Amtrak Suspending Long-distance Train Services Due to Labor Dispute

Amtrak is suspending long-distance train services across the country due to an ongoing labor dispute among workers for freight railroads. While Amtrak’s employees do not have any impending strike, because Amtrak trains operate on freight railroad tracks throughout the country, Amtrak is being forced to cancel many services.

Services Being Canceled

Amtrak is canceling services from now until the strike situation is fully resolved, so if your train is impacted, you should receive notice at least 24 hours in advance of your departure. Because long-distance trains operate over multiple nights, even though a train may operate on a day that is not impacted by a strike, Amtrak is trying to return all crews to their home bases so as to not get stuck in a faraway city.

The following services are currently suspended and not operating:

Hot Tip: Check out our ultimate guide to Amtrak routes (regional and long-distance).

Services That Will Continue To Operate

In general, most services within the Northeast Corridor will continue to operate, such as departures between Washington, D.C. and Boston, which operate on wholly-owned Amtrak track. Acela trains are expected to operate on-time and Northeast Regional trains may operate with some minimal delay. It’s worth noting that Amtrak trains that operate south of Washington, D.C., such as those to Roanoke, Richmond, or Newport News, will terminate in Washington, D.C. as the tracks south of Washington are owned by freight railroads.

In addition, these services will also continue to operate:

• Amtrak Hartford Line between New Haven and Springfield
• Downeaster between Boston and Brunswick
• Empire Service between New York and Albany
• Keystone Service between New York and Harrisburg

If Your Train Is Cancelled

Amtrak is allowing you to move your train to another date before October 31 for no difference in fare, so long as you remain in the same accommodations you are currently booked in. You’re also entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment should your train cancel, which you can request by contacting Amtrak.

Impact of These Amtrak Cancellations

As Amtrak trains begin to get canceled, you might expect several of these side effects:

• Passengers originally scheduled to take the train may fly, causing planes to fill and become sold-out.
• Traffic will build around major cities where commuter rail services cannot operate as drivers are forced to drive to work.
• Future Amtrak trains may become booked due to thousands of travelers moving canceled trains to new dates.

Final Thoughts

Amtrak provides vital transportation services across the country, and these widespread cancellations will cause havoc for many travelers. While Amtrak aims to cancel trains in advance, those with tickets on long-distance services should begin to make alternate arrangements.