#AmtrakForward

Amtrak is moving forward and we want you to see it. Today, 18 new baggage cars will leave the CAF USA  facility in Elmira, NY to travel south to our Amtrak Hialeah, FL maintenance facility for final inspection before acceptance.

If you’re a train buff like us, you know this is kind of a big deal. That’s why we want your help capturing the special move. When you see the train pass through your community simply snap a photo, tag it #AmtrakForward and share it with us on Twitter or Instagram. We’ll share some of the top photos.

As a reminder to our rail photogs out there, if you’re taking pictures of this special move please remain in public areas as defined by the Amtrak Corporate Guidelines on Photography and Video Recording.  Please remember the railroad is private property and trespassers may be subject to arrest.  Report any suspicious activity to the Amtrak Police Department at 1-800-331-0008 or by sending a text to APD11 (27311). Those interested can join the Partners for Amtrak Safety and Security (PASS) program that encourages community members to assist Amtrak Police by acting as an additional set of eyes and ears on the alert for potential security or safety problems. Additional rail safety information is also available by contacting Operation Lifesaver.

#AmtrakForward Special Train Move Schedule

Wednesday, December 17
At 9:30 a.m. 18 new baggage cars depart Elmira, NY arriving in Albany, NY around 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 18
Special train departs New York arriving in Philadelphia after 3:30 a.m.  Once in Philadelphia, the special train will add two additional baggage cars which have been tested on the Northeast Corridor.

Around 7:30 p.m. the special train will depart Philadelphia following two hours behind Silver Service Train 97, traveling through Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina Georgia and Florida.

Friday, December 19
Special train is expected to arrive in Hialeah around 9 p.m.

Once the baggage cars arrive in Hialeah, they will complete final inspections before being accepted. We expect them to enter revenue service in early 2015. As you may remember, the baggage cars are part of a larger order of 130 single-level long-distance passenger cars including diner, sleeper and bag-dorm cars.  All four car types will upgrade the Amtrak fleet, improving reliability, maintenance and passenger amenities. The new baggage cars will replace equipment built as far back as the 1940s and 1950s.