Amtrak News

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Wednesday, September 5

• New York Senate secures $22M for high speed rail (The Record)
• Fuel tank fire disrupts rail service along Hudson (AP)
• Amtrak Vermonter rolls after tunnel repair (AP)
• Amtrak Cascades Service Update: Schedules Adjusted Based with Substitute Railcars (Amtrak)
• Amtrak Passengers Stranded in San Antonio (WOAI)

Wednesday, August 29

• Amtrak Fixes Glitch in Ticketing System (AP)
• On right track, Amtrak ridership soars in Illinois (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
• Milwaukee Amtrak project on track (JS Online)
• LIRR, Amtrak repairs cause travel nightmare (Newsday)
• Amtrak resumes rail service between the Twin Cities and Chicago (Star Tribune)
• Fire forces passengers off Amtrak train in N.C. (AP)

Wednesday, August 22

• Crowds Heed Amtrak's 'All Aboard': Improved Service, Air Woes Lure Travelers (WSJ)
• Amtrak CEO Alex Kummant On Service Strategies, Solutions (WSJ)
• Orlando and West Palm Beach Added to GrandLuxe Limited Schedule (Amtrak)
• With possible Michigan railroad deal, Amtrak service quality in question (The Enquirer)
• Clevelanders enjoy boarding an Amtrak train in daylight (Plain Dealer)
• Cost of Lancaster Amtrak station skyrockets (Intelligencer Journal)

Wednesday, August 8

• More Amtrak Cascades Service Additions Through the Week (Amtrak)
• Amtrak Adjusts Schedule of Keystones to Accomodate Track Work (Amtrak)
• Rail Passengers Urge Federal Regulators' Caution on Michigan Rail Lease Proposal (NARP)
• Train conductors face challenge, but scenery, people make job enjoyable (Albuquerque Tribune)
• Limited Amtrak Cascades Service to Resume on Monday, August 6 (Amtrak)

Sunday, August 5

• Amtrak Cascades Service Suspended through Weekend (Amtrak)
• Complications Hindering Moynihan Station Plans (New York Times)
• Downeaster adds fifth daily round trip between Boston-Portland (Amtrak)
• Amtrak Missouri Service Schedules Change August 8 to Reflect Track Work Progress (Amtrak)
• Dismissed as head of Amtrak, Dave Gunn now helping Strait Area transit (Chronicle Herald)
• Opinion: Amtrak lifeline for Montana Hi-Line

Sunday, July 29

• Kids kicked off Amtrak train 600 miles from home (AP)
• Amtrak supporters derail subsidy cutters (AP)

Sunday, July 22

• Security has left the station (Salt Lake Tribune)
• Texas Flooding Strands Passenger Train (AP)
• Amtrak: Two days, two wrecks (St. Petersburg Times)

Sunday, July 15

• Amtrak budget debated; Bush threatens veto (Boston Globe)
• Amtrak Introduces New Quik-Trak Machines in Stations from Coast to Coast

Sunday, July 8

• Fans of rail want Amtrak in Nashville (Tennessean.com)
• Amtrak Invites Communities to "Civic Conversation" About Rail Depot Development and Restoration
• Man jumps from Amtrak train in Ohio (Morning Journal)

Sunday, July 1

• Amtrak and GrandLuxe Team Up to Provide Luxury Rail Service from DC to Miami (Amtrak)
• Man found four days after being put off Amtrak train (St. Louis Post Dispatch)
• Former PA governor Schweiker urges “commitment” to improving Amtrak (Phila Inquirer)

Sunday, June 24

• Amtrak, Union Pacific Reach Agreement for Passenger Train Performance Plan (Amtrak)
• Congressman Boozman Withdraws anti-Amtrak Amendment (Times Record)
• Hope glimmers for Amtrak stop in Plaistow, NH (Eagle-Tribune)
• Amtrak's Empire Builder ridership is up (Havre Daily News)

Thursday, June 14

• Amtrak president says old equipment could slow expansion plans (AP)
• Officials Announce Second Amtrak Cascades Train to Vancouver, Canada (Amtrak)
• Detour of California Zephyr to Track Historic Transcontinental Railroad Route (Amtrak)

Sunday, June 3

• Amtrak tries different tack - luxury cars (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
• Amtrak's popularity rises as punctuality slides (Grand Rapids Press)
• Amtrak Adjusts Schedule of Pere Marquette to Accommodate Track Work  (Amtrak)

Sunday, May 27

• MoDOT & Amtrak Urge Union Pacific to Improve Service (Amtrak)
• Amtrak Delivers Study of Passenger Rail Service between St. Louis and Springfield (Amtrak)
• Amtrak Pontiac-to-Chicago route may get federal funds (Detroit News)
• At Amtrak: derailed negotiations Workers without contracts since ’99 (Buffalo News)

Sunday, May 13

• Amtrak's Missouri Mules Service Disruption Due To Union Pacific Congestion (Amtrak)
• Amtrak Train Collides With SUV in California, Killing Six (AP)

Sunday, May 6

• Amtrak chooses former veterans affairs official for CFO job (AP)
• Train supporters hope for funding of Amtrak in southern Montana (Bozeman Daily Chronicle)
• Disabled woman and Amtrak reach settlement (AP)

Sunday, April 29

• $11.4B Amtrak bill clears first hurdle with Senate Commerce Committee approval (Gannett)
• SEPTA's Paoli Line and Amtrak's Keystone Corridor adjusted for trackwork (Amtrak)
• MODOT Official Insists a Few Changes Could Make Amtrak More Popular (Missourinet)
• Connecticut Rail Service Disrupted by Fallen Wires (Bloomberg)

Sunday, April 22

• Amtrak engineer dragged off train, assaulted (San Francisco Chronicle)
• New Amtrak Service Could Boost "the Sixth Borough" (New York Sun)
• Amtrak Schedule Back To Normal After Delays From Flooding, Winds (NBC4)

Sunday, April 15

• Amtrak CEO views Downeaster as a model for other states (AP)
• Amtrak Testing New Diner/Lounge on Long Distance Trains (American-Statesman)

Sunday, April 8

• Amtrak CEO: Rail service will suffer under 2008 budget (Congress Daily)
• Susquehanna River Bridge Project to Improve Reliability, On-Time Performance (Amtrak)
• Ann Arbor - Detroit train delayed until 2008 (Ann Arbor News)

Thursday, March 29

• Is Amtrak's Sunset Limited line chugging into the sunset? (Sun-Sentinel)
• Amtrak's California Zephyr Returns (News10)
• NY Amtrak train riders' bags to be checked (AP)
• Missouri House cuts Amtrak funding (AP)

Sunday, March 25

• Amtrak service may double in eastern Vermont (Times Argus)
• Amtrak Continues Work on Quantico Bridge - Carolinian Service Affected (Amtrak)
• Now Arriving: A Bigger and Better Amtrak Timetable for Spring-Summer 2007 (Amtrak)
• Ypsilanti eyed as potential Amtrak stop (Ann Arbor Business Review)
• Amtrak stop, train overpass in Oxford city plan (Oxford Press)

Sunday, March 18

• Senate Democrats Propose $1.78 Billion for Amtrak (AP)
• Burned Rail Trestle Halts Amtrak Service (AP)
• Amtrak train stuck overnight east of Waterloo, Indiana (South Bend Tribune)

Sunday, March 11

• Intercity Amtrak bill gains momentum (Gannett News Service)
• Amtrak Provides Study to Restore Rail Service to Rockford and Northwestern Illinois
• Is Amtrak service in Watertown's future? (Watertown Daily Times)
• Faster Amtrak trains to Chicago proposed for local travelers (WSBT)
• Amtrak expansion could include new Surrey station (Surrey Leader)
• Amtrak Launches Online Sales System, Amtrak RailAgent, to International Market

Sunday, March 4

• Business leaders favor Amtrak funding, which they link to economy (Philadelphia Inquirer)
• Amtrak to operate second run to Vancouver, BC (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
• Dependent on Freight Railroads, Amtrak Can't Run Trains on Time (AP)

Tuesday, February 20

• Amtrak asks Congress to boost funding 18 percent to $1.53 billion (AP)
• Proposal would extend Amtrak route from Oklahoma to KC (Wichita Eagle)
• Ridership up on Illinois Amtrak trains from Carbondale (The Southern)

Sunday, February 11

• Amtrak suspends service west of Albany due to snow (AP)
• Amtrak to Launch Ad Campaign on Experience of Long Distance Train Travel (Amtrak)
• Amtrak derailment delays passengers for three hours (San Luis Obispo Tribune)

Thursday, February 1

• Kummant Seeks to Upgrade Amtrak Image (AP)
  Amtrak President says government incentives are needed to stimulate capital investment.
• Amtrak Experiences Train Trouble (CBS3)
  Wheels of Amtrak coaches have shattered twice in three weeks, piercing floor of cars.
• QC could soon see Amtrak (WQAD)
  Potential riders enthusiastic about proposed rail service between Chicago and Quad Cities.
• Tri-Rail hires Amtrak to schedule train traffic (Sun-Sentinel)
  Amtrak to dispatch 72-mile corridor shared by CSX and Miami commuter rail.

Sunday, January 21

• Senators Try Again to Fund and Reform Amtrak (Washington Post)
  Legislation would provide Amtrak $3.2B/yr in return for efficiency and state support.
• NJ Transit's new Hudson rail tunnel clears hurdle (North Jersey Media)
  FTA approves NJ Transit plan for new trans-Hudson tunnel to NYC.
• Amtrak would connect Madison, Milwaukee (UWM Post)
  Amtrak's Chicago-Milwaukee Hiawatha service could extend to Madison by 2010.
• Tunnel repairs on track (Baltimore Sun)
  Senate bill would fund Amtrak tunnel improvements in New York, Baltimore, and DC.
• Amtrak exec says it can keep long-distance trains (Reuters)
  Amtrak president says conversion to state corridors can improve long distance rail service.
• Amtrak seeks to build state relationships (Daily Progress)
  Virginia is among the states Amtrak's courting for funding of regional corridors.
• Amtrak San Joaquins Affected By Track Work (Amtrak)
  Buses substitute for some trains between Bakersfield and Fresno through February 20.
• Amtrak Reopens KC-St. Louis Line After Storm (AP)
  Trees and debris have been removed, allowing return of St. Louis to Kansas City service.

Sunday, January 14

• Warrington resigning as head of NJ Transit (AP)
  Former Amtrak president to leave commuter rail agency in March.
• Amtrak's Roundabout Journey To Success (Hartford Courant)
  Amtrak to succeed with state partnerships, better management, and supportive Congress.

Saturday, January 6

• Memories still burn decades after wreck (Baltimore Sun)
  1987 Amtrak crash in Baltimore County that killed 16 led to sweeping safety changes.
• Sounder, Amtrak Trains Running Again (KIRO)
  Amtrak and commuter rail service resume north of Seattle following mudslides.

Sunday, December 31

• NJ Transit, Amtrak disagree over who's to blame for delays (The Record)
  Commuter railroad seeks joint dispatching authority for its 115,000 annual trains.
• New Amtrak president reshuffles senior management (AP)
  New Amtrak president fires CFO, marketing chief, and risk officer, among other changes.
• Late Amtrak trains delay Rail Runner (Albuquerque Tribune)
  Albuquerque commuter rail impacted by delays of Amtrak's Southwest Chief.
• Amtrak train catches fire in Rochester on the way to New York City (WHEC)
  Amtrak engine catches fire on Toronto to NYC train.

Sunday, December 17

• President of Amtrak Is Said to Oust 5 of Its Top Officials (New York Times)
  New Amtrak president fires CFO, VP Sales, police chief, and communications director.
• Amtrak Offers New First Class Menu on Acela Express (Amtrak)
  In response to rider comments, Amtrak introduces new first class meal service.
• Amtrak official suggests extending Heartland Flyer route to Tulsa (AP)
  Oklahoma City to Forth Worth route could be extended to Tulsa.
• Amtrak's Downeaster celebrates fifth-year anniversary (AP)
  Boston to Portland route has served more than 1.4 million in its first five years.
• Light Rail Line To Amtrak Depot Opens (AP)
  Sacramento light rail extended to Amtrak station; plans call for airport link.
• Amtrak ridership to Chicago soars (St. Louis Dispatch)
  Ridership on expanded Chicago routes rises 35 to 61% from a year ago.
• Amtrak's Philly-to-Harrisburg service not living up to promises (AP)
  Keystone trains are habitually late, despite promises of faster and more frequent service.
• Capitol Corridor riding high (San Francisco Chronicle)
  Amtrak's Oakland to Sacramento route has increased from 3 to 16 round-trips per day.

Thursday, November 30

• Study says feds should own Northeast Corridor line (AP)
  Business leaders propose transferring ownership from Amtrak to federal government.
• Amtrak ridership increases (USA Today)
  Total ridership up 1% in year ended September 30, including 8.8% Acela gain.
• Passenger train proponents want Amtrak line back (Press-Register)
  Amtrak has not ruled out restoring Sunset Limited route east of New Orleans.
• Amtrak to offer discounts to bring passengers back (AP)
  Discounts intended to win riders after bus substitution on St. Louis to Kansas City route.
• Train derailment in Bowie slows commuters (The Gazette)
  CSX derailment cuts power to Northeast Corridor, impacting Amtrak and MARC.
• Four rail cars back on track so far at derailment in Everett (Post-Intelligencer)
  BNSF derailment suspends Amtrak and Sounder commuter rail north of Seattle.

Wednesday, November 8

• Explosives screening for rail passengers begins Tuesday (AP)
  TSA begins screening Amtrak and light rail riders in Buffalo, New York.
• PennDOT & Amtrak Celebrate Inaugural Run of New Keystone Service (Amtrak)
  Amtrak launches faster and more frequent service between Philadelphia and Harrisburg.
• New Amtrak service is quick, but more work needs to be done (Patriot-News)
  Editorial: Expanded parking, food service, and frequency needed on Keystone Corridor.
• Mudslide Stalls Amtrak (KOIN)
  Two passengers suffer minor injuries as train strikes mudslide near Tacoma, Washington.
• One Dead In Florida Train Crash (AP)
  Truck driver killed after Amtrak's Silver Star hits tractor trailer in Tampa, Florida.

Monday, October 23

• Amtrak adding trains (Pontiac Daily Leader)
  Four new trains from Chicago to St. Louis, Carbondale, and Quincy begin October 30.

Sunday, October 1

• Amtrak requests yet more money (Washington Times)
  New CEO says Amtrak must find new funding to supplement federal subsidy.
• Amtrak assumes control of Acela maintenance (Reuters)
  End of relationship with Bombardier/Alstom comes seven years earlier than planned.
• Local officials hope Illinois Amtrak expansion will boost economy (AP)
  Illinois doubles Amtrak funding to $24 million, increases service on Chicago corridors.
• Amtrak adds fifth trip to Maine-Boston route (AP)
  Fifth trip on Downeaster route will be operated by bus until trackwork is completed.
• US DOT to review performance of Amtrak's board (Reuters)
  DOT auditors to review Amtrak oversight in response to Democratic lawmakers.
• Oklahoma, Texas agree to share cost of rail service (AP)
  States will fund Amtrak's Heartland Flyer route as federal funds end.
• Weller wants to increase funding for Amtrak (Herald News)
  Illinois Congressman seeks support for $1.4 billion in Amtrak funding.
• Derailment Makes for Longer Trip (Washington Post)
  Amtrak charter train carrying Washington Nationals baseball team derails near Wilmington.

Saturday, September 23

• Amtrak fares up; ridership adapts (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Monthly fare increases result in 20% decline in passes and 3% increase in revenues.
• Getting rail plans on track (Free Lance-Star)
  Virginia Congresswoman seeks answers from VRE, Amtrak, and CSX to improve service.
• Amtrak, CSX seek solutions (Times-Dispatch)
  CSX suggests Amtrak lengthen schedules and add engines to improve Auto Train.
• Vermont Amtrak service to temporarily shut down (Burlington Free Press)
  Amtrak's Vermonter suspended one week due to trackwork on New England Central RR.

Wednesday, September 13

• New Jersey May Take Over Train Corridor, Corzine Says (Bloomberg)
  Governor says state may acquire Northeast Corridor between New York and Trenton.
• Governor Rendell, Amtrak Announce $145M Upgrade of Keystone Corridor
  90-minute, 110 mph, electric service begins Oct. 30 between Harrisburg and Philadelphia.
• Rail group's deal with Amtrak rapped (Boston Globe)
  Critics accuse NARP of receiving funds from Amtrak for customer feedback.
• Runaway Barge Crashes Into Railroad Bridge (Hartford Courant)
  Amtrak service suspended two hours after barge hits Connecticut bridge.
• False Security Alarm On Miami Amtrak Train (CBS 4)
  Suspicious passenger behavior forces evacuation of Amtrak train Jacksonville.
• Dead Body Travels 1,000 Miles on Amtrak (AP)
  Daughter keeps dad's death secret for 1,000 miles to avoid shipping cost.
• Penn Station evacuated after suspicious package found (AP)
  NYC's Penn Station evacuated minutes prior to ceremony at ground zero.

Friday, September 1

• Kummant Comes On Board As New Amtrak CEO (Forbes)
  Former Union Pacific executive named as Amtrak chief effective September 12.
• Amtrak Restores Most Service South of Washington (Amtrak)
  Most service resumes Saturday, September 2, as tropical storm moves north.
• Amtrak to start more trains to San Jose (Inside Bay Area)
  Amtrak Capitol Corridor adds three daily roundtrips from Oakland to San Jose.
• Amtrak adds service between Sacramento and Bay Area (Business Journal)
  Sacramento to Oakland route gains four new weekday roundtrips.
• Amtrak won't cut Tidewater trains (Times-Dispatch)
  Amtrak reverses position over potential cut of train service to Newport News.
• Record Third Quarter Ridership on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner (Amtrak)
  High gas prices boost ridership on San Diego - Los Angeles - San Luis Obispo route.

Thursday, August 24

• Amtrak on track for another line? (San Luis Obispo Tribune)
  Southern California communities asked to support new LA to San Francisco service.
• Amtrak to cut Richmond-Tidewater? (Times-Dispatch)
  Amtrak considers cutting half of service between Richmond and Newport News.
• Union Station owner says he wants Amtrak to stay (Norwich Bulletin)
  Owner of New London Connecticut station seeks public-private partnership.

Sunday, August 13

• Travelers turn to Amtrak after airline terrorism plot (Bloomberg)
  Amtrak bookings rise due to new screening standards and delays at airports.
• Amtrak urges Vermont to try smaller, more fuel efficient rail cars (Times Argus)
  Amtrak and state Transportation Agency push for DMUs on Vermonter route.
• Amtrak Adjusts Schedule Of Pere Marquette To Accommodate Track Work
  Temporary schedule will last into August as CSX completes track improvements.

Sunday, August 6

• Host railroads put Amtrak on wrong track (Boston Herald)
  Opinion: As freight traffic grows, on-time performance falls for long-distance routes.
• Amtrak Pennsylvania Keystone Service Ridership Continues to Grow (Amtrak)
  Ridership on Amtrak's Philadelphia-Harrisburg corridor increases 20% in June.
• Amtrak Train Derails In Beaumont (KFDM)
  Amtrak's eastbound Sunset Limited suffers minor derailment in Texas.

Thursday, July 27

• Downeaster chugs forward with 31 percent gain in ridership (AP)
  Portland to Boston service posts highest annual ridership gain of any Amtrak route.
• Passenger Support of Amtrak Reaches New Levels (AP)
  Nearly one million used Illinois state-subsidized routes last year, an increase of 12.5%.
• Amtrak Gives New Two-Tier Jersey Trains One Big Headache (NY Times)
  Test run of NJ Transit's new bi-level trains tears down signals in Penn Station.
• Amtrak turns off outlets on Acelas after problems (AP)
  Amtrak disables electrical outlets on Acela Express due to short-circuiting problems.

Saturday, July 15

• Feds expected to designate Hudson tunnel project as a priority (AP)
  New York and New Jersey senators, governors, and transit agencies back $6B project.
• NYC Officials Work to Secure Tunnels (AP)
  NYC's MTA, PATH, and Amtrak harden tunnels to protect against bombing and flood.
• Amtrak funding stays steady in House bill (Journal Star)
  House approves $1.3B for Amtrak in '07, equal to '06 and above Bush proposed $900M.
• Amtrak.com eases U.S. travelers into a 'training program' (ATW)
  Amtrak continues improvements to website which now accounts for nearly 40% of sales.
• CSX completes upgrade to tracks in Ashland area (Times-Dispatch)
  $6M project should reduce freight backups, improve Amtrak service north of Richmond.
• Acela Express Cafe Cars Introduce Wireless Processing of Credit Cards (Amtrak)
  Amtrak to provide instant authorization of credit card purchases in Acela cafe cars.

Tuesday, July 4

• Amtrak to restore more service in Western Upstate New York (Amtrak)
  Two Empire Service trains added to Maple Leaf and Lake Shore Limited west of Albany.
• Four dead after train-car collision (AP)
  Car struck by Amtrak train at a rural Washington state crossing.
• Amtrak, ACE raise fares effective today (The Argus)
  Fares rise for Amtrak Capitol Corridor and Altamont Commuter Express.

Saturday, June 24

• Amtrak exec details shutdown (Star-Ledger)
  Amtrak says three recent power failures cannot be blamed on deteriorating infrastructure.
• Transportation Secretary Mineta resigns (AP)
  Mineta, known for his controversial Amtrak restructuring proposal, resigns Friday.
• Is Amtrak service coming to Rolla? (Rolla Daily News)
  Missouri DOT proposes daily service between Springfield and St. Louis.

Wednesday, June 21

• Atlantic City casino train gets fast passage (Asbury Park Press)
  Casinos to fund express rail service between New York and Atlantic City by fall 2007.
• Amtrak Statement on Power Fluctuations Affecting Morning Rush Hour (Amtrak)
  Wednesday power outage had causes unrelated to similar events of the past month.
• New train names (Copley News Service)
  A president, a poet, a dog proposed for Amtrak routes being added in Illinois.
• All aboard: Amtrak adds train to Portland (Seattle Times)
  Fourth train will be added to service between Seattle and Portland on July 1.
• Portable On-Demand Video and Audio Entertainment System Rolls Out Nationally for Amtrak Passengers (Amtrak)
  Amtrak passengers can enjoy movies, TV shows, cartoons, music videos, and music.

Friday, June 9

• Amtrak still looking for cause of May power outage (AP)
  Cause of May 25th power outage on Northeast Corridor is still under investigation.
• Amtrak pledges help for NJ Transit riders (Bloomberg)
  Diesel engine placed at Hudson River Tunnel entrance in case of future power outage.
• Amtrak makes itself handheld accessible (Baltimore Business Journal)
  Amtrak Mobile provides wireless access to reservations, train status, and schedules.
• Texas "Railroad Town" Completes Restoration of Historic Depot (Amtrak)
  Mineola rededicates station used by Amtrak's Texas Eagle after $800,000 project.
• Derailment disrupts Amtrak (KRQE)
  Freight derailment disrupts Amtrak's Southwest Chief through New Mexico.

Wednesday, May 31

• Schumer Calling For Special Amtrak Investigation (CBS)
  New York Senator seeks investigation of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor power outage.
• Rail Officials Promise a Faster Response to Future Problems (New York Times)
  Amtrak and NJ Transit dissatisfied with response to 68 trains stranded up to five hours.
• Amtrak facing big budget cut - for now - after House panel vote (AP)
  Appropriations Subcommittee sets budget at $900M, a decline of more than one-third.
• Derailment cleanup continues (Times Union)
  Tuesday CSX derailment disrupts Amtrak service between Albany and Syracuse.
• Freight train crew eyed in Amtrak crash (Tribune-Review)
  Investigators to determine why freight train collided with Amtrak train in Pittsburgh station.
• Passengers On Way To Indiana Stuck On Train For Nearly 7 Hours (STNG)
  Chicago-Indianapolis train delayed seven hours after engineer misses stop signal.
• Amtrak presses its probe of massive rail power outage (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Substation data expected to explain cause of Northeast Corridor power outage.
• Massive outage latest woe for beleaguered Amtrak (AP)
  Thursday power outage halts Amtrak and commuter trains between NY and Washington.
• End of the line: Amtrak depot agent retires (Winona Daily News)
  Amtrak ticket agent retires after 20+ years at Winona WI station.
• Minot group hopes to raise money for outside depot remodeling (AP)
  Restoration committee pursues $780k remodeling of Minot ND depot.

Tuesday, May 23

• Hunter Biden tapped for Amtrak reform board (News-Journal)
  Nomination of Delaware Senator's son viewed positively by Amtrak supporters.
• Durbin Rallies To Restore Rockford Amtrak Service (Sun-Times)
  Senator seeks meeting to discuss restoring train service to Chicago's far northwest suburb.
• Fire Discovered On Amtrak Train, 400 Evacuated (AP)
  Fire on Northeast Corridor train forces evacuation at BWI station on Monday.
• Amtrak tracks shut down after New York-bound train's accident (AP)
  Northeast Corridor service suspended Monday afternoon after pedestrian death.
• Former Amtrak chief: transportation needs help (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
  Gunn says country is not addressing funding and planning to ease highway congestion.
• Railway fans help Amtrak stay on track (Lawrence Journal-World)
  Loyal riders support continued long-distance Amtrak routes including Southwest Chief.
• Passenger train hits tractor-trailer (AP)
  Amtrak train struck tractor-trailer in West Palm Beach, injuring seven nearby.

Tuesday, May 16

• Made fresh, before the ride (Chicago Tribune)
  Amtrak switches to pre-prepared dining car meals in effort to cut costs.
• Amtrak routes likely to expand (News Tribune)
  Illinois to expand Amtrak service by October.
• Platform to allow Amtrak's return (Daily Herald)
  New station in Stanwood Washington will provide first daily train service since 1970s.
• All aboard Amtrak - really (Register-Mail)
  Ridership up 28% in Galesburg Illinois since 2002.
• L.A.-bound train derails (Chicago Tribune)
  An empty freight car at the back of Amtrak's Southwest Chief derailed Sunday in Illinois.

Wednesday, May 10

• New Orleans, Amtrak Differ On Evacuation Plan (Wall Street Journal)
  Mayor seeks surplus equipment for evacuations; Amtrak cites equipment shortage.
• City could see train gain (Register-Mail)
  House approves $12M for more Amtrak service in Illinois.
• Gas crisis should fuel funding for Amtrak (The Republican)
  Editorial: Passenger rail deserves more government support in era of high fuel costs.

Sunday, April 30

• After 35 years, Amtrak's future uncertain (AP)
  Critics to gather in Washington as Amtrak enters 36th year on Monday.
• Expansion of North Station to be done by November (AP)
  Boston's North Station, serving commuter rail and Amtrak's Downeaster, to be expanded.
• Amtrak adds sweetener to apology for late trains (Sacramento Bee)
  Amtrak offers 10% discount for riders of late California Capitol Corridor trains.

Friday, April 21

• Train ticket sales hot on New England line (AP)
  Amtrak's Boston-Portland Downeaster often sold-out days in advance.
• Amtrak Cascade train service back on track (Bellingham Herald)
  Passenger service resumes north of Seattle following mudslides near Everett, Washington.

Sunday, April 16

• New Orleans-Baton Rouge Amtrak route considered (AP)
  New Amtrak route would serve commuting workers following Hurricane Katrina.
• Amtrak acts to make up for disruption (USA Today)
  Amtrak and CSX restore service on Friday following bridge repairs in North Carolina.
• Commuter train system to expand (Oakland Tribune)
  Amtrak California's Capitol Corridor sees continued ridership growth.
• Plan for train service to L.A. gathers steam (Desert Sun)
  State proposal calls for daily Amtrak service between Indio, Palm Springs, and LA.
• NJ Transit looks to extend train service (The Times)
  NJ Transit considers express service between New York, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City.

Friday, April 7

• Train group pushes for north-south 'feeder service' (Billings Gazette)
  NARP considers passenger rail link to Amtrak's Empire Builder in Shelby, Montana.
• Amtrak Crescent Service to be Restored on April 3, 2006 (Amtrak)
  Service restored on full NYC - New Orleans route following Norfolk Southern trackwork.
• Amtrak Adjusts Missouri Service to Accommodate Trackwork (Amtrak)
  Revised service between St. Louis and Kansas City began April 1.
• Amtrak gets Spring Break travelers off without a hitch (Muskegon Chronicle)
  Additional cars and staff added to meet spring break travel demands.

Friday, March 31

• Rail advocates call for increased Amtrak funding (Havre Daily News)
  National Association of Railroad Passengers seeks stable 3-5 funding for Amtrak.
• Amtrak president promises federal support (Pantagraph.com)
  Amtrak will expand Illinois service if state raises annual funding from $12M to $30M.

Sunday, March 26

• Drive to add Amtrak trains picks up steam (Lincoln Courier)
  Illinois bill seeks to triple state Amtrak funding, add four more daily trains from Chicago.
• Amtrak fast-tracks passport rules (Globe and Mail)
  Amtrak implements passport requirement for travel between US and Canada.

Sunday, March 19

• Amtrak may restructure long-distance train routes (Reuters)
  Chairman says 15 long distance routes may be restructured under pressure to cut costs.
• Harrisburg train runs may rise (Lancaster New Era)
  Corridor One commuter rail plan changes; advocates look to expanded Amtrak service.
• Rail tunnel plan advances (Times Herald-Record)
  Transportation council endorses NJ Transit's $6 billion Trans Hudson Express Tunnel.
• Amtrak looks to woo riders with upgrades (Wall Street Journal)
  New first class service aimed at boosting revenue on long distance routes.
• Derailment closes Amtrak between Northern, Southern Calif (Mercury News)
  Union Pacific derailment impacts passenger and freight service Friday.
• New Plans For Penn Station (WJZ TV)
  Amtrak considers converting vacant Baltimore station space into 72 hotel rooms.

Tuesday/Wednesday, March 7-8

• Amtrak To Beef Up Security At 30th Street Station (CBS 3)
  Increased security to be added in NYC, Philly, and Washington effective Thursday.
• Acela stop dependent on station (Connecticut Post)
  Amtrak's Acela could stop at Bridgeport station if the state builds a new platform.

Tuesday/Wednesday, February 28-March 1

• Using Amtrak rails to cost states more (Baltimore Sun)
  Federal transportation bill shifts Amtrak costs to Northeast commuter rail agencies.
• Rail-use fee hikes worry Pa., N.J., Del. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Governors ask Transportation Secretary for answers concerning increased Amtrak costs.

Thursday/Friday, February 23-24

• No injuries in Amtrak derailment near Hermann (AP)
  Amtrak train derails Wednesday in route between St. Louis and Kansas City.

Monday/Tuesday, February 20-21

• Advocates say feds out to derail Amtrak (Gannett)
  Critics say Bush's proposed $900 million for Amtrak in 2007 is insufficient.
• Blue Water line sees green: Rail ridership up nearly a third in '05 (Flint Journal)
  Ridership on Amtrak's Michigan service rises 31% in 2005.
• Renovation of Wilmington station set to begin (News Journal)
  Amtrak to launch multimillion-dollar renovation of Wilmington station within two months.

Wednesday/Thursday, February 15-16

• Amtrak Completes Second Phase Of Fare Increase (AP)
  Monthly pass fares rise for approximately 2,000 Northeast Corridor commuters.

Thursday/Friday, February 9-10

• LIRR, Amtrak on same track with commuter rail link (Newsday)
  Amtrak and Long Island Railroad agree to $7 billion Grand Central commuter rail link.
• Amtrak Forecast: Codes Continue Into Spring (Frommers)
  Discount codes are available for Northeast and national travel on Amtrak.

Tuesday, February 7

• Amtrak reopening Northwest routes (AP)
  Service between Seattle and Vancouver resumes following landslides.

Monday, February 6

• Pacific Northwest Service Disrupted by Mudslides South of Seattle (Amtrak)
  Amtrak Cascades and Coast Starlight service modified due to mudslides.

Saturday/Sunday, February 4-5

• Mudslide Cancels Amtrak And Sounder Service North From Seattle (AP)
  Another mudslide cancels Amtrak and commuter rail service north of Seattle.
• Car worship is killing the US railroad. Is ours in danger, too? (The Observer)
  Opinion: British fear desertion of railways in favor of automobiles.

Thursday/Friday, February 2-3

• Landslide closes BNSF Railway for 10th time since Christmas (The Columbian)
  Incessant heavy rain causes landslide, halts Amtrak service between Portland and Seattle.
• Bush to offer some assistance for Amtrak (AP)
  Congressional aides say Bush will include Amtrak funding in budget proposal.

Monday, January 30

• Mudslides halt Bellingham Amtrak service (AP)
  Amtrak and Sounder commuter rail again disrupted by mudslides north of Seattle.
• Downeaster a hit with its passengers (Concord Monitor)
  Amtrak's Boston to Portland route sees 18% ridership gain in 2005.
• Amtrak line reopens 30 hours after accident (AP)
  Damaged track in Washington state reopens following Empire Builder derailment.

Friday/Saturday, January 27-28

• Chicago-bound Amtrak train derails near Spokane (AP)
  Eastbound Empire Builder derails Saturday morning; no serious injuries reported.
• Amtrak discounts Acela, Metroliner fares (AP)
  Fares will rise or fall up to 15% based on demand, as already offered for regional service.
• Amtrak train derails after regular stop in Huntington (Herald-Dispatch)
  Westbound Cardinal derails Thursday in Kentucky; no injuries reported.
• $400M urged for rail upgrades (Times Union)
  Study recommends $400M in improvements for NYC-Albany corridor.

Wednesday/Thursday, January 25-26

• Record number of riders use Amtrak in Northern California (CBS5)
  Record 4.6 million riders rode Amtrak California trains last year.
• 30th St. it stays, not 'Ben' Station (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Foundation abandons efforts to rename Philadelphia station after public opposition.

Monday/Tuesday, January 23-24

• Amtrak resumes service through Meridian (AP)
  Passenger service to New Orleans restored following Norfolk Southern derailments.

Saturday/Sunday, January 21-22

• Problems with signal cause delays on NJ Transit (Asbury Park Press)
  Amtrak and NJT service to NYC disrupted Friday morning due to signal problems.

Thursday/Friday, January 19-20

• Amtrak Smart Pass Fares To increase (AP)
  Northeast Corridor monthly pass fares to rise in February.

Monday/Tuesday, January 16-17

• Mudslide In Southwestern Washington Blocks Amtrak Service (KOMO)
  Passenger and freight service disrupted again by mudslides south of Seattle.
• On-Time Records of Trains Depend on Where They Go (NY Times)
  LIRR and NJ Transit face challenges of sharing NY Penn Station with Amtrak.
• Derailment Disrupts Freight, Passengers (WTOK)
  CSX derailment disrupts freight and Amtrak service in Alabama.

Friday/Saturday, January 13-14

• Advocates call for more train trips between St. Louis, Chicago (The Telegraph)
  State representatives and Amtrak supporters push for two more Chicago-St. Louis trains.
• Street fires up momentum for 'Ben Station' (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Philadelphia mayor supports a proposal to rename Amtrak's 30th Street Station.

Wednesday, January 11

• Pols on track to bring rail system up to speed (New York Daily News)
  New York state senators support NYC-Albany high speed rail plan.
• 30th Street Station? City deserves better (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Opinion: Renaming station "Benjamin Franklin Station" would distinguish Philadelphia.

Tuesday, January 10

• Rains trigger more mudslides, closing Amtrak rail line again (AP)
  Mudslides halt Amtrak and commuter rail between Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver.
• Union Station redevelopment in talks (Chicago Tribune)
  Chicago station to provide mix of offices, hotel rooms, condominiums, and retail space.

Monday, January 9

• Downeaster may start Brunswick run in 2010 (Portland Press Herald)
  Amtrak may extend current Boston-Portland route to Brunswick, Maine.
• Enemies All Aboard Amtrak (Hartford Courant)
  Opinion: Bush appointment of unqualified political supporters endangers Amtrak.

Friday, January 6

• Governor Asks Lawmakers To Dump Bond Measure For High-Speed Rail (AP)
  Governor Schwarzenegger opposes $10 billion bond for high speed rail in California.
• Seattle-to-Everett train service halted until Monday (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
  Mudslides north of Edmonds Washington shut down BNSF route.

Thursday, January 5

• Bush goes around Congress again on Amtrak board (Reuters)
  President Bush uses recess appointments to seat Hall and Sosa on Amtrak board.
• Time is essence of rail (Times Union)
  Senator to reveal plan to cut Albany-NYC trip to two hours within two years.

Tuesday, January 3

• Some Travelers Still Love Riding the Rails (AP)
  Despite funding struggles, Amtrak served 25 million riders in 2004.
• 'Silver Meteor' 28 Hours Late (AP)
  CSX derailment delays Amtrak train 28 hours on New Year's Eve.
• Going faster, farther (New York Times)
  Europe and Asia embark on high speed rail projects while US interest lags.

Thursday/Friday, December 29-30

• Amtrak Passengers Stranded in Ga. Woods (AP)
  Passengers on Amtrak's Silver Meteor have been stranded after a freight derailment.
• Derailed Freight Train Snarls Travel Plans (WTOC)
  CSX derailment near Savannah Georgia on Thursday afternoon delays Amtrak.

Tuesday/Wednesday, December 27-28

• Passenger trains running between Seattle and Portland (Post-Intelligencer)
  Amtrak resumes Cascades service following Sunday mudslide.
• Name of the game is leave it the same (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Opinion: Amtrak should reject proposal to rename 30th Street Station as Ben Station.
• Trains rolling through city again (News-Record)
  Passenger and freight trains delayed after Norfolk Southern derailment in Greensboro, NC.

Friday/Saturday, December 23-24

• Train speeds up: Get to D.C. 10 minutes faster (The Hook)
  Amtrak will begin using faster Norfolk Southern track near Charlottesville, VA.
• Amtrak Repairs To Keep Rocks From Falling Onto Astoria (Queens Chronicle)
  Hell Gate Bridge construction will prevent debris from falling onto streets below.

Wednesday, December 21

• Amtrak train hits two vehicles in separate incidents (AP)
  St. Louis to Chicago train hits car and truck in separate incidents on Wednesday.

Wednesday, December 14

• Denver-bound Amtrak train derails in Utah (AP)
  Amtrak's eastbound California Zephyr strikes a semi trailer in Utah on Wednesday.

Tuesday, December 13

• Another Look at Amtrak's Future (Washington Post)
  Opinion: Three widely differing views on Amtrak and the future of passenger rail.

Monday, December 12

• Arlo Rides Train He Made Famous (CBS)
  Arlo Guthrie rides Amtrak's City of New Orleans to raise money for hurricane victims.
• Can Amtrak survive three more years of Bush? (Seattle Times)
  Opinion: Congress versus Bush over the future of passenger rail.

Sunday, December 11

• Amtrak continues struggle to manage itself, with subsidies (NY Times)
  Congress ties $8.3 million in federal money to increased premium freight.
• Amtrak Downeaster service on rebound (WHDH)
  Boston to Portland ridership up 15% this year, boosted in part by higher gas prices.

Friday, December 9

• Freight derails, slowing Amtrak (News Journal)
  Minor freight derailment delays Amtrak between Philadelphia and Washington.

Sunday, December 4

• Amtrak: Tragedy or farce? (Roanoke Times)
  Opinion: Amtrak President Gunn was fired due to success in rehabilitating company.
• Amtrak's Future (Washington Post)
  Opinion: Amtrak board that fired the company's president is inadequate.

Thursday, December 1

• Bush, in reversal, clears $1.3B in aid to Amtrak (Star Ledger)
  Funding package requires changes to food service and first class service.
• Amtrak expansion urged (State Journal-Register)
  Midwest High Speed Rail Association seeks more trains on three Illinois routes.
• All Aboard: Aggravation for Amtrak (Conservative Voice)
  Opinion: Fired Amtrak president was an experienced manager seeking reforms.
• Fired Amtrak chief stood in the way of reform (Baltimore Sun)
  Opinion: Amtrak should focus on serving densely populated corridors such as Northeast.
• Plan to fund rail projects is approved (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
  Virginia state Rail Advisory Board approves funding plan; critics question freight projects.

Sunday, November 27

• Goin' off the Amtrak (New York Daily News)
  Ousted Amtrak President David Gunn predicts reform plan will impact NYC transit.
• Roomette for one (Chicago Tribune)
  Revitalized Empire Builder provides first class travel between Chicago and Portland.
• Amtrak sets Iowa passenger record (AP)
  61,000 Iowans rode Amtrak this year, an increase of 13% over last year.

Friday, November 25

• Rail Service Gunn-ed Down (Hartford Courant)
  Opinion: Bush administration incorrectly assessed economics of passenger rail.

Wednesday, November 23

• Amtrak Adds Trains for Thanksgiving Holiday (AP)
  Amtrak adds 60 trains; expects 125,000 passengers Wednesday.

Saturday, November 19

• Amtrak Seeks Turnaround CEO (AP)
  Transportation Secretary Mineta says Amtrak board seeks turnaround CEO.
• Congress says Amtrak must reduce subsidies (Reuters)
  Agreement would provide $1.3 billion for Amtrak and require cost reductions.
• Amtrak adds trains for holiday week (AP)
  Amtrak adds 60 extra trains, mainly on Wednesday and Saturday.
• Amtrak adding fifth roundtrip (AP)
  New side track allows for fifth Downeaster round-trip between Portland and Boston.

Thursday, November 17

• Amtrak Warns Of Possible Strike (All Headline News)
  Two unions protest a six-year moratorium in contract negotiations.
• Train hub to reduce waits (New York Daily News)
  New York's new train station will speed commuter exit when opening around 2010.

Wednesday, November 16

• Supporters urge ousted Amtrak president be reinstated (AP)
  Congress asks Amtrak board to reinstate President David Gunn.
• Amtrak chairman admits secret talks to sell assets (Star-Ledger)
  Chairman tells Congress he has conducted meetings to sell Amtrak's Northeast Corridor.
• Amtrak, Subway agree to food service trial (Billings Gazette)
  Subway Restaurants to provide food service on NYC-Albany route.

Monday, November 14

• Going Down The Wrong Track (The Ledger)
  Amtrak Chairman fires President just two months after praising accomplishments.

Friday, November 11

• The Railroading of Amtrak (FAIR)
  Trains, planes and automobiles held to different standards.
• No way to run a railroad (Star Tribune)
  Editorial: Bush administration is determined to shutdown Amtrak.

Thursday, November 10

• Amtrak Fires Its President in Dispute Over Future (New York Times)
  Bush-appointed Amtrak board fires President Gunn, pushes for additional reform.
• Amtrak chief who opposed Bush fired (The News Journal)
  Move could signal an end to long-distance train service.
• Amtrak derailed (Boston Globe)
  Editorial: Firing of President Gunn jeopardizes Amtrak's future.

Wednesday, November 9

• U.S. Department of Transportation to Tighten Oversight of Amtrak (DOT)
  Transportation Secretary Mineta says GAO report supports greater financial oversight.

Monday, November 7

• Hurricane Wilma - Full Silver Service Restoration (Amtrak)
  Silver Star, Silver Meteor, and connecting buses fully restored by November 9.

Friday, November 4

• GAO: Amtrak Needs Outside Financial Help (AP)
  Congressional investigators said Thursday that Amtrak must improve financial oversight.
• Hurricane Wilma - Florida Service Restoration Plan (Amtrak)
  Amtrak updates service of Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes following hurricane.

Thursday, November 3

• Amtrak train delayed here after engine catches fire (Palatka Daily News)
  Fuel leak causes engine fire on Amtrak's Silver Meteor route.
• It's the Quiet Car. No, Really. (Fairfield County Weekly)
  Amtrak's "quiet car" challenges those with cell phones.

Tuesday, November 1

• Amtrak resumes Sunset Limited passenger service through Houston (AP)
  Los Angeles to New Orleans service resumes; still suspended east of New Orleans.
• Amtrak Hikes Last-Minute Fares (AP)
  Tickets purchased close to departure time are now 15-25% higher.

Saturday, October 29

• Clocker car's time runs out (The Times)
  End of Amtrak's Clocker service spells end to private club car for Princeton passengers.

Thursday, October 27

• Amtrak Bridge Rocks Astoria For Second Time This Month (Queens Chronicle)
  Workers on Hell Gate Bridge dislodged rocks that fell on street below.

Tuesday, October 25

• Amtrak train delayed by bomb threat (AP)
  Boston to Washington train delayed for two hours due to bomb threat

Monday, October 24

• Keystone State's quantum leap (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
  Pennsylvania's Philadelphia-Harrisburg corridor improvements could serve as a model for other states, including Virginia's Washington-Richmond route.
• Amtrak is derailed by the profit myth (News-Journal)
  Opinion: Bush-appointed Amtrak board has no experience with Amtrak.
• Amtrak locomotive catches fire in Iowa (AP)
  Second locomotive on California Zephyr catches fire in route to Chicago.
• Heartland Flyer ridership jumps 23% (Journal Record)
  Amtrak sees ridership gain on Oklahoma City to Fort Worth route.

Friday, October 21

• Amtrak Ends Private Cars; Princeton's '200 Club' to Ride Local (Bloomberg)
  Private car from Princeton to NYC ends as NJ Transit replaces Amtrak's Clocker service.
• Hurricane Wilma - Florida Service Disruptions (Amtrak)
  Amtrak's Auto Train and Silver Service routes cancelled through Monday.

Wednesday, October 19

• Amtrak Ridership of 25.4M Marks Third Straight Year of Record Increases
  Increase comes despite 5-month Acela Express disruption and hurricane cancellations.

Monday, October 17

• An attack on Amtrak (Boston Globe)
  Opinion: Bush appointees didn't consult states prior to spinoff vote.
• Abandoning Amtrak (North Jersey Media Group)
  Opinion: Congress must step forward to stop the Northeast Corridor spinoff plan.
• Record numbers ride Amtrak (Billings Gazette)
  Amtrak reported record ridership in the 2005 budget year ended last month.

Friday, October 14

• Plan for Amtrak's N.E. Corridor raises questions (Boston Globe)
  Amtrak plan raises opposition from politicians, rail advocates, and regional planners.
• Battle over Amtrak looms (Trenton Times)
  Amtrak chairman says proposal will make it easier to justify state support.

Thursday, October 13

• Amtrak Breakup Advances (New York Times)
  Amtrak Board approves Bush administration plan to breakup railroad, create separate Northeast Corridor division shared by federal government and states.
• 3,000 seats added to morning rail rush (Star-Ledger)
  More NJ Transit trains to New York will help replace Amtrak Clocker service.

Wednesday, October 12

• Sunset Limited won't be back in town for months (Tallahassee Democrat)
  Amtrak won't restore Sunset Limited route east of San Antonio for at least six months.
• Amtrak resumes service (Hattiesburg American)
  Crescent and City of New Orleans routes resume service to New Orleans.
• Firms will pay $24.75m in Amtrak overcharge case (AP)
  Companies to pay government for overcharging Amtrak Northeast Corridor projects.
• Coal Train Derails, Amtrak Trains Rerouted (CBS4)
  Union Pacific train derails nine cars Tuesday near Kremmling, Colorado.

Saturday, October 8

• US needs to step up rail security planning (Reuters)
  Congressional investigators cite need for a consistent approach for analyzing risks of subway, commuter rail, and Amtrak services used by 11 million each weekday.
• Amtrak Trains to Roll Out of New Orleans on October 9 (Amtrak)
  Crescent and City of New Orleans routes resume service to New Orleans.

Friday,  October 7

• Amtrak gives passengers more choice in fares (Times Union)
  Northeast fares now tiered based on demand, providing price reductions on some trains.
• Amtrak service from New Orleans to Gainesville resumes (AccessNorthGa.com)
  Full Crescent and City of New Orleans routes to be restored this weekend.

Thursday, October 6

• Regional and Acela Trains Running Normally with Minimal Delays (Amtrak)
  Full New York to Boston service expected Friday as power is restored.

Tuesday, October 4

• Amtrak strikes gold last month in Golden State (East Bay Business Times)
  High gasoline prices may be providing a boon to Amtrak's California routes.

Monday, October 3

• Interest high in one-time train trip in Oklahoma (Ark City Traveler)
  Amtrak extends Heartland Flyer route to Guthrie for one weekend only.
• Real results from a fake disaster (Times Union)
  Simulated explosion aboard Amtrak train gives emergency responders valuable training.

Friday, September 30

• Railroad crossing gates should have prevented crash (Norwich Bulletin)
  State-of-the-art gates and sensors should have prevented Amtrak Acela crash.
• Amtrak Train Derails South of Desoto (KSDK)
  No major injuries reported in Texas Eagle crash caused by a rockslide.

Tuesday, September 27

• Amtrak to implement fare increases in stages (AP)
  Revised fare increase plan to take effect October through February 2006.
• Amtrak Service Bulletin Hurricane Rita (Amtrak)
  All Texas service is now restored, including the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited.
• Latest Amtrak station design a clear winner (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
  Milwaukee proposes new Amtrak station to replace 1965 structure.
• 14% cut in Amtrak funding threatens Flint-Chicago line (Flint Journal)
  $1 million funding cut could reduce service from Port Huron and Grand Rapids to Chicago.
• Amtrak: Telling it like it is (UTU)
  Florida Congresswoman Corrine Brown defends Amtrak, points to ridership increases.
• Climb Aboard North Carolina’s Amtrak Festival Express (Lincoln Tribune)
  Amtrak's Piedmont and Carolinian trains to make special stops for North Carolina events.

Friday, September 23

• Texas Eagle, Sunset Limited - Temporary Revised Service Plan (Amtrak)
  Amtrak revises Texas service through the weekend due to Hurricane Rita.
• Amtrak declines idea to move facility to B.C. (WMMT)
  Amtrak declines Michigan lawmakers request to move maintenance facility from Indiana.

Thursday, September 22

• Acela trains return to full service (Washington Business Journal)
  Amtrak's Acela Express will return to full-service on Sept 26 following brake repairs.

Wednesday, September 21

• Amtrak says private companies could bid for routes (Reuters)
  Amtrak chairman says the private sector could operate some national routes.
• Idle Acelas didn't create cash crisis for Amtrak (Reuters)
  Amtrak says the loss of Acela Express for six months did not create a financial crisis.
• Amtrak starts reserved seating (Times Union)
  Trains on New York State routes became all-reserved Wednesday.
• Acela Express service restoration enters final phase (Boston Business Journal)
  Amtrak to resume eight weekday roundtrips between New York and Boston.

Friday, September 16

• In reversal, Amtrak says it will serve Bucks County station (AP)
  Amtrak to maintain regional service at Cornwells Heights station outside Philadelphia.
• Downeaster fares are headed up (AP)
  With national fare hikes postponed, Amtrak to raise Boston-Portland fares next week.

Thursday, September 15

• Amtrak postponing its planned fare increases (AP)
  Fare hikes of up to 60% have been postponed beyond next week.
• Acela Service To Expand Monday (NBC)
  Amtrak restores hourly Acela Express service south of New York, four trips to Boston.

Tuesday, September 13

• Commuters rethink lifestyles, jobs, as Amtrak increases prices (Baltimore Sun)
  Commuters frustrated as monthly fares rise nearly 60% with only two weeks notice.
• Amtrak Mum on Fare Hike, Criticized for Targeting Commuters (Times Union)
  Monthly pass fare increase of more than 50% draws criticism in Northeast.
• $15.2 Million Amtrak Station Redux Proposed (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
  Milwaukee station project could be a catalyst for local development.
• Vandals halt local Amtrak train, disrupt service (Times Herald)
  Amtrak forced to suspend Chicago to Port Huron route due to debris placed on tracks.

Monday, September 12

• Amtrak, Nagin Argue Over Rescue Train (NewsMax)
  New Orleans mayor denies that Amtrak offered to evacuate residents.
• Amtrak Works to Restore Service to Louisiana and Mississippi (Amtrak)
  Amtrak updates status of City of New Orleans, Crescent, and Sunset Limited routes.
• Amtrak to raise fares, end service in Bucks County (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Monthly passes on the Northeast Corridor will increase as much as 59% effective Sept. 20. Philly to NYC pass increases from $633 to $1,008.
• More Acela Trains Now In Service (AP)
  Amtrak begins 12 Acela Express weekday roundtrips between NYC and Washington.
• Amtrak's Downeaster hits million rider mark (Foster's Online)
  One-millionth passenger rides Amtrak's Boston-Portland route that began in Dec 2001.

Friday, September 9

• Rising Fuel Costs Lead to Amtrak Fare Increase (Amtrak)
  Amtrak will raise most fares 5% to 7% effective September 20. Additionally, nearly all Northeast service will become all-reserved, including Empire and Keystone routes.
• Major Fare Increase Expected For Amtrak Riders (CBS)
  Cost of monthly passes on the Northeast Corridor may rise up to 50%.
• Fire Evacuates New York's Penn Station (AP)
  An equipment room fire halted Amtrak and commuter rail service Thursday night.
• Amtrak Adds Another Train on Saturday to Penn Station (AP)
  Amtrak will add a second NYC-Boston round-trip as equipment is returned to service.
• Weather getting Amtrak on track (Times Union)
  Completed CSX track work improves on-time performance in New York state.

Thursday, September 8

• Amtrak chief urges rail use (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
  Citing cost of gas, David Gunn says railroads offer alternative but need more funding.
• Highways to Hell (Hartford Advocate)
  Highway bill includes $24 billion for pork barrel projects, while Amtrak fights for funding.
• Spruced-up Depot to host trains again (News-Record)
  Amtrak will begin using Greensboro's Douglas Galyon Depot after 26-year absence.

Wednesday, September 7

• Amtrak: Improve rail service (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
  Amtrak chief David Gunn says improved rail service is critical in age of high fuel prices.

Tuesday, September 6

• Pacific Surfliner picking up steam (San Luis Obispo Tribune)
  Amtrak's San Luis Obispo - Los Angeles - San Diego corridor continues to gain riders.
• Amtrak Petitioned To Raise Spans (The Day)
  Connecticut residents and boaters ask Amtrak to raise bridges when replaced.
• Amtrak Downeaster Expects Million-Passenger Milestone (AP)
  Boston to Portland route expects one-millionth passenger since its launch in 2001.

Sunday, September 4

• Finally rescued: Exhausted refugees arrive by Amtrak (Daily Advertiser)
  First Amtrak evacuation train arrives from New Orleans Saturday with 350 passengers.

Saturday, September 3

• Amtrak to help evacuate hurricane victims (Clarion Ledger)
  First train evacuates New Orleans residents to Lafayette, LA on Friday night. Continued round-trips will be made, with a second train joining the effort Monday.
• Amtrak trains to aid in New Orleans evacuation (Reuters)
  Special twelve-car train brings food and water, evacuates residents to Lafayette.
• Amtrak revises service to New Orleans until further notice
  City of New Orleans to terminate in Jackson, MS; Crescent to terminate in Meridian, MS; Sunset Limited to terminate in San Antonio, TX.

Thursday, September 1

• Amtrak planning evacuations for New Orleans residents (Clarion-Ledger)
  Stranded residents may be evacuated by rail to the west and north of New Orleans.
• Amtrak revises service to New Orleans through Tuesday
  City of New Orleans, Crescent, and Sunset Limited routes impacted by storm.

Wednesday, August 31

• Detour of California Zephyr to Track Historic Transcontinental Route (Amtrak)
  Union Pacific trackwork will reroute Amtrak service between Denver & Salt Lake City.
• Amtrak revises service to New Orleans through the weekend
  City of New Orleans, Crescent, and Sunset Limited routes impacted by storm.

Monday, August 29

• Amtrak debuts upgrades with renovated Empire Builder (Daily Inter Lake)
  Amtrak's top brass rode the Empire Builder in celebration of recent upgrade.
• Amtrak revises service to New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina
  City of New Orleans, Crescent, and Sunset Limited routes impacted by storm.

Saturday/Sunday, August 27-28

• A new view of trains (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
  Amtrak's new Empire Builder service could be key to rebuilding a passenger rail empire.
• One line open at site of derailment (Billings Gazette)
  One of two tracks reopen after Friday derailment near Essex, Montana.
• Amtrak revises service to New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina
  City of New Orleans, Crescent, and Sunset Limited routes impacted by storm.

Friday, August 26

• Amtrak: Full NYC To Boston Service On Friday (AP)
  Full service resumes between New York and Boston following Tuesday's derailment.
• Federal goal is to scuttle Amtrak, railroad's chief says (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
  David Gunn blasts Transportation Department for a mindset that could destroy Amtrak.
• Illinois' Amtrak ridership at all-time high (Quad-City Times)
  Ridership on state-funded routes in Illinois rose an average of 10%.
• Amtrak revises Florida service due to Hurricane Katrina (Amtrak)
  Schedules adjusted for Silver Star, Silver Meteor, and Sunset Limited due to storm.

Wednesday, August 24

• Bronx derailment still hampering service (AP)
  Amtrak cancels Acela Express and Metroliner service between NYC and Boston due to CSX freight derailment; substitutes diesel power while electric is restored.
  NY1: Video of derailment site.
• Future of Amtrak in Atlanta looks dim (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
  Atlanta's single remaining passenger train, Amtrak's daily Crescent, may face elimination.
• Amtrak numbers up; president promotes improvements (La Crosse Tribune)
  Empire Builder receives a fresh look and new amenities; ridership up over last year.

Tuesday, August 23

• Freight derailment in the Bronx causes Amtrak problems (AP)
  Amtrak service on the Northeast Corridor between New York and New Haven has been suspended following a CSX freight train derailment Tuesday morning.

Saturday/Sunday, August 20-21

• Work on Amtrak trains nearly done (Billings Gazette)
  Amtrak officials say Empire Builder equipment renovations should complete by Sunday.
• Amtrak is ride home for thousands of Illinois college students (AP)
  University administrators say Amtrak provides a critical link to Chicago.

Friday, August 19

• Amtrak Codes Cool Down for Fall (Frommers)
  With many summer discount codes canceled, Frommers lists the latest Amtrak discounts.

Wednesday, August 17

• Rep. Schwarz ready to fight for Amtrak funding plan (Battle Creek Enquirer)
  U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz, R-Battle Creek, seeks long-term plan for Amtrak funding.
• Rail woes are now departing (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
  Amtrak and commuter rail in Virginia has improved following an emergency meeting.

Monday, August 15

• Major Delays In Store For Amtrak, VRE Riders (NBC4)
  Some Amtrak and VRE trains were canceled and others delayed due to CSX work.
• Amtrak Train's Interminable Journey (Washington Post)
  Riders on Florida to New York route weather 14 hours of delays.

Friday/Saturday, August 12-13

• Train gains riders, federal funds (Portland Press Herald)
  Federal transportation bill will continue 80% federal funding of Amtrak's Downeaster.

Thursday, August 11

• Empire Builder trains renovated (Grand Forks Herald)
  Amtrak to introduce renovated rail cars and new on-board services and amenities.

Wednesday, August 10

• Freight, heat, repairs derail Amtrak schedules (Times Union)
  Trains running up to nearly three hours late as congestion on upstate corridor takes toll.
• Amtrak fan urges public to speak out (McCook Daily Gazette)
  Retired ticket agent urges Nebraskans to support Amtrak funding.
• Congress must stay on right track with Amtrak (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Editorial: Congress must stand up to presidential veto threat and proceed with reform plan.

Monday, August 8

• NYPD joins other police units to protect Amtrak trains (AP)
  Increased security on Northeast Corridor trains involves police officers from New Jersey, Philadelphia, Maryland, Washington, and other jurisdictions.
• 17 hurt when Amtrak train hits truck in rural SoCal area (AP)
  All passengers have been released following a Friday night collision in Ventura County.

Thursday, August 4

• Amtrak Restores Service Between New York City and Philadelphia (Bloomberg)
  Amtrak service was suspended Wednesday evening when a SEPTA commuter train pulled down the catenary to all four tracks in Bucks County, PA.
• Amtrak's still off the track (North Jersey Media
  Maintenance issues contribute to Amtrak's lagging on-time performance in the northeast.

Wednesday, August 3

• Train collision clean up continues (News & Observer)
  Cleanup continues at the scene of Tuesday's Amtrak collision near Raleigh, NC.

Tuesday, August 2

• Amtrak train derails after striking dump truck, killing 2 (AP)
  An Amtrak passenger train struck a dump truck and derailed on Tuesday afternoon near Raleigh, NC after the truck's driver apparently drove around a lowered crossing gate.
• Bill would help keep Amtrak up and running (Portage Daily Register)
  Bi-partisan proposal would cut Amtrak operating subsidies while funding capital projects.

Monday, August 1

• Five Amtrak trains affected by sinkhole in east central Florida (AP)
  Amtrak and CSX traffic resumes following a sinkhole that shutdown service 16 hours.
• Sinkhole halts, delays and diverts trains (Daytona Beach News-Journal)
  A sinkhole beneath the tracks in Florida forced Amtrak to bus passengers Sunday.
• Amtrak's Acela Adds More Trains (AP)
  Amtrak restores additional Acela Express service; nine weekday roundtrips now running.

Friday/Saturday, July 29-30

• More Acela Express Service Returns (Amtrak)
  Beginning August 1, nine weekday roundtrips will resume between Washington & NYC.
• 'Ticking' scare shakes South Station (Boston Herald)
  A ticking sound from an audio cassette player shut down Boston's South Station.
• New, More Convenient Schedules Between New York and Florida (Amtrak)
  Beginning August 1, Amtrak's daily Silver Service trains will operate on new schedules.

Thursday, July 28

• Amtrak faces subsidies cut (AP)
  Senate bill would cut subsidies by 40% and allocate $4.9 billion for capital grants.
• $6B tunnel plan OK'd (North Jersey Media)
  NJ Transit has approved the route for a new $6 billion rail tunnel under the Hudson River to bring passengers directly to a new station beneath 34th St in Manhattan.
• Next stop 34th St., NJ Transit decides for its new tunnels (Star-Ledger)
  NJ Transit yesterday selected a route for two extra Hudson River rail tunnels to NYC.

Wednesday, July 27

• Official says Amtrak could save by cutting sleeper, dining cars (Star-Ledger)
  DOT inspector general says Amtrak could save $75 to $158 million annually by doing away with dining, lounge, and sleeper cars, as well as all checked baggage.
• Congress OKs Funding, but Amtrak Future Still in Doubt (The Gazette)
  Senate voted for $1.4 billion in 2006 funding, but Bush veto threat still looms.
• Track blamed in train accident (Clarion-Ledger)
  Poor CN track maintenance caused last year's fatal Amtrak derailment near Flora, MS.

Tuesday, July 26

• Bomb Scare at NYC Penn Sta. False Alarm (AP)
  A man was arraigned Monday on charges from a bomb scare at Penn Station.
• Amtrak workers need a contract (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Editorial: Those who support privatization ignore that Amtrak was once a private entity.

Monday, July 25

• High-speed train service returns to Boston (Boston Globe)
  First daily Acela Express round-trip between New York to Boston returns to service.
• Bomb Scare Forces Evacuation Of Penn Station, No Device Is Found (NY1)
  Penn Station was evacuated Sunday when a man claimed to be carrying a bomb.

Saturday/Sunday, July 23-24

• Amtrak Poised to Restore Limited Acela Service to Boston (Boston Globe)
  Amtrak restores a single Acela Express round-trip to Boston this weekend.

Thursday, July 21

• Bigger Amtrak Budget Brings Veto Threat (AP)
  Senate raises Amtrak budget to $1.4 billion; Bush administration threatens veto.

Wednesday, July 20

• Senate boosts Amtrak budget, earning veto threat (AP)
  Senate raises Amtrak budget to $1.4 billion; Bush administration threatens veto.
• Scenic train travel on the rise (AP)
  According to National Geographic Traveler magazine, interest in train travel is on the rise.
• City to state: Don't cut Amtrak (Kalamazoo Gazette)
  Kalamazoo city commissioners urged Michigan legislature and governor not to cut Amtrak.

Tuesday, July 19

• Plans Unveiled for New York’s Moynihan Train Station (Architectural Record)
  Construction is set to begin next year on a new station in NYC, across the street from existing Penn Station that serves 500,000 daily Amtrak, LIRR and NJ Transit riders.
• New Penn Station no longer dream (New York Daily News)
  $818 million plan will convert NYC's main post office into a transit hub by 2010.
• NYPD Begins Policing Amtrak Trains As Security Precaution (Xinhua)
  New York Police join Amtrak Police and National Guard in New York Penn Station.

Monday, July 18

• Suspicious Object Shuts Down Train Service In Seattle (AP)
  Object found to be an electric transformer shut down service for four hours Sunday.
• Money for Amtrak route at risk (The Oregonian)
  Oregon House wants to stop funding for one of two runs between Eugene and Portland.
• So who lined up this public relations disaster? (Washington Post)
  Editorial: Transportation Secretary's Amtrak and Alaska Railroad analogy is off the mark.

Friday, July 15

• Amtrak officials praise work at BG facility (Southside Times)
  High skill level of employees refurbishes and repairs passenger trains.
• Amtrak Acela getting back on track (Baltimore Business Journal)
  Four NY-DC round-trips will return next week following brake replacements.

Thursday, July 14

• Amtrak Builds on a Good Thing: Empire Builder to Get Fresh New Look
  New services are the start of a major initiative at Amtrak to improve passengers' on-board experience on long-distance trains and improve the trains' financial performance
• Amtrak's Empire Builder gets an upgrade (AP)
  Amtrak tests new service offerings on Chicago to Seattle/Portland route, effective Aug 21.

Monday/Tuesday, July 11-12

• New Brakes Let Acela Resume Some Routes (Washington Post)
  Acela Express service resumed Monday with two daily NY-DC round-trips. All 20 trains are expected in service by September. Acela service to Boston to resume shortly.
  For more information: Amtrak press release
• Scare On The Rails (CBS)
  Amtrak train hits tanks of explosive welding fuel left on tracks; no one injured by explosion.
• Escape routes, ventilation improvements on Hudson River tunnels (Jersey Journal)
  $480 million tunnel rehabilitation project to improve safety of tunnels below Hudson River.

Friday/Saturday, July 8-9

• Travelers alert, but not scared off (News Journal)
  Amtrak passengers have mixed opinions about security efforts following London attack.
• Comparing our super railroad to Amtrak is unfair (ADN)
  Editorial: With 70% of its revenue from freight, Alaska RR is a poor "model" for Amtrak.

Wednesday, July 6

• Secretary Mineta Says Alaska Knows How to Run a Railroad (US DOT)
  Mineta says Alaska Railroad's innovation should be an example to the nation.
• Amtrak Service to and from New Orleans Temporarily Suspended (Amtrak)
  Tropical Storm Cindy disrupts Crescent and Sunset Limited service in New Orleans.
• Depot's end latest blow to train era (Orlando Sentinel)
  Sanford Florida's train station closes, in favor of Auto Train station a quarter-mile north.
• Rail life: Amtrak fights to remain relevant (Star Tribune)
  Long distance train travel unites travelers of different backgrounds.
• Keeping Amtrak rolling (Minot Daily News)
  Editorial: Amtrak needs fiscal responsibility, but cutting funding and routes is not the way.

Tuesday, July 5

• Something to cheer (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Editorial: Pennsylvania Senator says he will lead efforts to fund Amtrak in Senate vote.
• Senate must follow House on Amtrak (Billings Gazette)
  Editorial: The House opposed funding cuts in a vote last week; Senate will vote shortly.

Thursday, June 30

• House Rejects Cuts in Amtrak Budget (Washington Post)
  The House of Representatives defied the Bush administration on Wednesday by approving more than $1.17 billion in subsidies for Amtrak in the next fiscal year.
• Amtrak gives East a competitive edge (News Journal)
  Editorial: Amtrak's Northeast Corridor needs adequate funding for critical capital projects.

Wednesday, June 29

• Budget barriers threaten to derail fabled City of New Orleans train (Times Record)
  Arlo Guthrie hopes it's not too late to save a cultural icon in face of budget cuts.
• End of the line for cafe car (Times Union)
  Amtrak regulars are disappointed in the loss of food service on NYC to Rensselaer route.
• High-speed train woes put Amtrak in a bind (Star-Ledger)
  Amtrak loses $1 million and 20,000 passengers each week Acela is out of service.
• America's Passenger Rail System Deserves Statewide Support (Inside Indiana Business)
  Indiana High Speed Rail Association calls for continued funding and support of Amtrak.
• Renewed efforts for high-speed rail system (AP)
  New York State renews plans; announcement expected in Rensselaer today.

Tuesday, June 28

• Officials vow to keep train service running (Billings Gazette)
  Montana officials continue fight for continued Amtrak funding and Empire Builder service.
• Maker of Amtrak brakes switched designs (WSJ)
  Brake supplier's design change may be responsible for potentially catastrophic cracks.
• Amtrak, federal highways and the Cold War (Bangor Daily News)
  Editorial: A Cold War-era transportation system doesn't meet today's needs.
• Rail travel more critical than ever (Chico Enterprise Record)
  Editorial: A forced shutdown of all long-distance routes is the wrong step for Amtrak.
• BNSF line reopens after derailment (Billings Gazette)
  Amtrak's Empire Builder passengers were bussed between Havre and Minot.

Friday, June 24

• Schedules Adjusted for Next Phase of Keystone Corridor Project (Amtrak)
  Capital improvement project requires schedule changes effective June 27.
• Amtrak: ‘We have no plans to relocate’ (Southside Times)
  Amtrak affirms there are no plans to relocate facilities in Beech Grove, Indiana.

Wednesday, June 15

• Amtrak would have to cut routes under budget plan (Reuters)
  Appropriations subcommittee approves $550 million in aid for next fiscal year; Amtrak says the proposal would force a shutdown.

Tuesday, June 14

• Heartland Flyer Celebrates Sixth Anniversary (Amtrak)
  Ridership is at an all-time high on Amtrak's Oklahoma City to Fort Worth route.

Saturday, June 11

• Amtrak Passenger Train Collides With Truck (KATU)
  An Amtrak train struck a BNSF truck in Kelso, WA; crew escaped unharmed.
• False Report Brings Amtrak Trains To A Stop (Bakersfield Channel)
  Eight Amtrak trains were halted Friday after a man claimed he was threatened with a gun.

Friday, June 10

• Acela Service to Return in July, Amtrak Says (Bloomberg)
  Amtrak's Acela Express service will be gradually restored throughout the summer.
• Even food and drink is derailing Amtrak (Star-Ledger)
  Amtrak lost $245 million from 2002 to 2004 on food and beverage service.
• BG to lose Amtrak? (Southside Times)
  Amtrak may move Beech Grove maintenance facility and 600 jobs to Michigan.

Thursday, June 9

• Amtrak station closes after man says train will 'disappear' (San Mateo Times)
  Bomb scare and shooting disrupt Amtrak, BART, and local businesses in Richmond, CA.
• Budget could put brakes on Amtrak (Times-Herald)
  Amtrak service in Michigan could be eliminated if state legislature passes proposed cut.

Tuesday, June 7

• Bush budget could mean end of the line for Amtrak (Ledger Independent)
  Kentucky may lose Amtrak's "Cardinal" if federal budget provides no funding.

Monday, June 6

• Some Acelas may be back on tracks soon, maker says (Boston Globe)
  Bombardier says at least some Acela Express trains should be fixed this month.
• Durbin cries foul over Amtrak cuts (Southern Illinoisian)
  Illinois Senator says Bush administration "can't have it both ways" with Amtrak.
• Circuit breaker blamed in bridge fire (AP)
  Circuit breaker failed to cut off electricity and sparked fire at Amtrak bridge near NYC.

Friday, June 3

• It's Going To Be A Code Summer on Amtrak (Frommer's)
  Online codes can yield significant discounts for Amtrak travel.
• Amtrak tour pulls into Whitefish (Missoulian)
  Passenger rail advocates gather in Whitefish to support Amtrak funding.

Thursday, June 2

• Politicians make Amtrak big priority (Billings Gazette)
  Montana politicians agree on one thing: Amtrak's Empire Builder should remain as-is.
• Paying to hold onto Amtrak (Independent Record)
  Editorial: Transportation Secretary Mineta is out of touch with local realities.
• Breakfast on the rails serves up glimpses of life (Brush News Tribune)
  Editorial: The best thing on the Amtrak breakfast menu isn't the food, but the stories.

Wednesday, June 1

• State politicians oppose Amtrak proposal (Billings Gazette)
  Montana politicians oppose Transportation Secretary's "cockamamie scheme."
• Saving Amtrak (Daily Inter Lake)
  Montana governor calls Bush reform plan "a proposal to kill Amtrak."
• High-speed boondoggle (Democrat & Chronicle)
  Editorial: Instead of working on high-speed rail, New York state looks for a way out.

Tuesday, May 31

• Express rail plan hits end of line (Times Union)
  State abandons plans for high speed rail corridor between NYC and Albany.
• State pays $5.5 million to end Turboliner contract (AP)
  New York state must pay an additional $5.5 million to kill the failed Turboliner project.
• Hi-Line rally this week to show support for Amtrak (Great Falls Tribune)
  Montana governor will lead a whistle stop tour in support of Amtrak's Empire Builder.
• Rules have changed on getting discounted Amtrak tickets (JS Online)
  Discount tickets for AAA, NARP, students, and veterans must be purchased in advance.
• Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner Route - "Celebrating Five Years of Easy Going"
  Ridership on Amtrak's southern California route will reach 10 million in June.

Friday, May 27

• U.S. at odds with Amtrak over financial projection (Reuters)
  Transportation Secretary says Amtrak must "immediately begin to implement cost-cutting measures" to receive its government funding.
• Amtrak delays frustrating passengers (10NBC)
  CSX trackwork has caused numerous Amtrak delays across New York state.

Thursday, May 26

• Amtrak Whistlestop to stop in Shelby (Shelby Promoter)
  Amtrak Whistlestop Tour will stop in Shelby, Montana on June 1.

Wednesday, May 25

• Union Pacific Track Maintenance Alters Summer Amtrak Schedules In Oregon
  Trackwork between Portland and Eugene will alter service from June 1 to August 2.
• Amtrak needs your help to survive (North County Times)
  Editorial: Successful 'Pacific Surfliner' in southern California at risk of budget cuts.
• Amtrak Capitol Corridor Passengers Can Take the Train to the New Oakland Coliseum Rail Platform
  Trains will stop at Oakland Coliseum for sports and entertainment, plus BART connection.

Monday, May 23

• Lorton Amtrak Station Reopens After Gas Line Rupture (NBC4)
  Virginia station reopens Monday afternoon after authorities fixed a large gas leak.

Saturday/Sunday, May 21-22

• Business leaders gear up to tout train travel to Chicago (Flint Journal)
  Michigan tourism officials promote daily service between Port Huron and Chicago.
• All aboard before Bush bankrupts Amtrak (Online Journal)
  Editorial: Bush's budget proposes to make Amtrak the national rail system that couldn't.

Friday, May 20

• Amtrak diet: less food between Albany and New York City (AP)
  Amtrak will stop serving food on about half its trains between Albany and New York City.

Wednesday, May 18

• Amtrak’s future uncertain with looming $1.2 billion cut (California Aggie)
  Amtrak California regional service, including Capitol Corridor, at risk from funding cuts.
• City Council shows support for Amtrak funding (Havre Daily News)
  Havre Montana mayor says Amtrak is a vital part of the local economy.

Monday, May 16

• Will Amtrak derail? (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)
  Future of interstate passenger train service in doubt.
• House members form caucus pushing for support of Amtrak (Baltimore Sun)
  Bipartisan group opposes Bush's zero-funding plan.
• A tiny symbol of big troubles (Star-Ledger)
  Amtrak's marketing failures are not its words and pictures, but its execution.
• NJ Transit trains back to normal (North Jersey Media)
  Repairs were completed on a fire-damaged Amtrak/NJT bridge just outside NYC.

Saturday/Sunday, May 14-15

• Rail fire leads to delay, debate (North Jersey Media)
  Proposal would replace Amtrak & NJ Transit bridge with four tracks, cost $1 billion.
• Amtrak finds political help from a new House caucus (Times-Dispatch)
  Lawmakers unite to fight Bush bid to end rail system's funding.

Friday, May 13

• Blaze snarls service on NJ Transit, Amtrak (North Jersey Media)
  Railroad bridge fire between Newark and New York disrupts Amtrak and commuter traffic.
• Amtrak executives predict bankruptcy (Baltimore Sun)
  Railroad's survival relies on major budget increase, officials tell Senate panel.
• Amtrak Faces Serious Cash Crunch, Senators Told (Washington Post)
  Amtrak would run out of money within two weeks of the end of its fiscal year.
• Budget uncertainty hurting Amtrak finances (Reuters)
  Amtrak's financial condition is being further eroded by uncertainty over federal subsidies.
• Durbin wants federal money for Illinois trains (AP)
  Senator says state shouldn't be expected to pick up more of the burden to fund Amtrak.

Thursday, May 12

• Acela Brake Flaws Posed Big Risk (Washington Post)
  Amtrak Chief Inspector Says Cracks Could Have Caused Major Accident.
• Cracks on Acela trains found 1-3 years prior to existing problem (AP)
  Maintainer of Acela wheelsets did not report cracks to Amtrak.

Wednesday, May 11

• Government hearings today on Amtrak problems (AP)
  Amtrak officials will appear before a committee today to review Acela brake problems.
• Acela brake problems known to Amtrak years ago (Washington Post)
  Similar problems might have been reported as far back as two years ago.
• Trouble On The Tracks? (NBC4)
  Concerns arise over the security of a 100-year-old tunnel in Washington, DC.
• Trying to stay on track: Senior Amtrak official visits Carbondale (The Southern)
  Amtrak's senior government affairs officer discusses finances in Illinois.

Tuesday, May 10

• States don’t jump to pick up rail tab (Portland Tribune)
  Bush’s plan to end federal support stirs up opposition in Oregon’s congressional delegation.
• Amtrak and the last spike (The Oregonian)
  Editorial: Country still needs coast-to-coast passenger rail, as it did 136 years ago.
• NYC rail trip a snug ride (Times Union)
  Amtrak shuffles roomier cars to runs served by sidelined Acelas.
• Locals make plea for Amtrak funding (Davis Enterprise)
  Locals urge continued funding for rail service between Sacramento and the Bay Area.

Monday, May 9

• Amtrak Ax: Congress should derail Bush's funding cut (Detroit Free Press)
  All three Michigan routes record double-digit ridership gains, but are at risk of funding cut.
• Trains take the slow, scenic way (Kansas City Star)
  Amtrak's Ann Rutledge is a slow but scenic route between Kansas City and St. Louis.

Saturday/Sunday, May 7-8

• Vital Amtrak links in rural America threatened by cuts (Boston Globe)
  Conservative senators and their local colleagues will break with the president on Amtrak.

Friday, May 6

• Maker of Acela aims for quicker brake fix (Boston Globe)
  Bombardier is considering a new type of brake disc to replace those that cracked.
• Bangor train depot back on track after renovation, rededication (AP)
  Passengers of Amtrak's Pere Marquette in Bangor now have a newly renovated depot.

Thursday, May 5

• A Warning Signal for Amtrak (Business Week)
  S&P may cut Amtrak's debt rating due to uncertainty over future funding and operations.
• Amtrak chief visits county to brief leaders on rail's future (Lancaster New Era)
  Upgrades to Lancaster station and track will transform local passenger-train service.
• Amtrak on the ropes (Missoula Independent)
  Editorial: Bush administration is unwilling to accept a national rail service that's not profitable.

Tuesday, May 3

• Pro-Amtrak whistle-stop tour planned for Hi-Line (Havre Daily News)
  The two-day tour will extend from Glasgow to Whitefish, Montana.
• Amtrak ridership up 14 percent on line from Chicago to Port Huron (AP)
  Ridership has risen 14 percent in the first year of a revised route.

Monday, May 2

• New Metroliner Schedule Begins (Amtrak)
  Schedule further restores premium service between Boston-New York-Washington.
• Amtrak, the railroad that can't, without more cash (Star-Ledger)
  "The debate goes on and on, but they can't seem to reform it and won't adequately fund it."
• Empire Builder runs right through Wisconsin (Beyond Milwaukee)
  Chicago to Seattle/Portland route is one of Amtrak's most scenic.

Saturday/Sunday, April 30/May 1

• Light at end of Amtrak tunnel? (Boston Herald)
  Politicians wage war to dramatically revitalize passenger service or shove it closer to collapse.

Friday, April 29

• Starving Amtrak: Wrong ticket to self-reliance on energy (News-Journal)
  Editorial is critical of Bush administration proposal for Amtrak given today's energy crisis.

Thursday, April 28

• Amtrak says firm wrong on brakes' life expectancy (Boston Globe)
  Acela Express brakes lasted half as long as the manufacturer planned.
• US House committee approves money for Amtrak (Reuters)
  Committee unanimously approved legislation to authorize $6 billion over three years.

Wednesday, April 27

• N.C. Train Derailment Disrupts Amtrak Schedule (AP)
  21-car derailment disrupted passenger and freight service in North Carolina on Tuesday.
• All aboard Amtrak reform (Washington Times)
  Acela problems fuel case for Amtrak reform.

Tuesday April 26

• Japan train crash not likely for LIRR (Newsday)
  Speed control would prevent such an accident on Long Island RailRoad and Amtrak.
• N.C. train derailment disrupts Amtrak schedule (AP)
  Nearly two dozen cars in a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed north of Charlotte.
• Amtrak marketing Blue Water Service (Niles Daily Star)
  Marketing partnerships promote service between Port Huron and Chicago.

Monday, April 25

• Amtrak Metroliner Running Acela Routes (1010 WINS)
  Amtrak is pressing more Metroliner equipment into service to replace Acela Express.
• Acela, Built to Be Rail's Savior, Bedevils Amtrak at Every Turn (NY Times)
  Amtrak's high-speed train is slower, more expensive, and less reliable than promised.
• New schedule shaves travel time between Portland and Boston (Boston Globe)
  Amtrak's Downeaster began operating on a new schedule Monday.

Saturday/Sunday, April 23-24

• Amtrak union calls for board to resign (AP)
  The union representing most employees has called for the board of directors to resign.
• Downeaster car loan to help Amtrak in 'crisis' (Portland Press Herald)
  Amtrak riders between Portland and Boston will have alternate coaches due to shortage.
• Where does Amtrak go from here? (Philadelphia Daily News)
  Outlines how Amtrak's overhaul could impact frequent riders on the Northeast Corridor.

Friday, April 22

• Amtrak plan would shift more of cost to states (Baltimore Sun)
  Board outlines steps to reconcile with Bush goals, including 34-year plan for state funding.
• Administration, Senators Spar Over Funding Amtrak (AP)
  Several senators criticized President Bush's proposal to give Amtrak no money next year.
• Under pressure, Amtrak vows change (Boston Globe)
  Amtrak says it needs $1.8 bln to survive and proposes states cover 20%.

Thursday, April 21

• Fast Acela trains to be sidelined until the summer (Boston Globe)
  Flagship Acela Express service will not return until summer, Amtrak said Wednesday.
• Trains Rolling Again After Brush Fire Shut Down N.J. Transit, Amtrak (ABC7)
  All service was suspended between Newark and New York City on Wednesday evening.
• Time for federal subsidies to depart Amtrak's stations (USA Today Editorial)
  A life-altering shake-up is just what the railroad and its supporters need.
• Cutting funds isn't a fix (USA Today Editorial)
  Without it, we will need vast, expensive upgrades to our highways and airports that will make the current level of federal support for Amtrak look like petty cash.

Wednesday, April 20

• Brake supplier short of replacement Acela parts (AP)
  Bombardier doesn't know how long it will take to supply Amtrak with replacement brakes.
• Amtrak needs government's help to survive (Daily Trojan)
  USC editorial calls Bush proposal for federal subsidy elimination "unimaginable."
• Acela off track (Washington Times)
  Acela Express suspension is sparking an increase in passengers for airlines and bus lines.
• Frustrated travelers pine for Acela (Baltimore Sun)
  Northeast passengers forced to take slower regional trains in Acela's absence.

Tuesday, April 19

• No Amtrak Acela service this week (AP)
  After a single run Monday, no Acela Express trains will run through Friday, possibly longer.
• Amtrak halts its backup service (Boston Globe)
  Amtrak will stop providing substitute service between Boston and NY for Acela Express.
• Broken rail caused Amtrak accident (Finger Lakes Times)
  An April 3rd derailment of Amtrak's Empire Service was caused by a broken rail.
• Amtrak Says Brake Trouble Will Not Hurt in Long Run (NY Times)
  The loss of Acela Express service costs Amtrak millions in revenue.
• Surfliner and Coaster could be affected by Amtrak proposal (North County Times)
  Amtrak funding cuts could impact California's Surfliner and Coaster service.
• Amtrak key to balanced transportation (Pantagraph)
  A potentially high efficiency travel system is slated for extinction, starved of needed dollars.

Monday, April 18

• Amtrak schedules Express run today (AP)
  At least one Acela Express will run today; half of others will run with substitute equipment.
• Jump-starting Amtrak job for the Congress (The Republican)
  With soaring gas prices, mass transit offers a way to fight the energy crisis.
• Amtrak: not destined for failure (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  The White House plan to dismantle Amtrak represents a desperate, dangerous policy.

Sunday, April 17

• Amtrak scrambles to find trains for Acela (AP)
  Four Acela Express trips run Sunday; others remain suspended for brake problems.
• Acela's suspension another blow to rail (Boston Globe)
  Acela's passengers are being lured away by low-cost competition.
• No injuries in Amtrak train derailment (AP)
  Amtrak's Texas Eagle derails in eastern Texas on Saturday; passengers stay overnight.
• Amtrak is under assault — again (Great Falls Tribune)
  Transportation Secretary's comments fit the "doublethink" of George Orwell's 1984.

Saturday, April 16

• Brakes halt Acela service (AP)
  Friday shutdown of Amtrak's Acela Express will last indefinitely for repairs.
• Local officials worry Amtrak cuts could hurt service (Daily Republic)
  Bush Administration proposal to eliminate subsidies could hurt Capitol Corridor service.

Friday, April 15

• Amtrak cancels Acela Express service (AP)
  Cracks on disc brakes force suspension of high speed rail service.
• Amtrak Suspends Acela Trains After Finding Brake Problems (NY Times)
  Service is cancelled at least through Saturday until brake problem is resolved.
• Breakup plan for Amtrak (Newsday)
  Bush administration plan would replace Amtrak with regional, intercity lines run by states.
• Amtrak changes Vermonter schedule (Times Argus)
  Amtrak's Vermonter will receive a schedule change and connection to Montreal.
• Train could be cut (Grand Valley Lanthorn)
  Amtrak’s Pere Marquette from Grand Rapids to Chicago could be halted in October.
• The train is leaving the station (Capitol Hill Blue)
  Critics believe Amtrak funding cuts are perilously short-sighted.
• Washington doublespeak on Amtrak (San Francisco Chronicle)
  California stands to experience severe disruption in commuter and intercity train service.
• Making Tracks: Amtrak ride is a pleasure and a pain (LA Daily News)
  A ride on Amtrak's Coast Starlight can be a scenic journey, but expect delays.
• Track work causing delays for rail passengers (Capital News 9)
  Track repairs west of Schenectady will delay Amtrak and CSX in coming weeks.

Wednesday, April 13

• No one injured when two Amtrak cars derail at Milwaukee (AP)
  Two cars of the westbound Empire Builder derailed at low speed on Tuesday.

Tuesday, April 12

• Bush pick signals compromise on Amtrak funding (AP)
  Federal Railroad Administration nominee says reforms, not funding cuts, should occur.

Monday, April 11

• Amtrak train stalls in Bethune (Camden Chronicle Independent)
  A train broke down in South Carolina, stranding 270 passengers for six hours.
• Californians fond of not-so-punctual Amtrak (LA Times)
  9.3 mln get on or off an Amtrak train each year in California, second only to NY.
• Now's not the time to sidetrack Amtrak (News Record, NC)
  North Carolina continues to be a pacesetter for state support.
• Report: No fault in fatal '04 train crash (Lansing State Journal)
  Investigators found that neither CN nor Amtrak violated any regulations in 2003 crash.

Friday, April 8

• Coaster clients may get to continue with Amtrak (San Diego Union Tribune)
  Coaster train passengers can continue to use monthly passes to ride Amtrak.
• Bus ride ended train commute (Exeter News-Letter)
  A Guilford freight train problem forced Amtrak to bus Downeaster passengers.

Tuesday, April 5

• Rough rides reported before derailment (AP)
  Federal investigators are reviewing whether reports of rough track are related to a Sunday morning derailment of Amtrak's Empire Builder in the Columbia Gorge.
• D.C. Power Outage Causes Rail Delays (Washington Post)
  Approximately 20 Amtrak trains are cancelled due to a morning power outage.
• House panel restores money for Amtrak, Alzheimer's research (AP)
  House plan would preserve funding for Amtrak service between Kansas City and St. Louis.

Special Coverage
Amtrak's Westbound 'Empire Builder' Derailed Sunday in Columbia River Gorge
The engine and all four cars derailed but remained upright against an embankment. Approximately 30 of the 115 passengers onboard required medical attention for minor injuries, all but two of which have been released. BNSF restored service Monday afternoon, and Amtrak will restore Empire Builder service to Portland on Wednesday. The cause is currently under investigation.

• KATU (ABC) Portland - Photos and Video
• KTPV (FOX) Portland - Video
• KGW (NBC) Portland - Photos and Video (free registration required)
• NorthWest Cable News - Video (free registration required)
• Amtrak Service Announcement
• AP News Story

Monday, April 4

• CSX track closed after Amtrak derailment (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
  Three cars of a seven car passenger train derailed in Lyons, New York Sunday evening.
• Amtrak funds in jeopardy: Future of Downeaster cloudy (Foster's)
  Federal funding cut could kill Downeaster service between Boston and Portland.
• Rail line plans large scale bridge upgrade (AP)
  Amtrak will spend $50 million for improvements to bridges in southeastern Connecticut.

Sunday, April 3

• Flyer rally planned (Pauls Valley Daily Democrat)
  Amtrak Heartland Flyer supporters want to send a message to Oklahoma lawmakers.

Friday, April 1

• Bush plan to end subsidies attacked by lawmakers, local officials (AP)
  Experts question Bush administration plan to cut off subsidies for Amtrak.
• Heartland Flyer back on schedule (Pauls Valley Daily Democrat)
  The completion of a BNSF track project allows Amtrak service to return to schedule.
• Federal Amtrak funds may screech to a halt (News & Record, Greensboro)
  The state may have to assume full cost to keep the Carolinian and Piedmont routes.

Thursday, March 31

• Mineta trades jabs with Boxer over Amtrak (San Francisco Chronicle)
  U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta brought a nationwide campaign promoting President Bush's Amtrak reorganization plan to the Bay Area.
• Dying Amtrak needs overhaul (San Luis Obispo Tribute)
  U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta responds to critics.
• Leafleteers protest Bush administration position on Amtrak (North County Times)
  Teamsters handed out fliers calling for train riders to contact their state representative.

Wednesday, March 30

• Uphill for Amtrak (Boston Globe)
  The Amtrak reform plan favored by the Bush administration is based on faulty assumptions.
• Railroad's demise could hurt SEPTA (The News Journal, Delaware)
  Amtrak's budget crisis could impact commuter railroads, including SEPTA in Philadelphia.

Tuesday, March 29

• Shutdown hangs over Amtrak (The News Journal, Delaware)
  Unless Congress can restore Amtrak's gutted federal budget, the system faces bankruptcy and shutdown.
• S&P revises Amtrak's outlook to negative (Reuters)
  Amtrak's debt rating reduced due to increased uncertainty about the future funding.

Monday, March 28

• Amtrak to require reservations on Northeast trains (Reuters)
  Most Northeast Corridor trains will be all-reserved by late April.