Amtrak in the Snow?
 

They're predicting a major winter storm for Washington Friday and Saturday, with estimates of 12-20 inches. I'm scheduled to take northeast regional trains to/from New York this weekend. Does anybody have any experience with the likelihood of disruption? (And, yes, I know the local travel within DC will be challenging at best.)

If it stays below 12 inches, Amtrak probably won't have too many problems. If it goes above that, then a lot will depend on just when the snow falls, how much, and how wet the snow is.

Typically even in the worst of storms Amtrak manages to maintain at least 1 train per hour between the two cities. But there are no guarantees, and you can expect the train to be late and most likely overcrowded as passengers from cancelled trains are put on the few trains that are running.

However, unlike airports, it is pretty rare that Amtrak just totally shuts down on the NEC.

Expect delays if the northeast gets a significant amount snow. If you must travel, Amtrak is going to be your best bet.

On January 19th I took the Amtrak Downeaster from Boston to Maine in what was a very heavy snowstorm. I know it's not the NEC, but when I arrived I was maybe about 5-10 minutes late and no more. Amtrak DEFINITELY the way to go in the snow.

Could be an advertising jingle.

This press release makes Amtrak look not so good for the current storm. I wonder how it will compare to the airlines.

February 4, 2010
5:45 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Due to impending winter weather conditions in Virginia and the Carolinas, most Amtrak service south from Washington, DC has been canceled for Friday, February 5.

All southbound Northeast Regional trains, with the exception of Train 67, are canceled between Washington and Richmond and Newport News with no alternate transportation. Northeast Regional Train 176 is canceled between Lynchburg and Washington and Train 171 is canceled from Washington to Lynchburg.

Palmetto, Trains 89 and 90, are canceled in their entirety between New York and Savannah.

Carolinian Trains 79 and 80 will operate only between Raleigh and Charlotte.

Cardinal Train 50 departing Chicago eastbound on February 4 will terminate in Huntington, W.V. As a result, Train 51, the westbound Cardinal, for February 5 will originate in Huntington and operate through to Chicago.

Silver Service trains between New York and Miami will operate normally.

I'd imagine Amtrak's pro-active cancellations will be little noticed compared to when they try to run trains through heavy snow.

For comparison's sake:
United canceled 3 of 4 IAD-RIC flights (and vice-versa) today, and has already canceled 2 of 4 IAD-RIC flights tomorrow.
US Airways has canceled several flights between RIC and PHL, and RIC and LGA. Jetblue has canceled a RIC-BOS flight, and Delta's canceled a JFK-RIC flight. So getting to/from Richmond and other NEC cities will be tough for airline passengers, too. Sometimes a big storm simply means you can't travel, no matter the mode.

Can't forget that Southwest has canceled all flights into BWI, PHL and I believe one other airport in the area being hit by the storm. Crashed planes and derailed trains don't do much for one's bottom line.

I ended up cancelling the trip, largely as I didn't want to deal with the hassle of trying to get home from Union Station.

At least Amtrak makes it easy to cancel.

Good call, Amtrak may get you there, but what happens then...

This will be the storm of the century, unless a worse one comes along the next 90 years.

Stay warm !

Bob H

How is Amtrak during IRROPS? If my train cancels, do they put me on another without a change in fare, like the airlines? Or do I get a refund and am on my own to re-book at the going rate?

Good question. I would like to know this answer too.

I do know that you can cancel your ticket online (if purchased online and you did not print the actual ticket at the station kiosk), and get a full refund.
I am not sure about refunds and fare-classes.

Just heard this on Fox-Philly:

The Amtrak spokesperson said they will try and re-accommodate pax who could not make it today to trains leaving tomorrow.

He also said that the WAS-NYC-BOS NorthEast corridor is operational, including Acela trains.

My train tomorrow (155) is canceled, so I'm gonna call to try to switch to Monday. Wish me luck....

Let us know what happens. According to the spokesperson on TV, they seem to be flexible.