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Amtrak warns of Empire Builder delays, westbound Capitol Limited schedule changed
Somebody should send a memo to the Arrow computer train status program, because it still shows ETAs at downline stations for #8 that assume normal operating speeds all the way across Montana.
Speeds are restricted MOT-GFK due to trackwork near Devil’s Lake, and GFK-FAR due to saturated roadbed, but most of the delay issues in Montana appear more to reflect inadequate numbers of qualified conductors and engineers on Amtrak’s roster to compensate for and recover from major disruptions like BNSF’s Z-train wreck two weeks ago. That’s why some CHI-MKE turns have been annulled recently.
Another instance of a private sector bus company easily handling the job Amtrak is supposed to do, but can’t. Is it just me or has anybody else noticed how Amtrak goes every place where a parallel road already exists?
shouldn’t your headline read “Eastbound Capitol Ltd changed ?”
Bob, the preferred spelling is “Hi-Line,” not “High-Line.”
a Montana native
Perhaps it is the WESTbound Capitol Ltd. that clears the work area before 12:00M.
We boarded the Empire Builer in Portland Or. got off in Havre where we spent two days checking the tourist spots, got back on and alighted in Milwaukee. The train was 12hrs late arriving but who cares …it was agreat adventure and Amtrak fed us all the way. A very enjoyable trip …so you catch a train and its late …so what…wear it and you will be a lot happier…I am sure Amtrak didnt deliberatly make the train late
Guse, you’ve got it wrong. Ever notice how a government funded and subsidised road goes everywhere a railroad goes? The railroads were there first. Massive taxpayer spending to replicate the rail network with concrete had a lot to do with the financial problems railroads had in the past, especially in terms of nearly killing off railroad passenger service.
Not to omit Canadian Pacific’s habit of prioritizing freights on their portion of the route (Minn-Chi). On a recent trip #8 was stabbed at least 4 times, adding 2 hrs. to an already - 2 hr. - delayed Empire Builder.
Note to Jeffery and roads next to the tracks, Perhaps he hasn’t ridden the Texas Eagle though Arkansas or the City of New Orleans though Mississippi.
With things this bad on the Hi-Line, Amtrak should re-route the Builder along the old Norther Pacific line through Billings, MT, and Bismark, ND. They could run a bus from Harve to Billings, and another from Minot to Bismark.
Dear Rush, I mean Jeffrey Guse: Lets see where you can find a passenger railroad can make a profit! A so called private sector bus company pay for the building of a road or highway that they use. Yes, they do pay taxes, but no where near what they should be. The Interstate Highway System was created because he saw how vehicles get stuck in unpaved roads. If you know that a road parallels a railroad track, maybe that’s because it’s the most direct route! As for the delays on 7-27, 8-28 and 30-31 due to track work or by the freight railroads have always plugged the Amtrak trains for their trains. Unfortunatly, this also happens to VIA! Maybe, Amtrak and VIA should own the tracks. But until that happens, probably in the year 2525, don’t hold your breath, if we live so long!!
I’ve ridden the Empire Builder many times, and was affected last time by the delay from Winona to Chicago. Just took it in stride, and enjoyed more time in Minnesota. It would behoove Amtrak to let people know the effect of heat on the rails and why the delays are often beyond its control. The rail system has so many opponents who disregard how complex it is to run passenger rail. I just know the nation will be poorer if we loose the passenger train.
A later departure from Chicago would produce a more reasonable arrival in Pittsburgh for connection to the Pennsylvanian. I for one really don’t enjoy rousing out of bed at 4 AM in order to sit in the (totally uninteresting) waiting room for 3 hours.
when is the cardinal going to a daily schedule??? this has been promised by AMTRAK for at least 2 years…
thanks
Yup, it is “Hi-Line”. I’m also a Montana native. Lived in Havre, MT and several other Hi-Line towns.
Jeffrey Guse who do you think paid for those roads that the private companies (buses) run on???
Mr Bell you also have it wrong. The roads are paid by taxpayers with fuel and other taxes.
I forgot to add that it was President Eisenhower that helped create the Interstate Highway System because he saw trucks getting stuck in the mud.
I also have ridden the Builder many times, and any Amtrak conductor who does not explain delays in a timely fashion should be fired, this also goes for the Fla routes.