Amtrak opens temporary route in Florida

Amtrak merged the routes of Capitol Limited and Silver Star trains to create a temporary route, “Floridian”, providing nonstop round-trip travel between Chicago, Illinois and Miami, Florida. Stops included Cleveland, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Washington, D.C.; Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tampa, Florida; among several others. The new route will make its maiden voyage on November 10 this year, and the entire journey will take about 47 hours.

“The Floridian provides passengers with an extraordinary and sustainable journey to great destinations between Chicago and Miami,” said Eliot Hamlisch, Amtrak’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer. Passengers are provided with the amenities and delicious food they enjoy when flying with us.”

The merger comes as New York City’s upcoming East River Tunnel (ERT) rehabilitation project will close train tunnels one at a time, minimizing train service in the area and maximizing construction access. “Our members have long dreamed of restoring single-seat travel from the Midwest to Florida, and we’re excited that a new generation of American passengers will be able to experience the service for themselves,” said Jim Matthews, Rail Passengers Association. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This move will free up much-needed equipment while relieving pressure on Northeast Corridor infrastructure during the ERT Rehabilitation Project renovation. Railroad riders appreciate this innovative solution from Amtrak that keeps riders in critical condition for good repairs Smooth traffic. We believe passengers will flock to this new service.”

Coach fares will include wide reclining seats with no middle seats and access to dining car meals for an additional fee. First class private room options include a single room with two reclining seats that convert into upper and lower beds and a shower; the bedroom option is twice the space of a single room and offers an in-room toilet and shower . All passengers with private rooms also have free access to lounges at major stations and priority boarding. Accessible bedrooms are available on the train entrance level to provide space for people using wheelchairs.

On board the Floridian, travelers can find traditional meal service in its dining car, which is free for first-class passengers and available for a fee to other passengers. Discover chef-prepared breakfasts, lunches and dinners with vegetarian and vegan options. Traveling by train is an easy and sustainable alternative to driving or flying, and being able to get the whole group on one train at the same time can lighten a planner’s to-do list. Amtrak offers special rates for travelers traveling in groups of 15 or more.

amtrak.com