Starlight Service Disruption: 4/25 through 5/9/17

[morgan51]

Thanks so much for posting this update! I realize it's not set in stone but it puts our minds at ease a bit about our return on the CS on the 24th from Eugene to Sac. Any further updates would be appreciated. If I weren't traveling with a child, this would be easier!

 

[morgan51]

Good news! Just got call from Amtrak and Coast Starlight service northward from Sacramento will resume May 11. This means my entire initial itinerary is intact; no rental car in Sacramento, no driving up to Oregon, etc. I have been making other, tentative plans, but I knew I was right to wait and not cancel that leg of the trip! I am so relieved. I was not looking forward to driving from Sac to Eugene. Yes, it is very scenic, but it's still a long drive! Feet up and coffee in hand in Amtrak Business Class sounds a whole lot nicer! Hope everyone's plans turn out as well as mine

 

[Lonestar648]

That is great news! Glad the CS will be back to normal since will be on it in a few weeks.

 

[morgan51]

Yes it is! I would still keep in touch with Amtrak as your travel dates get closer. I got different answers each time I talked to their normal customer service. The call I got was directly from their travel disruption accommodations department. Sometimes it pays to keep calling back every few days to get the latest updates

 

[PRR 60]

Union Pacific has reopened the line. Freight operations are now moving.

 

[bmjhagen9426]

Union Pacific has reopened the line. Freight operations are now moving.

Source? Did not see that on UPRR Customer News page.

 

[chakk]

Trainorders website has a webcam at Dunsmuir. That will clearly show if traffic is moving again.

 

[bmjhagen9426]

Most people don't have access to the TO goodies. Meanwhile, the response from Amtrak that I got stated that it was to start again on the 19th, so what gives?

 

[PRR 60]

Sorry, a little premature. Trains are moving on the line, as opposed to heading for the detour route. The bridge expected to open tonight (5/9) at 6:00 pm. (per reliable Trainorders poster)

Amtrak has opened reservations for Coast Starlight SEA and LAX originations on May 10 and beyond.

 

[morgan51]

My source was Amtrak: Their accommodations department called me yesterday and told me the 11th, and as I said, I am VERY glad I waited and did not cancel my trip on the 16th. They verified my entire itinerary is intact, which includes my 16th trip from Sacramento to Eugene on the 16th and my return trip Eugene to Sacramento on the 24th.

 

[Yumacool]

I am SO HAPPY to hear that this bridge outage situation is being resolved! My wife and I booked a roomette to travel from Seattle to Los Angeles on May 23rd and I have been on pins and needles regarding whether or not we would be able to go. Both of us are looking forward to the trip and want to avoid going by air if at all possible. We enjoy train travel, have too much luggage and don't like being treated like cattle. Thanks for all the updates.

 

[CHamilton]

Amtrak's Coast Starlight is back on track (with video) http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article149685804.html#storylink=rss

 

[PaulM]

... but it's still a long drive! Feet up and coffee in hand in Amtrak Business Class sounds a whole lot nicer!

It never ceases to amaze me that such a small proportion of the population look at things this way ^_^

 

[JayPea]

And the Starlight is off to a good start. The first southbound train arrived into Portland early this afternoon.

 

[morgan51]

Great news, I can't wait to leave this weekend

 

[JayPea]

I'm waiting to board the Empire Builder in Portland now. Not surprisingly, there were very few passengers on or off here today.

 

[morgan51]

I envy you. The Empire Builder is on my Bucket List

 

[bmjhagen9426]

Good news, as I am making my KFalls-Sacto round trip run in 2 1/2 weeks.