If fear of flying in the coronavirus era has grounded you this summer, Amtrak may have a way to put your travel plans back on track. While the the pandemic may have stolen of its steam, America’s national passenger rail service is up and running. And while the air industry’s response to the threat of COVID-19, has been dicey at best, Amtrak is taking no chances.
Until the coronavirus began to seriously grip the nation last winter, America’s signature passenger train service was undergoing a minor renaissance. Ridership and revenue were on the rise and Amtrak was poised to make 2020 – its 50th anniversary year – its first ever break-even year. Trains and stops were being added and Acela, the company’s signature Northeast corridor high-speed service, was awaiting its new fleet.
Then, suddenly, COVID-19 hit, passenger levels dropped by over 90%, and every Acela high-speed train was canceled.
In fact, virtually every Amtrak service was impacted. Trains were canceled and schedules were cut back while onboard services and amenites faded or disappeared.
That was then, this is now. Even in midst of the current resurgence of the virus, Amtrak is pushing ahead; adapting to a “new normal” that makes passenger safety more important than ever.
Of course, “best practice” requirements like face coverings and social distancing are being strictly enforced in stations, on platforms, and on board all trains. Advisories are posted and, where possible, floor markings denote required measures of separation (6 feet / 2 meters). But Amtrak isn’t relying solely on passenger behaviors.
Trains now undergo thorough cleaning and sanitizing wipe-downs between each trip with deep cleansing of all surfaces during overnight hours. Extra cleaning and sanitizing procedures are ongoing aboard over-night trains. These exacting cleansing standards are extended to common areas of all stations incuding waiting areas, rest rooms, and boarding areas.
And those Amtrak boarding areas are gradually coming back to life. Regional services, including high-speed Acela trains in Northeast Corridor (Boston-New York-Philadelpha-Washington), are operating selected services while most long-distance trains continue to run on regular schedules. Florida and North Carolina trains have been cut back; and all Vermont and Canadian services are taking a break.
Meanwhile, Amtrak has gone cashless. So, if you plan to purchase tickets in the station, be sure to have a credit card or debit card handy. Phone and online booking procedures remain largely unchanged but for many travelers, the Amtrak Mobile App is the way to go.
The Amtrak Mobile App goes cashless one better – it makes booking and boarding contact free. Like online booking, the Amtrak Mobile App gives you at-a-glance details on time, date, fare, travel class, and discount availability. It also lets you check train status and board safely using contact-free eTickets.
Safe boarding is step one in Amtrak’s personal-protection strategy. Boardings are limited on reserved trains to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas. Once aboard, coach filtration systems exchange fresh air every 4-5 minutes and foot-activated door-opening allows contact-free movement between cars. Café Car takeout is available on most trains.
For additional privacy and peace-of-mind, passengers traveling on long-distance trains have the option to choose private rooms, regardless of trip length. Long-distance trains offer ready-to-serve (read: microwaveable) meals and room service for travelers with private rooms.
Finally, because covid-19 surges and flareups can have sudden impacts on travel plans, it’s important to review any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to your destination. Amtrak is waiving all change and cancellation fees for reservations made through August 31, 2020. Reservations can be modified at Amtrak.com or by using the Amtrak Mobile App. Cancellations must be made by speaking to an agent at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7725).
