Deadly Metrolink train crash forces Amtrak cancellations today
The fatal crash of a freight train and a Metrolink commuter train near Chatsworth on Friday has forced Amtrak to curtail some train service in the L.A. area, according to a notice on Amtrak’s website.
Amtrak today will not run any Pacific Surfliner trains–and their connecting buses–between San Luis Oblispo and Goleta and Los Angeles until the railroad route can be restored. Amtrak isn’t providing alternate transportation for this route.
Pacific Surfliner, Amtrak’s third busiest route in the country, usually runs 12 daily round trips between San Diego and Los Angeles, including five extending to Santa Barbara and two continuing to San Luis Obispo.
Amtrak also uses the tracks involved in the Metrolink crash for its 1,400-mile Coast Starlight, between Los Angeles’ Union Station and Seattle.
Today the Coast Starlight will begin and end in Santa Barbara, with alternate transportation provided between Santa Barbara and L.A.
Hurricane Ike, which made landfall in Galveston at 12:10 a.m. PDT with winds of 110 mph, also has had its impact on Amtrak service, according to the website. Train service has been halted to and from Texas. Passengers on the L.A.-San Antonio-New Orleans portion of the Sunset Limited and other routes that run through portions of the hurricane-affected state are urged to contact Amtrak (800-USA-RAIL).
- Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times staff writer
[Photo: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times]
15 Comments on “Deadly Metrolink train crash forces Amtrak cancellations today”
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September 13th, 2008 at 2:45 am
There are anti-collision devices that can be fitted onto trains that can warn them if a collision is imminent.
A company in India called Kernex Microsystems manufactures such systems.
September 13th, 2008 at 9:55 am
How about another set of tracks?
I am a frequent railroad rider, and this seems like a no-brainer to me.
September 13th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Today (Sat at 10AM) I called the Union Pacific Special Police telephone number to check on any train crew deaths as someone we know may have been on the freight train.
The UP spokesperson says they won’t get around to posting any information about anything until Monday.
Very Responsive, don’t you think?
September 13th, 2008 at 10:42 am
The main problem in the U.S. train service is that there are too often only single tracks with train services for both directions In Europe crashs like that of LA are excluded because all main lines habe two or more tracks.
September 13th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
crashes are good for the economy and the Union Pacific is not interested in safety–it’s Risk management people reject safety for costs.
September 13th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Edna, that track is neither owned nor dispatched by Union Pacific. It is owned and controlled by Metrolink (SCRRA).
September 13th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Too many American railroads that used to feature double main line tracks went single track due to cost cutting. The Illinois Central, for example, did this many years ago and they’ve regretted that decision ever since.
September 13th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
I am so sorry for all who were killed or injured in yesterday’s tragic crash. I only hope this serves as a wakeup call for all rail services in the nation, especially for ones that transport commuters.
September 13th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
multiple track main lines in Europe may reduce but do not eliminate head on colisions. few rail lines were ever double tracked in the american west. single track railroading is safe if ALL the rules are followed.
September 13th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
It is beyond belief that the engine did not have an automatic electronic device to stop the train in addition to the red stop light! At least an alarm ringing in the cab.
September 15th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
What a tragedy. The comments about “electronic safety gadgets” miss the basic problem: while American trains continue to plod along dangerous single-tracks, the Europeans and Japanese are riding dedicated rails at 180mph! According to Amtrak head Michael Dukakis, one week’s expenditure in Iraq could build safe, energy-efficient, high-speed rail travel across the nation that put men on the moon.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Why isnt anyone looking into the fact that the engineer was a diabetic who possibly had his blood sugar go so low that he passed out? it seems the press wants to crucify someone!
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:54 pm
What a tragedy
i think thats sad poor people
R.I.P
to all the people that died……
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I am trying to locate the relatives to Charles E. Peck age 49 from Utah. I beleive that he was a cousin and I would like to verify this matter. Please email me at the above address.
thank you
Linda Hoffman
October 30th, 2008 at 7:20 am
please put a worning light on these trains to let everyone know
when they arecoming up on a worning light.