Amtrak announces passenger face mask requirement and limited restart of Acela service
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
Amtrak to require all passengers wear facemasks starting May 11, and limited restart of Acela service on June 1.
David C. Lester
After weeks of nearly no ridership, and the halt of Acela service in the northeast corridor, Amtrak announced yesterday that on Monday, May 11, passengers will be required to wear face masks when boarding trains and Amtrak buses, according to a report in USA Today. The report also said that Amtrak employees will be required to wear face masks if they work with passengers.
Amtrak President and CEO Bill Flynn said “The safety of Amtrak’s customers and employees is our top priority and requiring a facial covering is one more way we can protect everyone. Amtrak continues to operate as an essential service for those who must travel during this public health crisis. Our services will be even more critical as the nation recovers.”
Amtrak also announced that it’s Acela service will begin operating on a limited schedule on June 1. While Amtrak believes that demand for both Acela and Northeast Regional service will increase into the summer, the railroad will begin by operating ten daily Northeast Regional round trips, up from the eight it has been running, and Acela service will start with three round trips each weekday.
More information is availalbe online.
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