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Passenger Trains > Possible Bustitution on #8Date: 06/29/15 12:01 Possible Bustitution on #8 Author: walstib I'm slated to depart Seattle on #8 this afternoon, but I just got a call from Amtrak informing me that part of my journey will be via alternative transportation.
I'm busy packing, so I haven't had a chance to follow up, but I imagine they are turning the train at Spokane due to wildfires raging near Wenatchee. I caught a clip of the fires on the news earlier and they look pretty intense. Date: 06/29/15 12:13 Re: Possible Bustitution on #8 Author: GenePoon According to KOMO, one fire has destroyed two large businesses that are adjacent to the tracks in Wenatchee, and is out of control.
BNSF states: "Preliminary Report: Service Interruption at Cashmere, Washington BNSF is experiencing an operational impact due to track outage, caused by wildfires in Cashmere, Washington. Cashmere, Washington approximately 12 miles Northwest of Wenatchee, Washington. The estimated time for opening for the main track has not been determined." Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/29/15 12:47 by GenePoon. Date: 06/29/15 12:39 Re: Possible Bustitution on #8 Author: joemvcnj Good thing they found buses to charter. Sometimes they cannot.
Date: 06/29/15 13:18 Re: Possible Bustitution on #8 Author: andersonb109 Assuming you are in a sleeper, be sure to get a full refund for the amount of the accomodation charge between Seattle and Spokane.
Date: 06/29/15 15:45 Re: Bustitution on #8 Author: walstib They're sending us to Pasco by bus, where train 8 allegedly awaits us.
It's always an adventure. Posted from iPhone Date: 06/29/15 16:45 Re: Bustitution on #8 Author: GenePoon A traveler in Portland says that it looks as though Amtrak brought the whole train to Portland and serviced it there.
He hopes this means he gets a full dinner rather than the usual Train 28 box lunch. Date: 06/29/15 17:14 Re: Bustitution on #8 Author: walstib That makes sense.
We were given Subway box meals upon boarding the bus in Seattle. They had four buses. At least one went to Wenatchee and that way. I'm on the nonstop to Pasco. Most of the passengers seem to be taking it in stride and I haven't really heard any grumbling. I'm looking forward to an unexpected ride over Providence Hill and through Lind. Hopefully ritzville knows of the full consist coming through his area later. Posted from iPhone Date: 06/29/15 18:58 Re: Bustitution on #8 Author: Pioneer2526 Thats interesting, since I ride 27/28 all the time, so how will they restock the Diner in PDX and will they bus the crew from Seattle ??, anyway it will be a fun ride for those folks......
Date: 06/29/15 19:10 Re: Bustitution on #8 Author: walstib The Amtrak operating crew is riding the bus with us. After departure, the conductor came through the bus, lifting tickets and handing out seat and room check cards.
So we're good to go once we meet the train. As of 19:00, we have just over 60 miles to go. A bus ride to Pasco sure beats a bus ride to Spokane. Posted from iPhone Date: 06/29/15 19:47 Re: Bustitution on #8 Author: Pioneer2526 I think the trains not due into Pasco until about 1030. if your hungry and like Chinese food, there is a great restaurant close by called Chinese gardens, don't know if they still deliver, but its a close cab ride. Unfortunately it will be dark around Lind when you cross under the Milwaukee line, the tracks are gone, but some of the trestles are there, anyway Walts have a great time !
Date: 06/29/15 20:17 Re: Bustitution on #8 Author: illini73 walstib Wrote:
------------------------------------------------------- > As of 19:00, we have just over 60 miles to go. Unfortunately, #28/8 has a lot further than that still to go. Left Portland at 1921 and currently projected to arrive Pasco arount 2330. Date: 06/29/15 22:14 Re: Bustitution on #8 Author: walstib We made it to Pasco a little after 9. Train is now expected just before midnight.
Sounds like the fire in Wenatchee is really bad. I'm just counting down the minutes until I can stretch out in my room on the train and take my shoes off. Posted from iPhone Date: 06/29/15 22:18 Re: Bustitution on #8 Author: bobs Sounds like another adventure, Brian!
Date: 06/29/15 22:23 Re: Bustitution on #8 Author: GenePoon BNSF advises the track is still closed.
Amtrak has not yet cancelled Train 7 west of Spokane on June 30, nor Train 8 from Seattle to Spokane. Date: 06/30/15 20:57 Re: Bustitution on #8 Author: illini73 GenePoon Wrote:
------------------------------------------------------- > BNSF advises the track is still closed. > > Amtrak has not yet cancelled Train 7 west of Spokane on June 30, nor Train 8 from Seattle to Spokane. Track still not re-opened. 7(28) and 8(30) did not operate west of Spokane. Presumably entire trainset went to Portland and is now headed back to Spokane (#28 currently running about an hour late approaching Pasco, WA). Date: 06/30/15 22:10 Re: Bustitution on #8 Author: jp1822 I don't understand why Amtrak just can't operate the entire Empire Builder trainset to/from Portland and Spokane during this time of closure on the line to Seattle. More than likely, sleeper class is sold out on both Seattle and Portland sections. Those in sleeper would want to "sleep" and not be interrupted with alternate transportation till it is absolutely required - bus connection at Pasco or train connection at Portland. You are talking three train stations along the Empire Builder route that wouldn't be served by say a Pacific Northwest Talgo train. The train connection is harder to do with train 8, but a little easier for train 7. Even running the train to Porland with train to train connection using the Pacific Northwest Talgo trains should be doable. I am sure it is probably difficult to "turn" the trainset at Portland, but I find it hard to believe that Amtrak can't figure out something........Amtrak just wants to see the LD trains circle the toilet even though they are in peak season right now and Amtrak should try to rake in as much revenue as possible and not look to inconvenience passengers. A 5:35 am departure from Pasco to Seattle is likely more acceptable to passengers than a 1 am departure from Spokane on the bus........
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