SEATTLE — Amtrak restored service on long-distance routes serving Washington on Monday, ahead of what is expected to be a busy Memorial Day travel weekend.
Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, and Cascades trains ran on reduced schedules for nearly a year during the pandemic.
Amtrak recently recalled furloughed workers thanks to nearly $1.7 billion in federal aid, allowing the carrier to restore service across the nation.
Trips to Canada are still on hold because the border remains closed to non-essential travel through at least June 21.
Cascades trains continue to run at 50% capacity to promote physical distancing.
Amtrak President Stephen Gardner will visit Seattle and Everett on Tuesday to celebrate the restoration of service and talk about a plan to invest in rail infrastructure and expand routes across the U.S.