Are California LD Trains in Limbo?

[Bob Dylan]

Due to the Statewide Shelter in Place Edict by the Governor of California, are the LD Trains that serve California( Sunset Ltd./SWC/CZ/CS) going to be halted??

 

[tim49424]

I'd assume they'd have to be with a Shelter In Place order. I'd also assume that we'll hear something from Amtrak in the next couple of days.

 

[neroden]

Emergency travel and essential employees (which includes transport) are exempted.

 

[IndyLions]

I’d guess it would be at the point if and when it comes of them grounding all the air traffic.

 

[Seaboard92]

Can turn the zephyr at Reno and the Sunset at Tucson.

Maybe the Chief at Flagstaff.

 

[tim49424]

I just saw this on Facebook. It’s not regarding a LD route, but the Pacific Surfliner:


https://www.pacificsurfliner.com/plan-your-trip/alerts/travel-advisories/

 

[tomfuller]

The northbound CS will be arriving in Klamath Falls OR about 10AM. I have no idea how many people are escaping California on the train. It left Sacramento a little after midnight without the Governor trying to stop it. "Welcome to the Hotel California". You can check out any time you like but you can never leave.

 

[Skyline]

Another state that has instituted more severe measures, Pennsylvania, no longer has Keystone service Philadelphia-Harrisburg, nor the Pennsylvanian west to Pittsburgh. I realize Pennsylvania dollars help support these trains. Is that why and how the Commonwealth can shut them down? And how similar or dissimilar is the California situation?

 

[brianpmcdonnell17]

Another state that has instituted more severe measures, Pennsylvania, no longer has Keystone service Philadelphia-Harrisburg, nor the Pennsylvanian west to Pittsburgh. I realize Pennsylvania dollars help support these trains. Is that why and how the Commonwealth can shut them down? And how similar or dissimilar is the California situation?

The Keystone and Pennsylvanian are state supported, so Pennsylvania can decide to shut them down. California could do the same to the Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and San Joaquins. Likewise, the SL, SWC, CZ, and CS would be unaffected just as the NEC, CL, and LSL have been largely been unaffected in Pennsylvania. However, the states could likely still shut those down if desired by setting restrictions on travel in and out of the state.

 

[Bob Dylan]

The Keystone and Pennsylvanian are state supported, so Pennsylvania can decide to shut them down. California could do the same to the Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and San Joaquins. Likewise, the SL, SWC, CZ, and CS would be unaffected just as the NEC, CL, and LSL have been largely been unaffected in Pennsylvania. However, the states could likely still shut those down if desired by setting restrictions on travel in and out of the state.

States cant stop State to State Commerce, that's Federal per the Constitution and Supreme Court Decisions.

 

[brianpmcdonnell17]

States cant stop State to State Commerce, that's Federal per the Constitution and Supreme Court Decisions.

Is it really that clear in an emergency situation? This article seems to indicate that it may be possible: Viewpoint: In Case You Were Wondering, It's Legal to Close State Borders
Regardless, as it pertains to Amtrak the states could find other ways without closing an entire border.

 

[Thirdrail7]

Is it really that clear in an emergency situation? This article seems to indicate that it may be possible: Viewpoint: In Case You Were Wondering, It's Legal to Close State Borders
Regardless, as it pertains to Amtrak the states could find other ways without closing an entire border.

As posted in the main thread, it would likely take the federal government to step in and stop Amtrak from operating because operating in emergencies is part of its mission as per the CFR that authorized Amtrak.

I wouldn't say it is guaranteed to run but as an intercity operator, I don't believe Amtrak may shut down without the consent of the government. According to CFR 49 U.S. Code § 24101 Amtrak.Findings, mission, and goals part of its responsibility is to operate in times of emergency:

(9)provide additional or complementary intercity transportation service to ensure mobility in times of national disaster or other instances where other travel options are not adequately available;

As long as it is deemed an essential service and funded, it will likely continue to operate. That being said, local guidelines can limit how it is operated. There are plenty of train stations closed. Certain cities have implemented curfews and some Amtrak trains arrive during those times. Therefore, no one is allowed on or off. Services such as Uber, Lyft or other forms of public transportation aren't available to meet the trains.

However, the states could seal off the operation within their state and as listed above, individual towns, cities, counties, corporations etc can also limit Amtrak's ability to pick up and/or discharge passengers.

 

[MccfamschoolMom]

States cant stop State to State Commerce, that's Federal per the Constitution and Supreme Court Decisions.

Now, certain Amtrak trains in Illinois (Lincoln Service, Illini & Saluki) are subsidized by the state. The Lincoln Service, though, does cross a state border, running all the way to St. Louis (where one can catch the Missouri River Runner). So maybe the tracks Chicago - Carbondale could theoretically be cut back to just service by the City of New Orleans, but probably the Lincoln Service would have to keep running (although stations within IL could theoretically be closed).

 

[brianpmcdonnell17]

Now, certain Amtrak trains in Illinois (Lincoln Service, Illini & Saluki) are subsidized by the state. The Lincoln Service, though, does cross a state border, running all the way to St. Louis (where one can catch the Missouri River Runner). So maybe the tracks Chicago - Carbondale could theoretically be cut back to just service by the City of New Orleans, but probably the Lincoln Service would have to keep running (although stations within IL could theoretically be closed).

Since it is funded by the state, Illinois would have no problem cancelling service on the Lincoln Service. Even if it is thought that Illinois can not prevent trains from entering and leaving the state, it certainly has no obligation to continue funding state supported trains. The Pennsylvanian and Keystone also cross state lines, and the state of Pennsylvania was able to shut them down in their entirety.