Halted Montreal-New York City train route sparks concern among tourism outlets

By The Canadian Press on July 12, 2023.

Montreal tourism operators are lamenting the suspension of the only daily train between their city and New York City.

Amtrak announced late last month it would halt service on the Canadian National Railway Co. line due to speed restrictions prompted by summer heat, which can cause kinks in the steel tracks.

The American railway giant has said inconsistent application of CN’s heat order policy means customers could be stranded or experience delays upwards of three hours.

CN has pointed the finger right back, saying Amtrak has failed to pay for maintenance that would have allowed upgrades to the line, which could then withstand the soaring summer temperatures.

Tourisme Montréal spokeswoman Aurélie de Blois calls the suspension very disappointing and a major constraint for travellers, noting that no other passenger train plies the route daily.

Amtrak relaunched the Montreal-Manhattan route in April after a three-year shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2023.

Companies in this story: (TSX:CNR)

9
-8