Thousands of Florida commuters may find themselves without a train ride as Amtrak cancels all long-distance routes to avoid leaving passengers behind during the rail shutdown, leaving the U.S. The economy can spend billions.
Amtrak's Silver Star route - travel between New York City and the Miami area - has been suspended beginning Wednesday, the passenger rail carrier said in a news release. With stops in the Jacksonville, Winter Park, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami areas, this route should explore reliable options for family, vacation, and work.
Amtrak spokeswoman Kimberly Woods told the Miami Herald that the Silver Meteor, a route that shares several train stops with Silver Star, had previously been canceled due to staff shortages. According to the report, from October 1, 2020 to September 30 last year, Amtrak served 569,165 passengers in Florida.
"These adjustments are necessary to ensure that trains can reach their terminals before freight rail service is disrupted if there is no resolution to the negotiations," Amtrak said.
Amtrak said it is closely monitoring contract negotiations between freight train companies and railroad unions, but the company said it would not involve Amtrak or its workforce. The Association of American Railroads estimates that nationwide rail outages could significantly disrupt the economy -- more than $2 billion a day.
"While we await the parties to reach a resolution, Amtrak is now beginning to make phased adjustments to our service following this weekend's freight train service disruption," the company said. "As Amtrak operates nearly all 21,000 track miles outside of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) on track owned, operated and shipped by freight railroads, such disruptions could have an impact on downtown passenger rail service.
These adjustments are necessary, Amtrak says, to guarantee that trains arrive at their terminals before the railroad strike begins.
- Southwest Chief
- Empire Builder
- California Zephyr
- Train #421 portion of the Texas Eagle
- City of New Orleans
- Coast Starlight
- Crescent
- Lake Shore Limited
- Silver Star
- Sunset Limited
- Texas Eagle
- Auto Train
- Capitol Limited
- Cardinal
- Palmetto (south of Washington)
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