Freight Railroad Strike Averted for Now
- Details
- Created: 10 August 2022 10 August 2022
Had the relationship between the freight railroads and union workers led to a strike, the Association of American Railroads estimated a financial loss to the US economy of $2B a day and ultimately impacting most Amtrak routes. Amtrak had already canceled long-distance trains for fear of passengers being stranded on freight-owned rails - the Downeaster would not have been affected by such a strike.
Railroads move 28% of all U.S freight and had the strike occurred, the supply chain would have been severely impacted, and fewer goods available would likely have caused a rise in inflationary pressures on the U.S. consumer. The union members still need to approve the tentative agreement.
More from the Rail Passenger Association:
WASHINGTON – The Rail Passengers Association this morning welcomed the White House announcement of a tentative rail agreement and concessions from the Class I railroads around work rules and time-off policies. We now hope that agreement will be enough to settle this long-running dispute and avoid a debilitating shutdown of our nation's vital rail transportation system.
The Nonantum in Kennebunkport and the Downeaster to the Rescue!
- Details
- Created: 03 August 2022 03 August 2022
On the way to the hotel she filled out an online form (on her phone) and left messages with every Amtrak number, she could find. I reassured her that this was Maine, that we all know each other and that we would figure it out.
Read more: The Nonantum in Kennebunkport and the Downeaster to the Rescue!
Downeaster Ridership Bounces Back!!!
- Details
- Created: 01 July 2022 01 July 2022
It's an amazing comeback for 'America's Favorite Train!' June numbers are 94% of June 2019, which was before the pandemic. The national Amtrak system is averaging up to 70% of pre-pandemic levels.