Amtrak planning to close crew bases in Michigan?

https://michiganadvance.com/2023/04/28/ ... t-confirm/

Union, state rep. say Amtrak is planning to close crew bases in Michigan, but company won’t confirm

Amtrak may be poised to begin overhauling the way it operates in Michigan, including potentially closing crew bases and centrally locating train service employees in Chicago, according to union officials and a state lawmaker who has been in direct contact with the transportation company about its plans.

Union representatives said that long-term plan, which Amtrak officials would not confirm, has been touted as a cost-saving effort, although critics argued it will result in lengthening delays by increasing the dispatch times for mechanical failures and other incidents.

Currently, Amtrak contracts with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to operate three routes: the Pere Marquette, which connects Grand Rapids with Chicago; the Blue Water, which connects Port Huron with Chicago; and the Wolverine, which connects Pontiac to Chicago.

To operate those lines, there are four terminals where train crews are based: Pontiac, Port Huron, Grand Rapids and Battle Creek.
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I think Amtrak would be well advised to think twice before closing Battle Creek as a crew base.

From there, they are in a position to have crews go to Port Huron. give them the the four hours rest, and get them home to Battle Creek. They can also turn crews on some of the Pontiac trains either continuously or.with the respite.

Further, presuming they wish to keep these Battle Creek crews in their employ (which they'd better) Amtrak is looking at NY Dock relo payments.

Suggestion Amtrak; "think twice".