All railroads shutting down today and Saturday morning, so the flood gates can be closed,
and employees and familys can get out to higher ground.


AMTRAK SERVICE ALERT
Crescent, City of New Orleans, Sunset Limited
Tropical Storm Gustav Service Disruption
August 29, 2008
11:30 a.m. CDT

Amtrak Media Relations, Chicago: 312 880.5390; email: mediarelationschicago@amtrak.com
After hours, weekends & holidays: 800 562.1904; email: mediarelations@amtrak.com

The approach of severe weather and a declaration of an emergency have prompted Amtrak to temporarily suspend service to and from New Orleans for the safety of passengers, employees and equipment.

Amtrak train equipment currently in New Orleans will be made available to federal and state authorities to assist in the evacuation of the city and to help maximize capacity for the evacuation. Amtrak is taking this action as a national transportation asset in accordance with its contract with the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), which is preparing for the evacuation of New Orleans.

Effective immediately and through at least September 4, the following services are suspended:



Crescent, Trains 19 & 20

Service is suspended south of Atlanta, including Birmingham, Ala. No alternate transportation is available.


City of New Orleans, Trains 58 & 59

Service is suspended south of Memphis, including Jackson, Miss. No alternate transportation is available.


Sunset Limited, Trains 1 & 2

Service is suspended east of San Antonio, including Houston. No alternate transportation is available.

All passengers who have travel plans through the affected areas on routes of the New York-Atlanta-New Orleans Amtrak Crescent; Chicago-Memphis-New Orleans Amtrak City of New Orleans and the Los Angeles-San Antonio-New Orleans route of the Amtrak Sunset Limited are urged to call Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL.

Those passengers with telephone contact information in their reservations are being called by Amtrak and offered options including future travel dates. Ticketed passengers affected by this service suspension will be eligible for refunds.

Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant. Passengers are encouraged to call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com for schedule information and train status updates.


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