Amtrak schedule changes disrupt Michigan routes in September

Amtrak recently made major service amendments impacting customers traveling from Chicago to Michigan. On September 15–19, several Blue Water and Wolverine services are to be canceled, and bus transfers implemented for certain services.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

These are in response to the removal of ageing coaling towers and continued track upgrade works throughout the region.

Bus transfers on Michigan lines and Amtrak cancellations

Several Amtrak Blue Water and Wolverine trains won’t operate in the interim. Cancelled are eastbound Trains 352, 364, and 354 with limited bus substitution. On September 19, train 350 from Chicago to Pontiac will also not operate with substitute service.

Don’t miss…Vande Bharat Sleeper to Launch on Key Routes from Delhi

Canceled westbound trains include 351, 355, and 365, although replacement bus service from Pontiac, Port Huron, to Chicago will be available on some corridors. On weekends only, rail service 353 deploys, so commuters on weekdays have no alternative but to use alternative transportation. Therefore, travel time is extended and seats limited.

Bus capacity is small, so not everyone can travel on every run, says Amtrak. Riders are instructed to plan ahead and check updates on Amtrak.com, where schedules have already been altered.

Infrastructure upgrades and travel adjustments

It’s connected to the removal of century-old coaling towers in Augusta and Michigan City. Abandoned for generations, they pose a safety threat unless they are knocked down. It’s the lowest-cost way of guaranteeing safety for the tracks, according to the public relations department of Amtrak.

Meanwhile, track improvement works will continue every Monday through Thursday until October 30. These upgrades include rail replacement and yard modernization, designed to improve reliability and reduce long-term delays. However, during construction, passengers may face extended journeys and bus transfers across several segments.

What travelers should know before planning?

Amtrak recommends preparation for delays, restricted bus capacity, and varied departure times. Passengers transferring to other Amtrak services in Chicago are recommended to factor in additional time for transfers, as some replacement buses might not perfectly coincide with long-distance departures.

Additionally, chartered bus baggage allowance might differ from rail restrictions, and onboard facilities like Wi-Fi or a bathroom might not feature on a bus. Therefore, tourists are recommended to verify details while booking and plan in advance.

It was noted by the Michigan Department of Transportation that these kinds of adjustments are short-term but essential. Short-term disruption is unavoidable, but upgrades are going to improve service reliability on the Blue Water and Wolverine lines in coming years.

Future-focused: Modernizing Amtrak

These service improvements are a part of the overall modernization program of Amtrak. Apart from upgrades in Michigan, the railway firm is unveiling NextGen Acela high-speed trains, added schedules, and rail yard upgrades in Boston, New York, and Washington.

These projects in aggregate demonstrate Amtrak’s commitment to safer, more efficient, and more reliable passenger travel in America.

Why is Amtrak temporarily halting trains in Michigan in September?

Amtrak is stopping Wolverine and Blue Water trains from September 15–19 in order to knock down obsolete coaling towers and finalize track work necessary for safety and future service reliability.

Will the service change provide alternative transportation?

Yes, but only on certain trains. Charter buses will fill in for some of the cancelled services, but seats are limited. Customers have to check schedules on Amtrak.com and book ahead.

What are the expectations for travelers utilizing Amtrak replacement buses?

Passengers should plan for higher travel times, reduced baggage carriage, and fewer facilities on board. Connections to other Amtrak services may also require extra planning. Customers are therefore asked to plan for additional time and check details before travel.

Source: www.the-sun.com

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit