenger rail service will now operate in Lagos commuter service.
Amtrak
Omicron Forces Amtrak Service Cuts
Amtrak has been impacted by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, which has sickened, albeit not killed, millions of people, even the fully vaccinated, creating staff shortages. Seven months after Amtrak restored full service, the cuts are coming again. Most long-distance trains will be affected, along with some trains on a number of corridors in the East and Midwest, including the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The severity of service reductions will be uniform for most of the long-distance routes, but less so on the corridors in the Northeast and around Chicago.
Virginia Advances Plans to Return Rail to New River Valley
The Commonwealth of Virginia and Norfolk Southern (NS) have finalized a definitive agreement that will increase existing Amtrak service to Roanoke and expand service to the New River Valley, they reported on Jan. 13.
‘More Than a Wish List’
RAILWAY AGE, JANUARY 2022 ISSUE: Amtrak’s plans for leveraging IIJA to modernize and expand service.
Unveiled: Amtrak P-42 Honoring OLI’s 50th Anniversary
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Operation Lifesaver (OLI), Amtrak on Jan. 12 released into service a specially painted P-42 diesel, emblazoned on both sides with the message, “See Tracks? Think Train!”
CPKC Secures Amtrak Support
Amtrak is backing Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern’s proposed combination, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), and CP is committing to support Amtrak’s service expansion in two U.S. regions, the railroads reported on Jan. 6.
Gardner to Succeed Flynn as Amtrak Leader (Updated)
Stephen J. Gardner is taking over Amtrak leadership on Jan. 17, 2022, succeeding William J. Flynn, the railroad reported on Dec. 15. Flynn, who is retiring, will remain as a senior advisor through the end of the fiscal year (October 2021-September 2022) to support the transition.
Amtrak: Updated Vaccine Policy Allows Employee Testing, Eliminates Service Impacts
In a Dec. 14 memo to employees, Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn reported that the railroad will “revert to our original vaccine mandate policy announced on Aug. 11, which will allow, on an interim basis, for testing as an alternative to getting vaccinated” against COVID-19.
Amtrak Releases FY2021 Results
For its 50th anniversary fiscal year (Oct. 2020-Sept. 2021), Amtrak provided 12.2 million passenger trips, representing a growth of 4 million over the 2020 rate and a 42% rise over its FY21 goal, the railroad reported on Dec. 13.
Will New Orleans-Baton Rouge Passenger Rail Service Return?
Canadian Pacific is committed to establishing New Orleans-Baton Rouge passenger service if the railroad’s proposed merger with Kansas City Southern is approved, Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning and Technology Transformation James Clements told Louisiana officials on Dec. 8.