Empire Builder #8 SEA-CHI

[TriumphGuy]

Looking at the Amtrak/VIA tracking site, I've noticed lately that #8 seems to be originating from Spokane? Am I missing something here, or is #8 now a different train from SEA to SPK? I've done this route before and it's always originated from SEA.

 

[CCC1007]

Due to severe delays the 7 is turned at Spokane to become the 8, with bus transportation for the remainder of the route.

 

[zephyr17]

It is a fairly routine to turn in Spokane when 7 is very late.

 

[willem]

It seems that when 8 originates in Spokane, the first reported station departure is Sandpoint. That is true for yesterday's train, and it has been true for other trains in the recent past. Why would that be?

 

[bmjhagen9426]

It seems that when 8 originates in Spokane, the first reported station departure is Sandpoint. That is true for yesterday's train, and it has been true for other trains in the recent past. Why would that be?

See CCC1007 and zephyr17's post as to why sometimes the Builder turns around at Spokane. As for Sandpoint being the first reported station departure, I have no definitive answer for it. It might be that Amtrak's train tracker is configured in a way it does not show how late the train departed.

 

[Tennessee Traveler]

I think the reason the Spokane departure is not reported is that until after it leaves Spokane or the first point train departs it because it is still in "service disruption" status until after it starts it's journey; thus Sandpoint would be the first station after the train is no longer in service disruption. Just a guess.