Amtrak Restores Daily Service From Everett On Long Distance Routes

It takes 46 hours to ride the Empire Builder from Everett, Washington to Chicago, Illinois. Yesterday Amtrak President Stephen Gardner and U.S. Congressman Rick Larsen took a ride into Everett Station from Seattle on the Empire Builder before the train headed east on that 46 hour journey to mark the return of long distance service for Amtrak.

Last June, due to the Pandemic, Amtrak reduced daily long distance service to three days a week and furloughed 1200 employees including 94 in Washington State. Demand had fallen by ninety seven percent.

On Tuesday at Everett Station Amtrak President Stephen Gardner said demand is back to forty percent of pre-pandemic levels and rising every week. “We’ve broadened our pricing and are bringing back the rail pass allowing people to ride ten segments in thirty days,” Gardner said. “We’ve also brought back traditional dining and our sleeping car service on the long distance routes.”

Congressman Larsen spoke of the benefits of rail in lowering carbon emissions. He’s a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Reliable high-speed rail grows the economy by providing good local jobs and helping commerce and passengers travel more efficiently throughout the Pacific Northwest,” said Larsen.

Social distancing rules are in effect and masks are required onboard. Here’s a link to the restored schedule and more information.