US: Amtrak cancels all long-distance passenger routes Sept. 15 ahead of possible nationwide freight rail strike Sept. 16 /update 1

Event

Amtrak has announced a suspension of all long-distance passenger routes as of Sept. 15, in light of a possible freight rail worker strike, which could affect lines used by Amtrak. The vote on indefinite strike, involving tens of thousands of freight rail workers represented by multiple unions, will take place on Sept. 16; depending on the outcome, the strike could begin that day. If the strike occurs, railroad workers affiliated with non-striking unions may refuse to cross picket lines, causing further disruptions.

The long-distance passenger routes to be indefinitely suspended as of Sept. 15 include:

• Auto Train

• California Zephyr

• Capitol Limited

• Cardinal

• City of New Orleans

• Coast Starlight

• Crescent

• Empire Builder

• Lake Shore Limited

• Palmetto (South of Washington)

• Silver Star

• Southwest Chief

• Sunset Limited

• Texas Eagle

Other passenger routes in the Northeast Corridor, including the Acela trains, will not yet be affected.

Unless averted, the labor action will severely disrupt freight cargo transport. Demand for alternative forms of transportation will likely increase.

Advice

Reconfirm freight and passenger rail services. Plan for potential disruptions when shipping cargo. Find alternative forms of transport to passenger rail.