Amtrak is experiencing a major system outage, affecting its booking services and leaving travelers stranded. The nationwide passenger railway network, which spans more than 750 miles coast to coast, began encountering issues around 12 p.m. ET. Commuters reported being unable to purchase tickets through the Amtrak app or website, causing delays and uncertainty for those planning to travel. App users are seeing alerts that say: 'Let's try again. 'We are temporarily unable to process your request.'
"Little bags of pretzels? No way! Tiny windows? I don't think so! Middle seats? Get outta here! Take the train instead," the narrator shouts, adding, "Over 18 inches of seat-but you'll only need the edge!"
Amtrak's USA Rail Pass allows riders to take 10 trips across the country for a flat fee of $500, enabling exploration of more than 500 destinations.
Amtrak's request for $850 million for the Northeast Corridor grants is a significant decrease compared to the previous year, highlighting budget constraints and the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.
"With service that supports Texas' continued economic growth and the region's connectivity, sustaining the Heartland Flyer is essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring long term mobility in the region."
Inspector General Kevin H. Winters emphasized, "The sheer volume of employees who cavalierly participated in this scheme to steal Amtrak's funds suggests not only a serious lapse in basic ethics, but a troubling workforce culture..."
"It's the same as doing roadwork. If they do it during the day it causes a traffic jam," rider Robert Smith, 73, said as he watched crowds of people board Tuesday.