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Amtrak recently announced it would be allowing passengers to make changes to their existing or upcoming reservations without incurring change fees, part of a new travel policy instated amid growing concern over the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
“The safety of Amtrak’s customers and employees is our top priority,” reads a message shared to Amtrak's latest "coronavirus" update. “We continue to monitor the coronavirus situation closely and we are taking action based on guidance from public health experts.”
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Amtrak’s change-fee waivers currently apply to any existing or yet-to-be-booked travel scheduled to take place before April 30, 2020. Travelers are instructed to make modifications through Amtrak.com or the app; those who wish to cancel entirely can call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
“The safety of Amtrak’s customers and employees is our top priority,” Amtrak announced in a “Coronavirus Update” shared this week. (iStock)
In addition to its change-fee waivers, Amtrak said it has instated enhanced cleaning protocols, which include more frequent cleanings, stocking more cleaning supplies, and the increased disinfecting of railings, doorknobs and handles throughout the trains. Employees are also being instructed on best hygiene practices, the company said.
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Amtrak is also urging passengers to take their own precautions, namely washing their hands and covering their mouths when sneezing or coughing. "If you are feeling ill, please stay home until feeling better," reads a message posted to the rail service's "coronavirus" page.
As of March 16, Amtrak had temporarily suspended some of its service due to "significantly decreased demand," with changes affecting the Northeast Corridor, Keystone Service, Amtrak Hartford Line and Valley Flyer, New York State Service, Cascades, Amtrak Downeaster, and Winter Park Express. (A modified schedule can be viewed here.) The company said it would be restoring service "once demand returns," and under the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Amtrak’s efforts come as airlines across the globe are ramping up their cleaning standards in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Many, too, are offering similar change-fee waivers to help instill confidence in passengers thinking about making upcoming bookings.
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As of March 17, the coronavirus had sickened more than 180,000 around the globe and killed over 7,000.
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