Amtrak and SEPTA officials are warning passengers that trains may reduce speeds this week due to the heatwave. According to official alerts, Amtrak is implementing speed restrictions between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. from Wednesday, July 15, through Friday, July 17.
The heat has forced Amtrak to cancel several Acela and Northeast Regional trains for Wednesday and Thursday. SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch told NBC10 that the agency reduced train speeds by 5 to 10 mph on Tuesday, and expected to do the same throughout the heatwave.
For travelers, these adjustments mean minor delays, and customers are urged to allow for some extra time.
Amtrak Service Disruptions and Cancelled Trains
Amtrak has confirmed that speed restrictions will be in effect during the hottest part of the day, specifically from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., between Wednesday, July 15, and Friday, July 17. Because these speed changes, the company has cancelled several Acela and Northeast Regional trains for Wednesday and Thursday.
The following Acela trains are cancelled: 2152, 2154, 2190, 2165, 2193, and 2167. Additionally, trains 2123 and 2104 will make stops between BWI Marshall Airport, MD (BWI) and Metropark, NJ (MET).
The impact extends to the Northeast Regional service as well. Amtrak officials stated that trains 84, 196, 176, 119, 193, and 173 have been cancelled.
SEPTA Speed Reductions and Commuter Impact
Andrew Busch, a spokesperson for SEPTA, confirmed that the agency reduced train speeds by 5 to 10 mph on Tuesday. Busch stated that the agency expected to do the same throughout the heatwave.
“These adjustments cause minor delays, so we do urge customers to allow for some extra time,” Busch said.
By reducing the velocity of the trains, the agency adjusts for the heat forecasted by the NBC10 Meteorology Team, which has issued a First Alert for triple-digit heat this week.
The Mechanics of Heat-Related Rail Delays
Passengers are encouraged to monitor real-time updates via official social media channels for the latest on service adjustments.
Amtrak and SEPTA will continue to monitor the heatwave. Travelers should continue to allow extra travel time through Friday, July 17.
Do you have questions about your travel plans or experience with these delays? Share your thoughts and updates in the comments below.
Keep reading