US railroad operator Amtrak has announced schedule changes in the light of “significantly reduced demand in key markets”, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect demand for travel worldwide.

From today (March 16) the firm will operate around 40 per cent of weekday services on its Northeast Corridor routes. Amtrak said that its Northeast Regional and Acela services will continue to operate between Boston, New York, and Washington, and Northeast Corridor services extending into Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, Vermont and other states will continue to operate but with some reductions.

These reductions include:

  • Keystone Service Until March 29, in coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the service will be operating on its Saturday schedule on a daily basis, between Harrisburg and Philadelphia only, with no service to the Ardmore, Paoli, Downingtown, Parkesburg, Coatesville and Exton Stations.
  • Amtrak Hartford Line and Valley Flyer from today the Amtrak Hartford Line and Valley Flyer Service will be operating on its Saturday schedule on a daily basis.
  • New York State Service From March 15 the Maple Leaf has only been operating between New York Penn and Niagara Falls, New York, and the Adirondack will only operate between New York Penn and Albany, New York. Empire Service between New York City and Albany continues as scheduled.
  • Winter Park Express The Winter Park Express is cancelled for the rest of the season.

Amtrak said that its café service will be suspended on some trains operating between Washington DC and New York City. The firm is waiving change fees on all existing and new reservations made before April 30.

Last week the firm suspended its non-stop route between New York and Washington DC, responding to reduced demand.

amtrak.com

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