<![CDATA[Amtrak Station News]]> Weblog Editor 2.0 Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[San Francisco Financial District Thruway Bus Stop - Temporarily Discontinued]]>

Effective June 10, 2013 - January 31, 2014

Due to the construction performed by San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the San Francisco Financial District Thruway bus stop will be suspended for all services from June 10, 2013 through January 31, 2014. This affects all buses serving the Capitol Corridor, the San Joaquin, the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr.

Alternate Thruway Bus Stop — San Francisco Ferry Building
  • Passengers may use the Amtrak San Francisco Ferry Building Thruway bus stop located at The Embarcadero and Mission Street.
  • Capitol Corridor passengers should consult a Capitol Corridor schedule or visit the Capitol Corridor website for connecting bus schedules to and from the San Francisco Ferry Building Annex.
  • San Joaquin, California Zephyr and Coast Starlight passengers should visit Amtrak.com, use our free mobile apps or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) for alternative bus stops and schedules.

Thank you for traveling with Amtrak. We appreciate your patience during this period.

Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us on twitter.com/Amtrak.

PSN 0613-76

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Construction to Affect Access to Lancaster Station]]>

Effective June 2013

Starting Monday, June 3, bridge work being performed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will affect vehicle access to the Lancaster station. Note that the station will remain open throughout the construction, with no impact to train schedules.

    Allow Additional Travel Time

    Pedestrian access to the station will be affected. Passengers driving to the station should allow additional time due to street detours and anticipated vehicle congestion.

    Accessing the Station
  • During construction, McGovern Avenue will be closed from Lititz Avenue to Queen Street, including the eastern entrance/exit at the Lancaster station.
  • Directional signage and road striping is in place to assist motorists through the new traffic pattern.
  • All vehicles will enter and exit the station at Queen Street.
    Bus, Car & Taxi Pick-up/Drop-off Lanes
  • While construction is taking place the vehicle pick-up/drop-off area will be temporarily relocated to a safe location near the front of the station entrance.
  • Bus and taxi drop-off lanes in front of the station will remain open with access to this area restricted to these vehicles only.
    Safety Advisory
  • Be alert in the area around the station as heavier-than-normal vehicle congestion is possible, especially at peak travel times.
  • Give yourself ample time to avoid rushing to catch a train.
  • Watch out for any tripping hazards near the station such as construction debris or uneven surfaces.

Thank you for traveling with Amtrak. We appreciate your patience during this period. Reservation and train status information is available on Amtrak.com, our free mobile apps and at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us on twitter.com/Amtrak.

PSN 0613-75

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Fort Lauderdale Station Renovation Project]]>

Effective through February 2014

A project to renovate the Fort Lauderdale Fla., station has begun and is expected to last through the end of February 2014. While construction is underway, the station has been relocated to a temporary trailer facility, just a few feet north of the permanent station at:

    200 S. West 21st Terrace Street
    Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

During construction, please be advised of the following:

    Limited Seating

    Limited seating is available in the waiting area of the temporary station.

    Assistance with Luggage

    Passengers, who need assistance with their luggage, should park near the taxi area, go into the trailer, and request assistance from an employee.

    Amtrak Express

    Amtrak Express service is not available at the temporary station.

    Accessible Station and Platform

    The temporary station and the platform is accessible for passengers with limited mobility.

    Parking, Transit and Tri-Rail Ticketing

    The station parking lot, pedestrian bridge and Tri-Rail ticketing kiosks will be available during the station renovation.

Thank you for traveling with Amtrak. We appreciate your patience during this period. The most up-to-date schedule and train status information is available on Amtrak.com, our free mobile apps and at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us on twitter.com/Amtrak.

PSN 0513-73

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Harrisburg Station Elevator Outage]]>

Effective Monday, April 29, 2013 Until Further Notice

The elevators at the Harrisburg station will be out of service while repairs are being made to the elevator bridge.

Arrive 30 Minutes Early if Assistance is Needed
  • There are approximately 30 steps leading to/from the boarding platform. Passengers boarding at Harrisburg who are unable to use the stairs should arrive at the station 30 minutes prior to train departure time and check in at the ticket office for assistance.

Thank you for traveling with Amtrak. We appreciate your patronage and apologize for any inconvenience you may experience. Reservation and train status information is available on Amtrak.com, our free mobile apps and at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak or follow us on twitter.com/Amtrak.

PSN 0413-59

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Platform Renovation at Whitehall, NY Station]]>

Effective Monday, April 22, 2013

A project to renovate the platform at the Whitehall Station will begin on April 22 and last approximately two months. During this period, the Whitehall station stop will be relocated approximately 300 ft. south of the current location.

Please be advised of the following:

  • There will be no shelter available at the temporary station stop.
  • There will be a paved and lighted parking area, and a walk path to the village sidewalk.
  • The temporary platform will be accessible for passengers with limited mobility.
Station Safety Advisory

For your safety, please be advised of the following:

  • Be careful as you walk near the construction area.
  • Stay at a safe distance from machinery and moving construction equipment.
  • Watch out for any tripping hazards, such as construction debris or uneven surfaces.

Thank you for traveling with Amtrak. We appreciate your patience during this period. The most up-to-date schedule and train status information is available on Amtrak.com, our free mobile apps and at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us on twitter.com/Amtrak.

PSN 0413-56

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Limited Parking at the Richmond Station]]>

Effective Immediately

The parking lot adjacent to the Richmond station (Staples Mill Road) is typically full by 8:00 am on weekdays and most weekends. Passengers who require parking after 8:00 am should refer to the following information:

  • Allow extra time to arrive at the station.
  • If possible, plan to be dropped off and picked up.
  • Alternate parking is available at the Henrico County Park and Ride.
  • The Henrico County Park and Ride is located about five blocks from the station at the intersection of Cloverdale Avenue and Crockett Street.
  • Transportation is not available from the Park and Ride to station. Passengers parking at this location must walk back to the station. (Walking directions: From the lot, make a left on Staples Mill Road. Make right at the first traffic light (Crockett Street). The station is straight ahead.

Thank you for traveling with Amtrak. We appreciate your patronage and apologize for any inconvenience. Reservations and the most up-to-date arrival and departure times are available on Amtrak.com, our free mobile apps and at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

PSN 0313-47

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Hiawatha Service Offers Priority Boarding at Chicago Union Station for Passengers with Monthly and Ten-Ride Tickets]]>

Effective March 1, 2013, Priority Boarding will begin at Chicago Union Station for Hiawatha Service passengers holding Monthly and Ten-Ride tickets.

Priority Boarding

Passengers at Chicago Union Station holding Hiawatha Service Monthly or Ten-Ride tickets will board the train through Gate A, located at the North Concourse. Passengers should be ready to show their Monthly or Ten-Ride ticket at Gate A.

General Boarding

General Boarding at Chicago Union Station for Hiawatha Service passengers will continue to be done through Gate B, located at the North Concourse

For more information about the money-saving options available with the purchase of these Multi-Ride tickets, visit Amtrak.com, call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245), or stop by the ticket offices in Chicago, Milwaukee or Glenview.

PSN 0213-38

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Atlanta Station Parking Lot Closure Affects Station Access]]>

Through August 31, 2013

Access to and parking availability at the Atlanta station will be affected through August 2013, due to construction taking place near the station. The parking area in front of the station is closed to vehicles. This closure will affect parking and station operations, as described below:

Arrive Early
  • Passengers should allow additional time due to congestion and limited parking. Pedestrian access to the station will not be affected at this time.
  • Checked Baggage: Passengers checking baggage should arrive at the station at least 90 minutes prior to departure.
Parking at the Atlanta Station
  • The parking lot in front of the main station entrance on Peachtree Street will be closed.
  • Limited short-term parking is available for passenger drop off and pick up only at the Masonic Temple parking lot located across the street from the station on Deering Road.
  • Long-term parking is available at the Super 8 Motel parking lot, located a half block from the station at 1641 Peachtree Street. Cash and credit card payments are accepted. For rate information, contact the Super 8 Motel at 404-873-5731.
Station Access for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

When making reservations, passengers with reduced mobility or special needs should notify a reservation agent at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

  • Arrive Early: Passengers with reduced mobility should plan to arrive at the station 90 minutes prior to departure.
  • Contact the Station: Call the station at 404-881-3063 prior to travel for accessibility details.
Drop-off and Pick-up
  • Passengers with reduced mobility may be dropped off and picked up at the station entrance on Deering Road. Please be advised that parking is not available at this entrance. This area is designated for drop-off and pick-up only for passengers with reduced mobility. Accessible long-term parking is not available.

Thank you for traveling with Amtrak. We appreciate your patronage and apologize for any inconvenience you may experience. Please visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) for reservations and information.

PSN 311-60 (Updated 2/25/13)

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Washington, DC Union Station Boarding Gates Close Earlier]]>

For your safety and security, the following change has been made to the boarding procedures at Washington, DC Union Station for all Acela Express and Northeast Regional trains:

  • Boarding gates will close two minutes before train departures.

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Columbus Plaza Rehabilitation Project: Construction to Begin in Front of Washington Union Station]]>

On Monday, September 12, 2011, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will begin construction on the rehabilitation of Columbus Plaza and Massachusetts Avenue. As part of the rehabilitation efforts the plaza will be reconfigured to improve access and safety for pedestrians and vehicular traffic, while enhancing security. The project is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete and will be carried out in phases to minimize the impact on passengers, employees and the general public.

Allow Additional Travel Time

Although the construction at Columbus Plaza does not affect Amtrak operations, passengers are encouraged to allow additional time to arrive at the station before their train departure.

Bus, Car and Taxi Drop-off Lanes

While construction is taking place the bus, car and taxi drop-off lanes located in front of the station will remain open. Traffic lanes on Massachusetts Avenue and around the plaza will be reduced as needed. Temporary pedestrian walkways and crossings will be marked and designated as such. There will be signage indicating the temporary bus locations.

Bus Stops Temporarily Relocated

Certain bus stop locations will be temporality impacted around the construction zone. Please visit www.wmata.com and www.dccirculator.com for service updates and changes.

Station Entrance

The main station entrance may be shifted to accommodate the work but will remain in the same general area. Directional signage will be throughout the station advising of any changes.

Station Safety Advisory

For your safety, please be mindful of the following:

  • Be careful as you walk near the construction area.
  • Stay at a safe distance from machinery and moving construction equipment.
  • Watch out for any tripping hazards, such as construction debris or uneven surfaces.
Project Information

This $7.8 million construction project will be managed by DDOT and is being implemented through a partnership that involves Amtrak, the Architect of the Capitol, DDOT, the National Park Service, the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) and the Washington Metro Transit Authority (WMATA).

The work area will include the roadway adjacent to Union Station on the east and west sides; Columbus Circle; First Street, NE between Massachusetts Avenue and G Street; Columbus Drive, NE between Massachusetts Avenue and F Street; and the streets that intersect Massachusetts Avenue at Columbus Circle.

The new traffic pattern configuration will allow for vehicles to loop around the plaza to enter and exit the station. Vehicles will no longer be required to travel through the middle of the plaza to exit the station. New sidewalks will also be added to create safe walkways for pedestrians. In addition, improvements will be made to the traffic signal system to enhance the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic movements throughout the plaza. A bollard security system will also be installed along the perimeter of Union Station.

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Major Renovation Project Affects Access to Philadelphia 30th St. Station]]>

Effective through Fall 2013

A project is underway to renovate the 30th Street side of the Philadelphia station (West Plaza) and parking deck, which will affect access to the station, as described below:

Allow Extra Time

Passengers driving to the station should allow extra time due to street detours, vehicle congestion and limited parking.

Parking Available at Cira Center Parking Garage
  • Short-term parking is extremely limited.
  • Passengers are strongly encouraged to use the Cira Center Parking Garage for long- and short-term parking. The garage is located adjacent to the station on the west side of the building. For parking rates, contact Cira Center Parking Garage at 215-382-3567.
Accessing the Station – Drop Off and Pick Up
  • Passengers can be dropped off and picked up on the 29th St. side of the station.
  • Passengers should enter the station at the on the 29th St. side of the station.
Safety Advisory

For your safety, please be mindful of the following:

  • Be careful as you walk near the construction area.
  • Stay at a safe distance from machinery and moving construction equipment.
  • Watch out for any tripping hazards, such as construction debris or uneven surfaces.
Project Information

The renovation of West Plaza and the parking deck will continue outside of 30th St. Station through fall 2013. All station operations and businesses will continue as normal. During the project, steps will be taken to minimize the impact on and ensure the safety of our employees and passengers, as well as to minimize the inconvenience to those who work in and visit the station.

Upon completion, this project will provide additional parking at the station, enhance security and improve access and safety for pedestrians and vehicles.

Thank you for traveling with Amtrak. We appreciate your patience during this period. The most up-to-date schedule and train status information is available on Amtrak.com, our free mobile apps and at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us on twitter.com/Amtrak.

PSN 1112-14

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Naperville Station Parking Information]]>

Complimentary parking is available at the Naperville station by obtaining a parking permit from the station agent. Vehicles without a permit may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

Permits are available during station hours, from 11:30 am until 6:45 pm. For details, speak with a station agent or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Thank you for traveling with Amtrak. We appreciate your patronage.

PSN 510-82

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Chicago Union Station - Ticket Sales and Boarding Gates Close Before Train Departure Times]]>

For your safety and security, the following changes have been made to the ticket sales and boarding procedures at Chicago Union Station:

  • Boarding gates will close five minutes before train departures.
  • Ticket sales will end 10 minutes before departure times.

PSN 0712-105

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Portland Station - Ticket Sales and Boarding Gates Close Earlier]]>

For your safety and security, the following changes have been made to the ticket sales and boarding procedures at the Portland station:

  • Boarding gates will close five minutes before train departures.
  • Ticket sales will end 10 minutes before departure times.

PSN 1109-23

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[St. Louis Station - Ticket Sales and Boarding Gates Close Earlier]]>

For your safety and security, the following changes have been made to the ticket sales and boarding procedures at St. Louis Station:

  • Boarding gates will close five minutes before train departures.
  • Ticket sales will end 10 minutes before departure times.

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Kansas City Station - Ticket Sales and Boarding Gates Close Earlier]]>

For your safety and security, the following changes have been made to the ticket sales and boarding procedures at Kansas City Station:

  • Boarding gates will close five minutes before train departures.
  • Ticket sales will end 10 minutes before departure times.

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Denver Union Station - Ticket Sales and Boarding Gates Close Earlier]]>

For your safety and security, the following changes have been made to the ticket sales and boarding procedures at Denver Union Station:

  • Boarding gates will close five minutes before train departures.
  • Ticket sales will end 10 minutes before departure times.

PSN 309-400

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Tue Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013 <![CDATA[Transfers at the Flagstaff Station to/from Other Transportation Carriers]]>
Transfers to/from the Airport and Other Destinations

When the building that houses the Flagstaff Amtrak train station (FLG);is closed, between 11:45 pm and 4:15 am, passengers must wait outside until their transportation arrives. Remember to check the hours of operation before arriving at the station.

Passengers may board connecting van service at the east end of building, near the Hertz Rent-A-Car parking spaces.

Travel to/from the Flagstaff Greyhound Bus Terminal

Passengers must arrange and pay for their own transportation between the Flagstaff train station (FLG) and the Flagstaff Greyhound bus terminal (FGG).

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