KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Construction work along the track for the Amtrak Wolverine and Blue Water routes that pass through Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties will mean the lines will be shutdown for one week later this month.
The planned shutdown September 15-September 19 is for structure removals in Augusta, Michigan and Michigan City, Indiana. Amtrak says alternate transportation is being provided for select trains and is limited based on charter bus capacity.
State Senator Sean McCann of Kalamazoo is not happy with the way Amtrak has handled communication of the shutdown.
“It is troubling and disappointing that a shutdown of two of the major Amtrak routes in Michigan for a week in September has not been communicated until yesterday by Amtrak to riders, employees and the businesses surrounding the impacted sites. Those who rely on these routes to travel to fulfill work and family obligations are left with limited alternative options. It will also leave rail workers at risk of not being paid throughout this suspension of service.”
“I am asking Amtrak to be transparent and provide better warning in the future regarding significant service disruptions. It is impossible to believe that Amtrak did not realize until yesterday that there were structures whose removal would cause a significant disruption of two major routes. Not providing more advanced notice to the workers and local businesses who rely on these routes has crippled their ability to plan for alternatives. This is at best disappointing, and at worst, transparency malpractice. Their customers, their loyal employees and others deserve better.”
Schedule times listed on Amtrak.com have been updated to reflect the changes.
Eastbound, September 15 – 19
Train 352, which normally operates between Chicago and Pontiac, is canceled. Alternate transportation will be provided by Bus 3352 between Chicago and Pontiac.
Train 354, which normally operates between Chicago and Pontiac, is canceled with no alternate transportation provided.
Train 364, which normally operates between Chicago and Port Huron, is canceled. Alternate transportation will be provided by Bus 5364 between Chicago and Port Huron.
Eastbound, September 19
Train 350, which normally operates between Chicago and Pontiac, is canceled with no alternate transportation provided.
Westbound, September 15 – 19
Train 351, which normally operates between Pontiac and Chicago, is canceled. Alternate transportation will be provided by Bus 3351 between Pontiac and Chicago.
Train 355, which normally operates between Pontiac and Chicago, is canceled with no alternate transportation provided.
Train 365, which normally operates between Port Huron and Chicago, is canceled. Alternate transportation will be provided by Bus 5365 between Port Huron and Chicago.
Westbound, September 19
Train 353, which normally operates between Pontiac and Chicago, is canceled. Alternate transportation will be provided by Bus 3353 between Pontiac and Chicago.
Track improvements continue Mondays – Thursdays, until October 30
Trains 350 and 353 continue to operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
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