The world of travel is booming, with luxury options reaching new heights and revitalized rail networks offering scenic journeys. Discover opulent all-inclusive yacht passes, the debut of the world’s largest sailing yacht, Amtrak’s impressive resurgence, and hidden rail gems like Indonesia’s Argo Wilis Panoramic train.
Amtrak’s Borealis train service, connecting St. Paul and Chicago, has reached a remarkable milestone, exceeding 100,000 passengers in just six months. This success highlights the growing demand for reliable and efficient intercity travel options, and underscores the strength of the partnerships between Amtrak and the transportation departments of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Amtrak has announced the appointment of Byl Herrmann as its new Executive Vice President and General Counsel, effective October 1st. Herrmann brings over two decades of experience at Amtrak, having held various leadership roles within the Law Department and Corporate Development. His extensive knowledge and expertise will be instrumental in shaping Amtrak’s future as the company embarks on a new era of rail development.
Amtrak continues its Art at Amtrak initiative in Philadelphia with a new site-specific installation titled ‘Flourish’ by artist Roxana Azar. The vibrant artwork adorns the Cira Skybridge, connecting the Cira Centre to 30th Street Station, and further enhances the station’s vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Amtrak experienced widespread delays across its network in August 2024, with long-distance trains like the Empire Builder, Southwest Chief, and California Zephyr facing significant disruptions due to freight train interference, extreme weather, and mechanical issues. These delays resulted in lengthy travel times for passengers and highlight ongoing challenges facing Amtrak’s operations.
The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL), Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), Amtrak, and other rail partners joined forces to launch September as Rail Safety Month with a special safety train event in Oakland. The event aimed to raise awareness and promote safety around railroad tracks and crossings.
Amtrak has issued a travel warning to passengers due to the extreme summer heat impacting train operations across the United States. High temperatures can cause the expansion of rails, bridges, and overhead wires, leading to potential delays and disruptions. Amtrak is implementing heat restrictions to ensure safety and is urging passengers to stay informed through social media, delay alerts, and its website and mobile app.
Amtrak is experiencing unusual summer delays across the US due to record-high temperatures, urging travelers to sign up for Delay Alerts to stay informed and plan accordingly. The rail service is seeing a surge in ridership, highlighting the growing dependence on rail as a sustainable travel option.
A power failure on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor has caused widespread disruptions to rail travel between New Jersey and Philadelphia, affecting thousands of commuters during the busy rush hour. This marks the second such incident this week, highlighting ongoing infrastructure issues and straining the relationship between NJ Transit and Amtrak. The disruption underscores the need for the proposed Gateway project, which aims to alleviate congestion and improve reliability on this critical rail route.
The Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® will be adding two additional trains per day from June 28th to June 30th, 2024, to accommodate the expected surge in travelers for the X Games Ventura 2024 event. These extra trains will provide convenient and sustainable transportation options for attendees.
