WASHINGTON, D.C. – Amtrak says it’s getting its passenger and commuter rail services back to normal now that a railroad strike has been averted.
A statement from the rail company’s CEO, Stephen Gardner, says the agreement will, in his words, keep their trains moving.
“This tentative agreement will keep our trains moving, stations bustling, and employees proudly serving customers as we move them across this great country, stimulating local economies in more than 500 communities we serve,” said Gardner, in a news release. “Railroads play a vital role in the nation and we thank President Biden, Secretaries Buttigieg, Walsh and Vilsack, the major freight railroads and rail labor unions for their hard work and commitment to get this deal done. Thank you also to our customers for their patience and understanding, and we look forward to welcoming them back on the rails starting today and tomorrow.”
Amtrak had cancelled a number of state and long-distance routes Wednesday and Thursday which make stops in locations like Bloomington-Normal, Galesburg, and Kewanee in the area. Those, Amtrak says, are expected to come back on line quickly.
Amtrak uses the rail lines, owned by the freight companies, and would have had to cease service if a strike went on.
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