Amtrak News

Amtrak guests can now celebrate the magic at Harry Potter
Take Amtrak for a summer escape to visit the world premiere of the exhibition’s global tour at the Franklin Institute

Amtrak announce Ethan Allen express service
Extension of service will reach the most populous city in Vermont with access to bustling downtown, arts and culture, and local colleges

Amtrak reveals US$90m Baltimore Penn Station investment
Amtrak has reached deal for Baltimore Penn Station with the execution of a master development agreement with Penn Station Partners to redevelop and expand the historic location.

SilverRail signs Egenica for US rail expansion
SilverRail has announced an extension of its partnership with Egencia, the business travel brand of Expedia, Inc. Egencia has used SilverRail’s API and expertise to supply its corporate customers’ Amtrak bookings in the US since 2010.

Amtrak derailment kills five in Philadelphia
A derailed passenger train has killed at least five people while injuring dozens more in the north-eastern United States. Amtrak Train 188 came off the rails in Philadelphia, on route from Washington DC to New York. Some ten carriages are believed to have been involved in the incident late on Tuesday evening.

Amtrak links with SilverRail in three year deal
Amtrak, the US national rail carrier, has extended its partnership with SilverRail for a further three years. Under the agreement, SilverRail, the developer of the first global distribution platform specialising in passenger rail, will continue to distribute tickets for Amtrak’s entire network to customers all over the world.

Amtrak Connect Wi-Fi coming to Michigan services
AmtrakConnect® cellular-based Wi-Fi service is coming to Amtrak trains in Michigan, with the state becoming the first in the Midwest to bring this amenity to all its rail passengers. The state’s Transportation Commission approved the contract last week.

Dozens injured in New York commuter train collision
60 people have been injured following a collision between two commuter trains near New York City, according to reports. No fatalities have been reported.

Amtrak unveils advanced technology locomotives for Northeast service
A new era of more reliable and energy efficient Amtrak service for Northeast intercity rail passengers is coming down the tracks as the first of 70 advanced technology electric locomotives being built by Siemens begin rolling off the assembly line today. The first units of the $466 million order will be field tested this summer for entry into revenue service in the fall.
Amtrak fills key Senior Operations positions
Amtrak announces it has named Bruce Pohlot as the new chief engineer and Tom Quigley as general manager, State-Supported Services. Both will report directly to DJ Stadtler, vice president of operations effective Dec. 10, 2012. As chief engineer, Mr. Pohlot is responsible for all construction and maintenance activities for Amtrak-owned right-of-way including track, bridges, buildings, communications, signals and electric traction, plus he directs the Engineering department’s capital program. He will be based in Philadelphia.
Amtrak Cascades adds 11 trains for busy Thanksgiving travel week
Amtrak will add 11 trains along the Amtrak Cascades route between Portland and Seattle to accommodate the travel demand during the Thanksgiving holiday week. The extra Amtrak Cascades trains will operate today, through Sunday, Nov. 25.

Amtrak partners with Via Rail to add seats for Thanksgiving travel
In an arrangement that reflects the spirit of Thanksgiving, Amtrak is partnering with its Canadian counterpart, VIA Rail Canada, who accepted to provide passenger rail cars to make additional seats available and allow more friends and family in the hurricane-impacted Northeast to connect over the holiday.