Corona virus impacts on Amtrak

NaugyRR wrote: ↑Thu Mar 26, 2020 8:36 am I just canceled a weekend trip to DC I had planned in May. Even if things do plateau by then, I'd still rather play it safe. I'll probably save up for another Disney trip or maybe a long weekend in Canada; I've never been out of the country and I feel that'll be a good starter trip.

Amtrak refunded my Empire and Regional tickets, hopefully I can get my money back from the Mariott up the street from WAS. I pre-paid for the lower rate, so I may be boned.

You should be able to cancel your reservation, from the info at https://news.marriott.com/news/2020/03/ ... -19-update

It looks like most everone's holding out until late April to see how it pans out.

I just cancelled Philadelphia to Fullerton and Fullerton to Philadelphia in June because of the NRHS convention postponement. Full refund to be credited to my credit card through an agent. Julie was going to charge me over $200 for each trip.

rcthompson04 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 26, 2020 8:49 am The railroads got what they wanted without a bunch of strings attached compared to the airlines getting what they wanted with a lot of strings attached.

Actually, the "strings" on the airlines don't appear too bad. No stock buybacks, limits on exec comp and parachutes, and no involuntary layoffs until 9/30/20. Reducing hours is allowed, reducing pay isn't.

If there's a bounceback, it will be by October and the employees would be needed.

Given what I'm hearing from various friends at United and Delta, unions are working with management to reduce hours voluntarily, including unpaid leaves and early retirement packages that are cash neutral to positive (no lump sums, no cash incentives to leave).

Given standard attrition of 5-8% and hiring freezes done in Jan/Feb, it's likely that most airlines can see up to a 20% reduction in headcount without violating loan or grant covenants.

I'm considering Amtrak this weekend for a long-distance trip, on the Crescent. I would expect flying to be safe (due to few passengers), but I think that a Viewliner room with the door closed would be safer. However, I'm concerned about coronavirus on surfaces, particular beds and pillows.

Is Amtrak cleaning its sleeping cars more thoroughly now--e.g., disinfecting rooms between trips? How is bedding washed? And is Amtrak changing anything during trips now (e.g., is it eliminating any on-board services)?

Thanks.

SouthernRailway wrote: ↑Fri Mar 27, 2020 4:07 am I'm considering Amtrak this weekend for a long-distance trip, on the Crescent. I would expect flying to be safe (due to few passengers), but I think that a Viewliner room with the door closed would be safer. However, I'm concerned about coronavirus on surfaces, particular beds and pillows.

Is Amtrak cleaning its sleeping cars more thoroughly now--e.g., disinfecting rooms between trips? How is bedding washed? And is Amtrak changing anything during trips now (e.g., is it eliminating any on-board services)?

Thanks.

Yes, they're cleaning and disinfecting more frequently now. There are some slight changes, but LD service isn't changed all that much. Check Amtrak's website for info on that.

BYOW - Bring your own wipes. Or a spray bottle cleaner and paper towels.

STrRedWolf wrote: ↑Thu Mar 26, 2020 2:25 pm

NaugyRR wrote: ↑Thu Mar 26, 2020 8:36 am I just canceled a weekend trip to DC I had planned in May. Even if things do plateau by then, I'd still rather play it safe. I'll probably save up for another Disney trip or maybe a long weekend in Canada; I've never been out of the country and I feel that'll be a good starter trip.

Amtrak refunded my Empire and Regional tickets, hopefully I can get my money back from the Mariott up the street from WAS. I pre-paid for the lower rate, so I may be boned.

You should be able to cancel your reservation, from the info at https://news.marriott.com/news/2020/03/ ... -19-update

It looks like most everone's holding out until late April to see how it pans out.

I checked my statement today and it looks like they credited me back. I guess it's a good thing I never put value on our WMATA cards, haha.

Off topic:

I have just learned, from NPR, the Coronavirus stimulus legislation (now passed both Houses, enroute to the President) is formally titled Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020, or CARES20.

Addendum: signed

Surprised they are letting anyone travel long distance, especially out of new York.

Next step: Close all NY City airports and force everyone to take LD Amtrak... and there's half of your two week quarantine right there.

David Benton wrote: ↑Fri Mar 27, 2020 1:34 pm Surprised they are letting anyone travel long distance, especially out of new York.

Bus travel has been suspended in and out of New York. With the mandatory self-isolate upon departure, I wouldn’t be surprised if plane and train travel is suspended eventually.

Will be interesting to see how the different strategies play out , total lockdown here, Kiwirail stopped all long distance trains last week .

Observed #5(27) today.

Consist; 2 P-42, Dorm, Sleeper, Diner, Lounge, Coach, Coach-Bag - 6 cars.

rcthompson04 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 27, 2020 2:53 pm

David Benton wrote: ↑Fri Mar 27, 2020 1:34 pm Surprised they are letting anyone travel long distance, especially out of new York.

Bus travel has been suspended in and out of New York. With the mandatory self-isolate upon departure, I wouldn’t be surprised if plane and train travel is suspended eventually.

The question now is... if train travel is suspended including Amtrak, how will Amtrak ether reroute... or turn back...

...or just suspend all NEC traffic?

David Benton wrote: ↑Fri Mar 27, 2020 1:34 pm Bus travel has been suspended in and out of New York. With the mandatory self-isolate upon departure, I wouldn’t be surprised if plane and train travel is suspended eventually.

Not totally correct.

NJ Transit bus is operating to/from NYC, for essential personnel
https://www.njtransit.com/sa/sa_servlet ... To&rel=Bus

Greyhound appears to be operating to/from NYC
https://bustracker.greyhound.com/stops/ ... ew_York_NY

Megabus service to/from NYC has been suspended
https://us.megabus.com/coronavirus-update