Latest news with #Amtrak
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
LOS ANGELES UNION STATION TO HOST TRAIN FESTIVAL 2025: LA'S SPIRIT IN MOTION WITH RAILROAD EQUIPMENT, MODEL TRAIN DISPLAYS & MORE
The Free Festival Pulls Back Into Los Angeles Union Station for a Weekend of Trains, History & Family Fun on September 20 & 21, 2025 Link to Hi-Res Images HERE LOS ANGELES, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles Union Station, with presenting partners Metro, Amtrak and Metrolink, will once again welcome train enthusiasts from Southern California and beyond to learn, explore and celebrate all things rail at the much-anticipated Train Festival 2025: LA's Spirit in Motion. This free, open-to-the-public community event is set for Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will offer visitors a dynamic lineup of railroad equipment tours and displays, model train exhibits, interactive information booths, live entertainment, giveaways, family-friendly activities and much more – all in celebration of Los Angeles' vibrant rail history and its evolving role in the city's future. "Transportation is about more than getting from point A to point B — it's about the people, places, and stories that compel us to move. At Metro, we're proud to make those connections possible, and there's no better place to see that in action than Los Angeles Union Station," said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. "The Los Angeles Union Station Train Festival is a celebration of the journeys we embark on, the history that grounds us, and the communities we build through shared travel. Whether you're a lifelong rail enthusiast or simply curious about how transportation can shape our future, we invite you to join us for a weekend of discovery, excitement, and connection at Union Station." An experiential trip through nearly 100 years of rail history, guests can visit tracks 13, 14, and 15, to tour and view displays of railroad equipment dating back as far as 1927 to present day marvels showcasing technological advances that continue to move the rail industry forward. Featured equipment will include the world-renowned Steam Locomotive, Santa Fe 3751, of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society (SBRHS) that returns to Los Angeles Union Station where it pulled the first named passenger train into the station over 85 years ago. Additional train equipment displays from Amtrak, Metrolink, and the Pacific Railroad Society will also be on site. "Many kids today grow up reading about steam trains in their history books but will never actually see one in person," said Alex Gillman, President of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society. "Santa Fe 3751 offers families, young and old alike, the chance to experience what a working, 874,000-pound steam locomotive looks like as they climb into the cab, meet the engineer and learn what it takes to keep this rare icon of American history operating today." In the station's historic Ticket Concourse, guests can immerse themselves in four masterfully constructed and uniquely designed model train displays created by Southern California's premiere model train clubs. From reimagined townscapes to depictions of the most well-known trains and routes, guests of all ages will be wowed by the immense details and care shown in each exhibit. Model train partners include Southern California Z Scale Model Railroading Group, Group 160 NTRAK Club, Southern California S Gaugers Club, and Southern California Traction Club. The recently restored South Patio will host interactive information booths for guests to speak with industry experts about recent and upcoming initiatives from Metrolink, Amtrak and California High-Speed Rail Authority. Metro will give away 5,000 commemorative TAP (Transit Assistance Program) Cards across the weekend. California High-Speed Rail Authority will debut an exciting new virtual reality experience that lets guests explore what the future of transportation could look like – through the eyes of local high school students. Created as part of a student internship project, this immersive experience invites visitors to board a futuristic train mock-up and see imaginative concepts brought to life in VR. Additional docent stands from Metro Art and Los Angeles Conservancy will be positioned throughout the station for guests to learn about the fascinating architecture, art and history of what many have deemed "The Last of the Great Train Stations." This includes, for the first time in many years, the public being welcomed into the historic Fred Harvey space to learn about the famous restaurant chain and 'Harvey Girls' – trailblazing women who brought charm and hospitality to railroad systems in the early 20th century. The original restaurant was designed by Mary Coulter, widely known as the inventor of Southwestern design, whose intricate details can still be seen throughout the space today thanks to the station's dedicated effort to preserve Coulter's original design choices and architectural legacy. For a unique guided experience of this space and other areas of the station, join California Preservation Foundation for one of four Hidden Gems Tours – a guided walking tour held at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day, conducted by the station's director of construction and restoration. The Hidden Gems experience is done in conjunction with the statewide program, Doors Open California with limited space and registration required HERE. An all-ages event, there will be a kid's zone in the Fred Harvey space for junior conductors where they will get their very own conductor hat and also enjoy photo opportunities posing with Travel Town Museum's restored Railway Express Agency delivery truck. To entice attendees to visit all activations, guests can visit and receive stamps at designated event stops to redeem their completed Train Festival Experience Pass for a limited-edition poster and commemorative pin. For more keepsakes, Metro Shop will be selling an assortment of Metro branded clothing and accessories and Merch Motel will be selling limited-edition merchandise inspired by the iconography of Los Angeles Union Station. Los Angeles Union Station, along with its presenting and exhibit partners, is excited to celebrate the far-reaching legacy of rail in Southern California and welcomes all to join in these one-of-a-kind festivities. To learn more about Los Angeles Union Station Train Festival 2025: LA's Spirit in Motion, visit About Los Angeles Union StationSince its opening in 1939, Los Angeles Union Station has long been considered one of LA's architectural gems and a vital portal to the promise of the California Dream. The Station was designed with an innovative blend of Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture now commonly referred to as Mission Moderne. The bustling 52-acre transportation hub sits in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles offering essential connections to destinations throughout Southern California. An iconic landmark, the Station serves as a vibrant symbol of Downtown's renaissance connecting the historic fabric of the past to the present through arts, culture, transit and community. Conceived on a grand scale, Los Angeles Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States and is often regarded as "the last of the great train stations." For more information, visit or follow @unionstationla on social media. About MetroThe Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses. Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at and GETTING THEREUnion Station is accessible via Metro Rail, Metro Bus, Metro Bike Share, Metrolink, Amtrak and several municipal bus lines. Take the Metro A, B, D or J Line directly to Los Angeles Union Station. About AmtrakFor more than 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized train travel. Offering a safe, environmentally efficient way to reach more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, Amtrak provides travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. About MetrolinkMetrolink regional passenger rail service offers reliable, safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation throughout Southern California. The Agency's 545.6 total service line miles and 67 stations across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and San Diego counties connect people, communities, and businesses and is an essential link in the region's mobility network. Metrolink's Arrow service, which launched in October 2022 with nine miles of track and four new stations between San Bernardino and Redlands, provides greater local and regional rail connectivity. To learn more about Metrolink, please visit or follow @metrolink on social media. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Los Angeles Union Station Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
LOS ANGELES UNION STATION TO HOST TRAIN FESTIVAL 2025: LA'S SPIRIT IN MOTION WITH RAILROAD EQUIPMENT, MODEL TRAIN DISPLAYS & MORE
The Free Festival Pulls Back Into Los Angeles Union Station for a Weekend of Trains, History & Family Fun on September 20 & 21, 2025 Link to Hi-Res Images HERE LOS ANGELES, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles Union Station, with presenting partners Metro, Amtrak and Metrolink, will once again welcome train enthusiasts from Southern California and beyond to learn, explore and celebrate all things rail at the much-anticipated Train Festival 2025: LA's Spirit in Motion. This free, open-to-the-public community event is set for Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will offer visitors a dynamic lineup of railroad equipment tours and displays, model train exhibits, interactive information booths, live entertainment, giveaways, family-friendly activities and much more – all in celebration of Los Angeles' vibrant rail history and its evolving role in the city's future. 'Transportation is about more than getting from point A to point B — it's about the people, places, and stories that compel us to move. At Metro, we're proud to make those connections possible, and there's no better place to see that in action than Los Angeles Union Station,' said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. 'The Los Angeles Union Station Train Festival is a celebration of the journeys we embark on, the history that grounds us, and the communities we build through shared travel. Whether you're a lifelong rail enthusiast or simply curious about how transportation can shape our future, we invite you to join us for a weekend of discovery, excitement, and connection at Union Station.' An experiential trip through nearly 100 years of rail history, guests can visit tracks 13, 14, and 15, to tour and view displays of railroad equipment dating back as far as 1927 to present day marvels showcasing technological advances that continue to move the rail industry forward. Featured equipment will include the world-renowned Steam Locomotive, Santa Fe 3751, of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society (SBRHS) that returns to Los Angeles Union Station where it pulled the first named passenger train into the station over 85 years ago. Additional train equipment displays from Amtrak, Metrolink, and the Pacific Railroad Society will also be on site. 'Many kids today grow up reading about steam trains in their history books but will never actually see one in person,' said Alex Gillman, President of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society. 'Santa Fe 3751 offers families, young and old alike, the chance to experience what a working, 874,000-pound steam locomotive looks like as they climb into the cab, meet the engineer and learn what it takes to keep this rare icon of American history operating today.' In the station's historic Ticket Concourse, guests can immerse themselves in four masterfully constructed and uniquely designed model train displays created by Southern California's premiere model train clubs. From reimagined townscapes to depictions of the most well-known trains and routes, guests of all ages will be wowed by the immense details and care shown in each exhibit. Model train partners include Southern California Z Scale Model Railroading Group, Group 160 NTRAK Club, Southern California S Gaugers Club, and Southern California Traction Club. The recently restored South Patio will host interactive information booths for guests to speak with industry experts about recent and upcoming initiatives from Metrolink, Amtrak and California High-Speed Rail Authority. Metro will give away 5,000 commemorative TAP (Transit Assistance Program) Cards across the weekend. California High-Speed Rail Authority will debut an exciting new virtual reality experience that lets guests explore what the future of transportation could look like – through the eyes of local high school students. Created as part of a student internship project, this immersive experience invites visitors to board a futuristic train mock-up and see imaginative concepts brought to life in VR. Additional docent stands from Metro Art and Los Angeles Conservancy will be positioned throughout the station for guests to learn about the fascinating architecture, art and history of what many have deemed 'The Last of the Great Train Stations.' This includes, for the first time in many years, the public being welcomed into the historic Fred Harvey space to learn about the famous restaurant chain and 'Harvey Girls' – trailblazing women who brought charm and hospitality to railroad systems in the early 20th century. The original restaurant was designed by Mary Coulter, widely known as the inventor of Southwestern design, whose intricate details can still be seen throughout the space today thanks to the station's dedicated effort to preserve Coulter's original design choices and architectural legacy. For a unique guided experience of this space and other areas of the station, join California Preservation Foundation for one of four Hidden Gems Tours – a guided walking tour held at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day, conducted by the station's director of construction and restoration. The Hidden Gems experience is done in conjunction with the statewide program, Doors Open California with limited space and registration required HERE. An all-ages event, there will be a kid's zone in the Fred Harvey space for junior conductors where they will get their very own conductor hat and also enjoy photo opportunities posing with Travel Town Museum's restored Railway Express Agency delivery truck. To entice attendees to visit all activations, guests can visit and receive stamps at designated event stops to redeem their completed Train Festival Experience Pass for a limited-edition poster and commemorative pin. For more keepsakes, Metro Shop will be selling an assortment of Metro branded clothing and accessories and Merch Motel will be selling limited-edition merchandise inspired by the iconography of Los Angeles Union Station. Los Angeles Union Station, along with its presenting and exhibit partners, is excited to celebrate the far-reaching legacy of rail in Southern California and welcomes all to join in these one-of-a-kind festivities. To learn more about Los Angeles Union Station Train Festival 2025: LA's Spirit in Motion, visit About Los Angeles Union Station Since its opening in 1939, Los Angeles Union Station has long been considered one of LA's architectural gems and a vital portal to the promise of the California Dream. The Station was designed with an innovative blend of Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture now commonly referred to as Mission Moderne. The bustling 52-acre transportation hub sits in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles offering essential connections to destinations throughout Southern California. An iconic landmark, the Station serves as a vibrant symbol of Downtown's renaissance connecting the historic fabric of the past to the present through arts, culture, transit and community. Conceived on a grand scale, Los Angeles Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States and is often regarded as 'the last of the great train stations.' For more information, visit or follow @unionstationla on social media. About Metro The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses. Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at and GETTING THERE Union Station is accessible via Metro Rail, Metro Bus, Metro Bike Share, Metrolink, Amtrak and several municipal bus lines. Take the Metro A, B, D or J Line directly to Los Angeles Union Station. About Amtrak For more than 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized train travel. Offering a safe, environmentally efficient way to reach more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, Amtrak provides travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. About Metrolink Metrolink regional passenger rail service offers reliable, safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation throughout Southern California. The Agency's 545.6 total service line miles and 67 stations across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and San Diego counties connect people, communities, and businesses and is an essential link in the region's mobility network. Metrolink's Arrow service, which launched in October 2022 with nine miles of track and four new stations between San Bernardino and Redlands, provides greater local and regional rail connectivity. To learn more about Metrolink, please visit or follow @metrolink on social media. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Los Angeles Union Station
The Independent
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
‘Revolutionary' direct LA to NYC train could launch in time for Fifa World Cup 2026 (and it's ‘Trump proof')
A new direct train service between Los Angeles and New York has been proposed — and it's claimed that it would 'revolutionize' rail travel for leisure passengers and truckers. Moreover, the scheme circumvents the need for taxpayer dollars and congressional legislation, which would be sticking points for President Trump. The Transcontinental Chief is the brainchild of private sector company AmeriStarRail, which aims to launch the coast-to-coast service in partnership with Amtrak on National Train Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026, in time to serve tourists for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As well as taking passengers from match to match, AmeriStarRail says that the train would simply 'be a great way to see America during our nation's 250th birthday'. The intermodal train would also serve as a 'rolling rest stop for truckers' and 'provide a safe alternative to the nationwide parking shortage'. Currently, there are 11 truckers for every space needed, AmeriStarRail claims. It explains: 'At railports along the route, truckers will be able to drive their entire tractor-trailer trucks onto railroad flatcars and then rest and relax onboard Amtrak coach, sleeper, and dining cars as they travel 200—500 miles during their federally mandated 10-hour rest period.' The firm adds: 'Passengers will also be offered a transcontinental Auto Train service for cars, vans, motorcycles, RVs and charter motorcoaches serving New York, Chicago, the Grand Canyon and Los Angeles.' Currently, traveling by train from Los Angeles to New York involves at least one change, in Chicago, and takes between 68 and 70 hours. The diesel-powered Transcontinental Chief would travel via Chicago at speeds of up to 90 mph along the same existing tracks, as well as on freight lines, and take approximately the same length of time. AmeriStarRail says it will be 'faster, safer and more comfortable' than driving coast to coast. President Trump recently cut $4bn in federal funding for California's high-speed rail project, calling plans to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles a 'train to nowhere'. But AmeriStarRail is confident Trump will support its proposal not just because neither legislation nor taxpayer funding is needed, but because it 'will turn money-losing Ambrak trains into profit-making trains'. AmeriStarRail proposes that the Transcontinental Chief would replace two Amtrak trains: The Southwest Chief (LA-Chicago) and The Pennsylvanian (Pittsburgh-NY). The proposal would utilize the cars and locomotives from these services, along with refurbished passenger cars that Amtrak currently has in its shops and yards. In a letter to Amtrak President Roger Harris, AmeriStarRail Chief Operating Officer Scott Spencer said: 'The Transcontinental Chief will be a great opportunity for Amtrak to team up with the private sector to confront the challenges of its money-losing long-distance trains and create opportunities to usher in a profitable Golden Age of rail travel for passengers and truckers, with the ingenuity of free enterprise, as we celebrate our great nation's 250th birthday next year.' Spencer told The Independent: "We have spent over 20 years researching and developing the details necessary to operate Amtrak's long-distance trains profitably and reliably. "We selected the LA-NY route for The Transcontinental Chief because it can be operated profitably and reliably starting next year using existing railroad locomotives, cars and tracks. "AmeriStarRail's Mentor and Senior Advisor, the former President of Amtrak, Paul Reistrup, has had a key role in developing and evaluating the feasibility of operating this route. We have also conducted courtesy calls with the freight railroads, BNSF and Norfolk Southern, to review the operating feasibility and requirements along the coast-to-coast route." It comes as Amtrak prepares to launch 160 mph Acela trains along the Northeast Corridor, from Washington, D.C., to Boston via New York.
CBS News
a day ago
- Business
- CBS News
Amtrak celebrates Chicago Union Station 100th anniversary
Amtrak and Illinois officials are celebrating the 100th anniversary of Chicago's Union Station Tuesday. The transit hub was dubbed "America's finest railroad terminal" back in 1925 and Monday afternoon Amtrak will unveil a new art exhibition to mark its centennial. They will also look ahead to the station's future. In the past few years, Union Station has seen $70 million in renovations and upgrades. Union Station was designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham. It took 10 years to build and cost $75 million at the time, which is equivalent to about $1 billion in today's dollars. It is the third-busiest station in the entire country, the fourth-busiest owned by Amtrak. The station moves more than 3 million Amtrak passengers and 35 million Metra riders each year.
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business Insider
I went to Seattle for the first time and made 6 mistakes in 3 days
I took a three-day trip to Seattle for the first time in May. My packing, booking, and planning mistakes kept me from making the most of my trip. I left with regrets about skipping attractions and nature hikes. When I rolled into Seattle on an Amtrak train two months ago, I didn't know I had already made decisions I'd regret later. And I definitely didn't know I would make a few more in the coming days. Although my first trip to Seattle was only three days long, I'm still thinking about the mistakes I made months later. These mishaps kept me from making the most of my time in a city I'd wanted to visit since I was a kid. I should have booked more than three days in Seattle. Three days wasn't nearly enough time to explore all Seattle had to offer. I found myself rushing around the city to pack in as many sights as possible, which made it challenging to be present. I also realized that the more you see, the less you actually do. Although I covered a lot of ground in Seattle, I didn't go inside many places. I simply photographed buildings like the waterfront Seattle Aquarium and wondered what marine life I was missing out on. I passed museums and countless coffee shops but didn't enter one. I should have brought just a backpack. I regretted bringing my carry-on suitcase to Seattle as soon as I left the train station. My first hotel stay was about a mile from the station. I decided to walk, but I didn't realize the road was almost entirely uphill. During my visit, I stayed in two other hotels and dragged my suitcase up and down multiple hills in the area. A couple of times, I had to carry the case over cobblestone streets I hadn't anticipated. In these irritating moments, I wondered why I hadn't just brought a backpack. I had backpacked on trips as long as two weeks in the past. And since I was visiting in May, I didn't need many extra layers. Next time I go to Seattle, I'll consider the weather, trip duration, and terrain when deciding how to pack. Visiting Pike Place Market on a Thursday afternoon was a mistake. I was really excited to see Pike Place Market in person. Growing up, everyone I knew who visited Seattle raved about the iconic outdoor market upon their return to school. So, as soon as I checked into my hotel, I went to the popular shopping center, where more than 200 stores and restaurants were waiting for me. I practically ran down a hilly street until I was slowed down by crowds entering, exiting, and simply standing in groups in front of the market. The whole experience felt more like waiting in line than shopping or exploring. I shuffled from stand to stand, trying not to pause in one place too long to keep traffic flowing. I later learned from the market's website that it's typically most crowded after noon on Thursday through Monday. In the future, I'll visit Pike Place Market on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning so I can take my time without the crowds. I shouldn't have skipped the Ferris wheel. The Seattle Great Wheel stands on the waterfront in downtown Seattle. It's an architectural anomaly in the city's skyline, so I noticed it every day and even considered riding it for $23. But I assumed it was probably a tourist trap that was not worth waiting in line for. After my trip, I saw photos taken from the top that made me realize I was wrong. I didn't even consider the sights I'd see on board. The 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel faces downtown on one side and Elliott Bay on the other, creating two strikingly different views. I'll be back to see it for myself someday. I should have booked a longer stay at 1 Hotel Seattle. When I checked in at 1 Hotel Seattle for my last night of the trip, I had one thought — I should have been here the whole time. The luxury chain 1 Hotels opened its Seattle location less than a week before my stay. From the lobby to the room, the hotel brought nature indoors with biophilic furniture, live plants, natural surfaces like quartzite, pebble stones, and reclaimed timber. The blend of nature and luxury was so serene and unique to my other stays that I wish I'd booked it for my entire trip. I wish I had spent more time in nature. Living in New York City, I see skyscrapers on walkable streets every day, but I rarely get a chance to visit a national park. And in my experience, the West has some of the most epic natural landscapes in the US. So, looking back on it, one of my days in Seattle would have been better spent about 70 miles southeast of the city at Mount Rainier National Park. Instead of exploring more of the urban metropolis, I could have had a completely different experience hiking through mountains, forests, and fields of wildflowers. With a longer stay, a lighter load, and a better idea of what I want to see and do, my next trip to Seattle should be much more fulfilling.
