In what Amtrak is calling a response to COVID-19, the company is reducing service between New York, the Carolinas, and Florida. Starting today, instead of two daily trains in each direction between Miami and New York, there will only be one.
In June, Amtrak released an employee memo that stated that most long-distance train service would be sharply reduced starting October 1, 2020. Most routes will transition from daily service to tri-weekly service leaving many parts of the United States with even more limited transportation options. The reduction of the Florida trains is seen as a jump-start on those reductions.
As of today, the Silver Meteor (trains 97 and 98) and Silver Star (trains 91 and 92) will operate on alternating days between New York and Miami. While the routings are similar between New York and Washington, and between Jacksonville and Miami, the routings through the Carolina’s are different.
Heading south, train 91 departs New York on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Train 97 departs New York on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Heading north, train 92 departs Miami on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Train 98 departs Miami on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Daily service will still be offered to and from Tampa. On the days that the Silver Star is not operating directly to Tampa, a Thruway motorcoach will be offered between Orlando and Tampa connecting with the Silver Meteor.
To accommodate additional passengers, Amtrak is adding extra cars to the trains including five Coach cars and three Sleeping cars. Flexible dining service remains in place for Sleeping Car passengers, and Coach Class passengers have the option of purchasing items in the Café car.
Additional daily service will be offered on the Palmetto between New York and Savannah, including intermediate points, on the Carolinian, between New York and Raleigh, including intermediate points and between Washington, DC, and the Orlando areas on the Auto Train.
Visit Amtrak.com for additional information.
