Atlantic Coast Service Changes

[AlanB]

From Gene Poon in email, based on Amtrak info:

Atlantic Coast route service disruptions begin 28MAR05
Account CSX trackwork between Richmond, VA and Rocky Mount NC, Amtrak has decided to cancel and/or adjust the operation of several trains operating in the area, for three weeks starting 28MAR05.

Train 89, the southbound Palmetto, will terminate at Richmond, with a bus bridge connecting to a stub Train 89, which is to operate Rocky Mount to Savannah one hour later than the normal schedule.

Train 90, northbound Palmetto, will run on normal schedule Savannah to Rocky Mount, where it will terminate.  A bus bridge to Richmond will connect to a stub Palmetto, Train 90, operating to New York Penn one hour later than the Palmetto's normal schedule.

The Carolinian, Trains 79 and 80, are to be cancelled between New York Penn and Rocky Mount.  Passengers north of Rocky Mount are to be handled on the Palmetto and its bustitution.  The Carolinian will operate between Rocky Mount and Charlotte only, on its regular schedule.

Train 92, northbound Silver Star, will bypass Tampa with bustitution provided for missed stops; it will operate Miami-Kissimmee via Auburndale and will be scheduled north of Kissimmee two hours earlier than normal.

There will be no effect on the southbound Silver Star, Train 91, Silver Meteor, and Auto Train.  

 

[AmtrakWPK]

Thanks for the info. We're scheduled for 91-92 WPK-TPA-WPK on 8 April, so I guess that change hits us. I guess I can assume this means we'll be leaving Tampa by bus. Phooey.

 

[battalion51]

One addition to what Gene said, according to NARP 80 will have a bus bridge with 90's PAX's and will board the stub Palmetto at RVR.

 

[AmtrakWPK]

Do we know where the 92 east end of the Tampa and Lakeland bustitution will take place? Winter Haven would probably be the closest mileage-wise but would mean a much earlier bus departure from Tampa. Orlando is where the current (and former connex to 89-90) bus goes to/from.

 

[battalion51]

I believe it would be Orlando. Kissimmee isn't right off the highway by any stretch of the mind, and there is a significiant amount of dwell time in Orlando anyway.

Also, I don't know if it was missed or what, but on the rebids for the schedule change the jobs have the exact same times. :blink: :unsure:

 

[YOUNG FAITHFUL]

Why is #92 affected. Isn't the trackwork in NC? Or is there trackwork going on in Tampa area too? :blink:

 

[AlanB]

Why is #92 affected. Isn't the trackwork in NC? Or is there trackwork going on in Tampa area too? :blink:

Bypassing Tampa allows 92 to arrive at the construction area in NC at a time of day when the crews are not working on the track. If 92 held to its normal schedule, then it would hit the area while the crews were working on the tracks and it would be delayed.

 

[battalion51]

The buses will be going to Winter Haven since that's where the crew change will occur. Since most of the JAX boys are qualified all the way to Miami, whereas Miami boys are only qualified to Tampa the bussing will go to Winter Haven. The crews will ride the buses to Lakeland and Tampa/Winter Haven with the passengers and go to/from the hotel from there.

 

[Amtrak OBS Employee]

The buses will be going to Winter Haven since that's where the crew change will occur. Since most of the JAX boys are qualified all the way to Miami, whereas Miami boys are only qualified to Tampa the bussing will go to Winter Haven. The crews will ride the buses to Lakeland and Tampa/Winter Haven with the passengers and go to/from the hotel from there.

This is the scenario which makes the most sense, anyway. I will add that #91 (which is not affected) will continue to go to the TPA and LAK stops. The MIA crews will still have to be in place for the next morning's #P091 as well as the transportation situation for the crews between TUS and their hotel! OBS.....