Amtrak's Cancellation of the Empire Builder and Borealis due to "Inclement Weather"

Today, Amtrak announced the cancellation of the Empire Builder January 21-24, and Borealis January 22-23 due to "inclement weather" and unfavorable operating conditions. Amtrak managements cancellation of trains due to weather conditions has been an increasing trend in recent years. Passenger trains have operated in severe weather conditions for well over a century, especially in the upper Midwest, and have been traditionally the "all weather transportation option." We find Amtrak's increasing cancellation of trains, stranding hundreds of passengers, unacceptable. Amtrak operations needs to run passenger trains in all but the most severe weather conditions, which it has done for decades, until fairly recently. We call on Amtrak to step up and serve the needs of the traveling public.