Amtrak Auto Train

[Uncle Bill]

We recently traveled on the Auto-Train from Florida to Lorton, VA.

My question is why Amtrak never extended this service further north to say Newark, DE. Especially now that the Chrysler plant is gone and there is all the capacity and room left from NS freight operations that are no longer in use.

Given that this service is excellent and a flagship for Amtrak that caters to the snowbirds from the northeast, it just seemed to make sense they would go further north.

Thanks,

Uncle Bill

[PufferFish16]

Hi Uncle Bill,

I don't know for certain why AutoTrain can't be extended further north, but I believe that the automobile carriers (and possibly the Superliner consist) may be too tall to operate under the catenary on the NEC.  I live less than 20 minutes from the former Chrysler plant in Newark, so I'd welcome the move north.  I believe that the University of Delaware has purchased the plant and grounds, so that facility is gone for good.

Stay Well!

PF16

 

 

[tavern11]

use auto train for last 10 years. love it. from n.j. Reason they dont move it up this way ,is it cost a fortune to buy property  for infra structure and track right of way..also the tunnels will not accomadate the oversized cars. had family member high up in amtrack. would love to see it though. 3hrs to dc stinks.