Amtrak pays disabled travelers $2M discrimination settlement
Amtrak has paid over $2 million to more than 1,500 people with disabilities who experienced discrimination while traveling by train or trying to, the U.S. Department of Justice has announced. The money is part of a settlement agreement to resolve the government’s determination that Amtrak violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to make certain stations accessible. Amtrak also agreed to “design at least 135 stations to be accessible, complete construction at 90 of those stations, and have at least 45 more under construction,” over the next nine years. [npr.org]
CSX and Amtrak reach deal on New England rail service
CSX has accepted most of Amtrak’s conditions regarding passenger-rail service in New England, where CSX has proposed to acquire Pan Am Railways. Amtrak said it would oppose the merger unless the Surface Transportation Board (STB) imposed seven conditions to “ensure that performance and expansion of Amtrak service is not harmed.” CSX officials have agreed tol accept six of Amtrak’s seven conditions. Regarding the last condition, CSX agreed to operation of Berkshire Flyer service during summer of 2022. STB hearings on the merger are continuing.. [progressiverailroading.com]
Amtrak temporarily reduces train service amid Omicron surge
Amtrak has temporarily reduced service on some trains because of staffing challenges stemming from a surge in cases of the Omicron variant among workers. While nearly 97 percent of Amtrak workers are fully vaccinated, several hundred employees — including service personnel, conductors, engineers and mechanical crew members — have been sidelined because of Covid-19 infections or exposures, officials said. The agency will suspend 8 percent of its train departures over the next 10 weeks. [nytimes.com]
Via Rail reduces Corridor service amid pandemic travel demand
Via Rail is temporarily reducing service along its Windsor-to-Quebec City corridor and suspending business class service, citing the impact of the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Service changes will impact Via Rail’s Windsor-to-Toronto, Toronto-to-Ottawa, and Toronto-to-Montreal routes. There are no current changes on other routes, officials said, and the reduction in frequency is expected to be temporary. Via Rail has also suspended all business class service and business lounges are closed. [windsorstar.com]
New head named for Federal Railroad Administration
Amit Bose has been confirmed as the 15th Administrator of the United States Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Currently serving as the Deputy Administrator, Bose has previously held positions at the New Jersey Department of Transportation, US Congress and the Department of Transportation. As FRA Administrator Bose’s work will include leading safety regulatory oversight, national rail policy, planning and environmental activities and financial assistance grant programs. [railway-news.com]
Amtrak opens bar full of craft beers to lure NYC commuters
In its latest attempt to make NYC’s billion-dollar Moynihan Train Hall happen, Amtrak has launched full bar service inside its shiny new Metropolitan Lounge on the upper level of the sprawling transit station. It’s a far cry from the sad bags of chips and burnt coffee that train travelers up and down the East Coast find. The bar is stocked with wine, cocktails, and beers from local breweries, plus La Colombe coffee, salads, sandwiches, and snacks. However, not everyone will get to partake: the bar is open only to higher-tier Amtrak customers, including those with first-class tickets. [ny.eater.com]
