USA: Amtrak has announced that all customers using its trains, stations or connecting bus services will be required to cover their nose and mouth with effect from May 11.
The national passenger operator explained that the mandatory face coverings could be removed when passengers were eating in designated areas, in private rooms, or when seated alone or with a travel companion in their own pair of seats. Small children not able to ‘maintain a facial covering’ are exempted.
Amtrak is temporarily providing a ‘flexible’ dining service with limited seating on its long distance routes, and encouraging sleeping car passengers to opt for room service.
Other Covid-19 measures include reducing ticket sales to 50% of capacity, accepting only cashless payments in stations and on trains, and displaying signs to promote physical distancing in high footfall areas such as waiting rooms, ticket offices, escalators and lounge entrances. Clear protective barriers have been retrofitted at staffed stations where necessary.
Amtrak intends to reinstate some of its suspended Acela high speed services on the Northeast Corridor, starting with three trains each way from June 1. Northeast Regional frequencies will also be increased from eight to 10 trains each way.
Other services across the network that have been reduced or suspended will be restored according to demand.
‘Amtrak continues to operate as an essential service for those who must travel during this public health crisis’, said new President & CEO Bill Flynn. ‘Our services will be even more critical as our nation recovers. However, the safety of Amtrak’s customers and employees is our top priority.’
