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Train services through Austin reduced amid Amtrak cuts

Trains will only run three times a week if Congress does not act.

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Eagle, Amtrak’s train service that runs through Austin, will no longer offer daily service starting the week of Oct. 12.

Trains will instead only run three times per week, and that reduction will be re-evaluated in February – unless Congress decides to take action.

Amtrak President and CEO Bill Flynn testified before the U.S. House this month asking for $4.88 billion to continue current service levels and avoid furloughs. But, so far, the U.S. Senate has not taken action. 

Any service changes would be temporary, Flynn said in his congressional testimony.

"As ridership returns, we intend to restore service frequency to previous levels," he said. "We remain committed to our long-distance system. If Amtrak receives less than $4.9 billion and there is no congressional directive related to long-distance service, we will evaluate three metrics to decide in February of next year whether to restore daily service on each affected long-distance route."

The new fiscal year starts on Oct. 1, but Congress does not always act on that schedule.

"We have to proceed as if they are not going to provide the funding," said Flynn. "Airlines and other businesses are taking similar steps. The CARES Act funding we received has not been renewed."

To see other routes affected by the changes, visit the Amtrak website.

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