Amtrak’s Empire Builder to resume regular service
JULIE ENGLER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 1 month AGO
Julie Engler covers Whitefish City Hall and writes community features for the Whitefish Pilot. She earned master's degrees in fine arts and education from the University of Montana. She can be reached at [email protected] or 406-882-3505. | May 11, 2022 1:00 AM
The Empire Builder, Amtrak’s northern cross country train line, is set to resume service seven days a week from Whitefish starting on May 23. The train’s route connects Chicago to Seattle.
In February, Amtrak made temporary changes to the Empire Builder route and reduced departures from Whitefish from seven days a week to five.
According to Marc Magliari, regional Amtrak public relations manager, the reason for the change in schedule was that winter is a soft time of year for train travel.
An Amtrak statement from February explained that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were a major factor in the reduction of services. Several hundred on-board service personnel, conductors, engineers and mechanical crews were adversely affected by the virus resulting in an 8% reduction in services.
Amtrak anticipated a return to normal operations by the end of May and announced the date for daily service to resume through Whitefish is May 23.
ARTICLES BY JULIE ENGLER
Whitefish budgets for $2M Ice Den roof replacement
Raindrops may stop falling on their heads at the Stumptown Ice Den where the roof has been leaking for years.
Whitefish's recognition of Pride Month draws opposition
A Whitefish City Council proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month caused a number of people to voice opposition.
Whitefish pursuing grant for railroad overpass on East Second Street
The Whitefish City Council gave Public Works Director Craig Workman the go ahead to apply for a grant to build a $42 million overpass on East Second Street after having discussed the railroad crossing elimination study at a recent work session.