Hotline #207-A - September 12, 2001

The September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington are having far reaching implications for travelers. The aviation system, which the terrorists used as their tool -- with tragic results -- was shut down across the U.S. and Canada by mid-morning, September 11. It is expected to begin operations again around noon, September 12, though no doubt with limited capacity and with delays.

Amtrak operations were greatly impacted. The Northeast Corridor was shut down much of September 11, with the result that Amtrak's busiest operation could not provide a travel alternative to stranded passengers, until later. VIA Rail Canada, however was able to add capacity to its busiest line, Quebec-Windsor.

Other Amtrak trains were delayed at various times as security was checked. Most Amtrak service, including the Northeast Corridor, resumed by 6:00 pm, September 11, according to Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta. In a statement, Mineta added, "Travelers will see increased security measures at our airports, train stations and other key sites. There will be higher levels of surveillance, more stringent searches."

Northeastern commuter rail and local rail services also were impacted, though most are operating September 12. In Washington, the Pentagon Metro station reopened mid-morning September 12; Virginia Railway Express ran a limited schedule September 11; while MARC had bus substitution September 11.

In New York, Penn Station and Grand Central reopened to outbound commuters in the afternoon on September 11, on irregular schedules. Subways are running non-stop through Lower Manhattan, except for a handful of lines running below the World Trade Center site. The site is also above one of the Manhattan terminals for PATH train service to New Jersey. PATH was to resume service on its Sixth Avenue line on September 12.

The NARP office in Washington remained open, but with reduced staffing, September 11; in plain view of the smoke from the Pentagon and below the sound of F-16 fighter planes. We share in the nation's horror and dismay at the September 11 events. Union Station and the Amtrak offices in it were evacuated, along with all federal offices in the city.

Amtrak's Texas Eagle collided with a Union Pacific freight train September 11, injuring five passengers and one crew member. Though the accident awaits investigation, Union Pacific said the Amtrak train was at fault -- apparently, the Eagle had entered a siding to yield to the oncoming freight train, and then did not stop at the end of the siding and wait. The collision derailed 12 of the freight train's cars, and the Eagle's two locomotives, baggage car, dorm car, sleeper, and diner (the last three remaining upright). The injuries were described as "non-life-threatening."