Uploaded October 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Overview of what's changed on Amtrak since COVID hit, including restrictions, service cuts, and ridership levels. Round trip from Penn Station in Baltimore, MD to Williamsburg, VA.
I’d previously done a comparison between Amtrak’s Business and Coach classes and decided to not even bother with Business for this trip, which was the right choice since the trains are running at about 1/6 of the ridership that they were pre-COVID. According to the employee at the café car, where they used to see 400 riders on the Northeast Regional, they’re now seeing 60-70. And on the pricier Acela it’s even worse: where there used to be 400 riders there are now 7-10! Unfortunately this means that furloughs are likely in the near future.
Amtrak wasn’t much different during COVID. You’re supposed to wear your mask when you’re not eating and drinking (and the Conductors were good about enforcing this). There were so many empty seats that social distancing wasn’t an issue - I think there were three other people in our car. And now that they have to ensure proper air circulation, the AC actually worked great, which had been a huge problem in the past on the NE Regional line, so that’s actually a big improvement!
Those who want to be super cautious would likely drive rather than taking Amtrak, but we felt very safe due to the extremely reduced ridership, and the convenience and relaxing experience make for a positive risk/reward ratio.
Mood music by Rossco SoleTrain: youtube.com/rosscosoletrain2
Keep up with Leonard's shenanigans and book news at:
facebook.com/leonard.kinsey.3
twitter.com/DarkSideDisney leonardkinsey.com
For offbeat, alternative, and adult-oriented Disney-related books, posters, CDs, and other merch, visit bambooforestpublishing.com
Overview of what's changed on Amtrak since COVID hit, including restrictions, service cuts, and ridership levels. Round trip from Penn Station in Baltimore, MD to Williamsburg, VA.
I’d previously done a comparison between Amtrak’s Business and Coach classes and decided to not even bother with Business for this trip, which was the right choice since the trains are running at about 1/6 of the ridership that they were pre-COVID. According to the employee at the café car, where they used to see 400 riders on the Northeast Regional, they’re now seeing 60-70. And on the pricier Acela it’s even worse: where there used to be 400 riders there are now 7-10! Unfortunately this means that furloughs are likely in the near future.
Amtrak wasn’t much different during COVID. You’re supposed to wear your mask when you’re not eating and drinking (and the Conductors were good about enforcing this). There were so many empty seats that social distancing wasn’t an issue - I think there were three other people in our car. And now that they have to ensure proper air circulation, the AC actually worked great, which had been a huge problem in the past on the NE Regional line, so that’s actually a big improvement!
Those who want to be super cautious would likely drive rather than taking Amtrak, but we felt very safe due to the extremely reduced ridership, and the convenience and relaxing experience make for a positive risk/reward ratio.
Mood music by Rossco SoleTrain: youtube.com/rosscosoletrain2
Keep up with Leonard's shenanigans and book news at:
facebook.com/leonard.kinsey.3
twitter.com/DarkSideDisney leonardkinsey.com
For offbeat, alternative, and adult-oriented Disney-related books, posters, CDs, and other merch, visit bambooforestpublishing.com
