Amtrak highlights pandemic-related safety measures

Amtrak yesterday announced the cleanliness procedures and convenience measures it has implemented to reassure passengers during, and as the nation begins to recover from, the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are doing everything we can to offer vital transportation services in a way that prioritizes employee and customer safety and well-being," said President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Flynn in a press release.

Amtrak continues to operate as an essential service, although some routes have been reduced or suspended during the pandemic. Earlier this month, the railroad announced it will resume reduced Acela service on the Northeast Corridor starting June 1. Other trains will return to service by monitoring demand and working with state partners to prioritize safety, Amtrak officials said.

Among other measures, Amtrak is:

• waiving change and cancelation fees for reservations made by Aug. 31;
• limiting ticket sales to 50 percent of each train's seat capacity to allow for social distancing during travel;
• installing signage to indicate safe distances in high-traffic areas, as well as protective barriers customer counters at the busiest stations;
• requiring all riders and employees to wear facial coverings while in stations and on board;
• encouraging riders to arrive only 30 minutes before departure or only 60 minutes of ticketing or baggage assistance is needed;
• accepting cashless payments to enable a contact-free travel experience; and
• enhancing the cleaning of trains, including the use of a fogging method to disinfect surface areas and sanitizing highly touched surfaces, seats and restrooms.

In a letter to Amtrak riders, CEO Flynn also announced that the railroad has taken additional steps to support the communities it serves. For example, fewer trains in operation during the pandemic has resulted in a surplus of food supplies. To help those in need, Amtrak is working with food banks to donate food and other essentials.