Hi -- similar thread. My mother received a phone call from Amtrak *today* for her upcoming trip on the Cardinal from CIN to CHI on Thursday. The Amtak person just told her to expect delays and that they would call her with more information. Apparently, something was going on between Manassas and Culpepper. My mom did not specify.
She is very anxious because she has 2 connections -- CHI to WAS via the Capitol Limited on Friday and then taking one of the regional trains up to RTE on Friday night. While she does have a bit of time between each connection, she (and I ) fear that even a few hours may toss everything off. The reason we decided to take her this route was because of busing on the LSL from Albany to Boston.
I am not sure what to advise her at this point. A part of me thinks she should take the Cardinal out of CIN to WAS on Friday a.m., spend the night in WAS, and take a Northesst train on Saturday morning. That way, if the Cardinal is late or a complete cancellation, she is at least stuck in her hometown. She doesn't like to stay overnight in hotels in big cities so that is why we didn't do this originally.
Anyone have every been in a situation like this one -- when you know the train is late, but it is difficult to gauge how late? Also, are the chances pretty high that the train might be cancelled altogether OR she just might barely make it to Chicago to catch the Capitol Limited?
Also, also --what is Amtrak's responsibility for getting her there? Would it be better for her to try to change her ticket now?
Much thanks!
-- Jackie