Amtrak – Page 60 – Railfanning.org

Amtrak Welcomes Chicago RTA Transit Checks

CHICAGO — Frequent users of Amtrak trains to and from Chicago can save money by buying tickets using special “Transit Checks” issued by their employers through the Chicago-based Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Effective today, Amtrak will accept the checks that list Amtrak among the area transportation providers. Amtrak accepts RTA Transit Checks for the purchase of multi-ride tickets that are perfect for long-distance commuters and others who make regular trips in Illinois. They are also usable for other routes, with many available connections through Amtrak Chicago Union Station. “Although Amtrak does not currently receive funding from the Chicago RTA, we work closely with the RTA on several projects, including Union

Service Alert: Missouri Mules Service Restored between St. Louis and Kansas City

Union Pacific Railroad has informed Amtrak the route used by the Missouri Mules passenger trains between St. Louis and Kansas City has reopened, following a weekend closure due to ice storms and resulting debris blocking the tracks. Therefore, service by Train 313, the afternoon westbound train from St. Louis, and Train 316, the afternoon eastbound train from Kansas City, resumes this afternoon. Also service by Train 311, the morning westbound train from St. Louis, and Train 314, the morning eastbound train from Kansas City, resumes on Tuesday, January 16. This information is correct as of the above time and date and will be updated as needed. Passengers are encouraged to

Service Alert: Missouri Mules Disrupted by Railroad Closure between St. Louis and Kansas City

Union Pacific Railroad has informed Amtrak of several blockages on the route used by the Missouri Mules passenger trains between St. Louis and Kansas City. The railroad could not provide an estimate of when the tracks will be cleared of trees and other debris caused by freezing rain and ice. In addition, more than a dozen freight trains were halted on the route between St. Louis and Jefferson City. Therefore, the westbound trains from St. Louis, Trains 311 & 313, and the eastbound trains from Kansas City, Trains 314 & 316, have been cancelled for today. No alternate transportation is available. Other Amtrak services are operating, including the Chicago-St. Louis

Parents Travel Free with Prospective College Students

WASHINGTON – Prospective students checking out colleges and universities may take a parent along for free on Amtrak with a new buy-one-get-one-free program. Students traveling on this fare must have a valid student ID in order to qualify for this special offer. The Campus Visit discount program enables high school juniors and seniors to purchase a ticket on Amtrak at the best available fare and bring a parent or guardian along to campus visits for free. Younger siblings, ages 2-15, can travel for half price using Amtrak’s everyday children’s discount. To take advantage of the Campus Visit discount, students simply log on to campusvisit.com/amtrak, complete the form and receive the

Amtrak Names Roy Johanson Vice President of Planning & Analysis

WASHINGTON – Amtrak today announced the appointment of Roy Johanson, as Vice President, Planning and Analysis, at the railroad’s corporate headquarters. Since 2005, Johanson has served as the Chief Executive Officer for Foresti Partners LLC, where he was involved in corporate strategy development for a variety of industrial and manufacturing clients. As the new Amtrak Vice President for Planning and Analysis, Johanson will assist Amtrak President & CEO Alex Kummant in developing the company’s strategic direction, evaluating alternative business decisions and updating the corporation’s annual Five-Year Strategic Plan. “We welcome the breadth of knowledge and experience that Jim brings to Amtrak,” said Alexander Kummant, Amtrak President & CEO. “His expertise

Amtrak Names James F. Mc Donnell III Chief Risk Officer

WASHINGTON – Amtrak has announced the appointment of James F. McDonnell III as Chief Risk Officer for the railroad. McDonnell comes to Amtrak with more than 30 years of national and international security and counterterrorism experience including senior management and advisory positions in government and the private sector. Since 2005, McDonnell has served as president of the McDonnell Consulting Group, LLC, providing terrorism-related risk management, crisis management, and infrastructure protection solutions for large firms and government agencies. Immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, McDonnell accepted an executive appointment at the Department of energy where he led the Office of Energy Assurance. When the creation of the Department of Homeland Security

Amtrak Names H. Edgar Trainor Chief Information Officer

WASHINGTON – Amtrak announced the appointment of H. Edgar “Ed” Trainor, Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective Dec. 16. An Amtrak veteran, Trainor previously served as Assistant Vice President, Computer Services at Amtrak from 1976 to 1985. Trainor has held senior level positions at several large firms, including Vice President and CIO for Flying Tigers – once the world’s larges air cargo carrier prior to being acquired by Federal Express – and Vice President and CIO for Southern California Gas Co. from 1987 through 1993. Since 1994, Trainor served as Senor Vice President/CIO and for Paramount Pictures, where he led large systems integration teams through a variety of mergers and divestitures,

2006: The Railroad Year in Review

Like any other year, 2006 saw its fair share of ups and downs for the railroad industry.

First Multilevel Trains Appear on Northeast Corridor

N.J. Transit’s first multilevel train debuted Dec. 11 on the Northeast Corridor, culminating four years of planning and design — including extensive input from customers — to offer riders a new level of comfort and convenience.

Service Alert: Amtrak Pacific Northwest Service Disrupted by Mudslides North of Seattle

SEATTLE – BNSF has imposed a curfew on passenger trains between Seattle and Everett, Wash., due to mudslides. Here are service interruptions announced by Amtrak: AMTRAK CASCADES: Service north of Seattle by Amtrak Cascades trains has been canceled through Thursday evening, December 28, with alternate motorcoach transportation provided to and from Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Service south of Seattle to and from Eugene, OR, is not affected. EMPIRE BUILDER: The Chicago-Seattle Empire Builder will originate and terminate in Everett, instead of Seattle, through Thursday evening, December 28, with alternate motorcoach transportation provided to and from Seattle and Everett. This information is subject to change as conditions warrant.