Amtrak has increased the frequency with which it cleans trains in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
“To reduce risk, we’ve increased cleaning frequency on trains and at stations multiple times a day and in some cases, an hourly basis,” said a press statement from the US national passenger railroad.
“Through expanded services provided by our custodial vendors, we’ve increased the use of disinfectants to wipe down handrails, doorknobs, handles and restrooms. We have also begun to place additional antibacterial products to include sanitisers and wipes throughout our stations and trains.”
Amtrak is distributing safety information in train stations, including posters and videos, to educate the public, and has stocked up on supplies like gloves, antibacterial products, and bathroom soap.
Change and cancellation fees are being waived on all Amtrak tickets purchased before April 30, 2020, the railroad also announced. “While there are no current travel restrictions on Amtrak, we understand customers may have concerns,” the firm said.
Travellers can go to the Amtrak website to change reservations or call 1-800-USA-RAIL to cancel an existing reservation without penalty.
Railroad officials said that there have not been any confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection among Amtrak passengers or workers as of March 4, 2020.
For news from the US edition of Business Traveler, visit businesstravelerusa.com.
