Why a Daily Dose of Awe Might Be the New Prozac, What 35-Year-Olds Should Know About Perimenopause. The same goes while aboard their trains. The APTA report notes that on most systems subway cars and buses, new air replaces stale air almost 18 times an hour. Fresh air is helpful to keep droplets from lingering, but it still won't protect you from a direct hit of a cough or sneeze. 2023 Amtrak Media. As I approached the platform outside the sleeping car, I flashed my paperwork to a welcoming employee who managed to flash back a big smile, even with her face hidden behind a mask. And be sure to wash your hands after boarding (Amtrak bathrooms are equipped with soap and running water). Mask wearing reduces risk and is now mandatory on many forms of transit in the U.S., including New York Citys subway and bus systems, as well as Amtrak trains throughout the country. Dr. Arnot said he has submitted a proposal to the Biden Administration to mandate carbon dioxide meters in public indoor spaces like bars and restaurants. Al mejorar la ventilacin puede reducir las partculas de virus dentro de su casa y evitar la propagacin del COVID-19. With mask mandates and capacity limits lifting in Maine on May 24, some experts are warning we need to take a closer look at something they feel has been overlooked in this pandemic: the quality of the air we are sharing inside. Ridership had dipped as low as 10% of normal volume compared to 2019 at the worst of the pandemic this winter, according to the Downeaster. Time: How much of it will you be spending in a place where you could get infected? A Free Press article last year documented that Amtraks trains had become routinely late across much of the nation, with Michigan trains the very latest. For the buses, ridership is down about 60% from pre-pandemic levels. One such innovation is the expansion of reserved seating on Acela trains. Id spent the day watching the outside world flicker by like a silent film, a few minutes at a time. Each is said to boast a 4,400-horsepower diesel engine made by manufacturer Cummins in Indiana, which generates electricity that powers four electric motors to turn the drive wheels. It wasnt. Thanks for reading Scientific American. In Vermont, Dr. Arnot advised some of the local school districts on how to improve their air quality. But even with fresh air available, an infected passenger can still transmit the coronavirus to someone who is sitting in close proximityso riders should attempt to space themselves out and avoid densely packed cars whenever possible. Upon reaching out to Amtrak, a spokesperson for the company said, "The health and safety of our riders and crew continues to be our number one priority. However, the room was almost remarkably dated nostalgic even. Even worse, on the popular route from Chicago to Detroit to Pontiac, on-time performance occurred just 33% of the time. I was excited. While many parts of my experience failed to meet my expectations, there were others that exceeded them. Doing so allows outside air to flood in each time the doors open. "Losing ridership and revenue has been a real challenge," said Donna DeMartino, the LOSSAN Agency . The great newsfrom an epidemiological, safety, and comfort standpointis that Amtrak is limiting bookings on reserved trains, which will allow for more physical distancing in seating areas. The new coaches, built in the U.S. by the German multinational company Siemens, will be pulled by almost-new Siemens Charger locomotives, which Amtrak began introducing in the Midwest in 2018 and 2019, according to Amtrak officials. But many planes have excellent high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that capture more than 99 percent of particles in the air, including microbes as SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID. However, too often, freight operators ignore the rule, according to Amtrak. Here's how to get better air flow at home, in schools and offices even in gyms to stave off COVID. Finally, the signals of change are growing obvious. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through theAmtrak app. Besides COVID-19,. About five years ago, with ridership rising after the Great Recession ended, Amtrak launched a long-awaited modernization effort. However, on the routes where the boarding announcements didnt sound as intense about COVID policies, passengers seemed less inclined to follow the rules. Helmet ventilation has been in use for 2 decades in certain countries, especially Italy; and its use has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amtrak's ridership hit an all-time record nationwide in 2019, then skidded by about 90% in April when cases of COVID-19 began soaring. Is this your first time on the Coast Starlight? Linda asked. Amtrak's ridership hit an all-time record nationwide in 2019, then skidded by about 90% in April when cases of COVID-19 began soaring. At most, it cuts transmission substantially. He recommends only removing your mask to eat or drink. Ive made a habit of giving every hotel room or Airbnb Ive stayed in during the pandemic a solid wipe down for my own sanity and security. Everything Id read so far about riding Amtrak in the time of COVID-19 seemed to rank long-distance train travel as safe, smart, and dare I say even relaxing. Thanks for reading Scientific American. There seemed to be less risk of transmission, however, for people who were seated near windows and doors that could open. (Air travel was also down by 96 percent). Upon reaching out to Amtrak, a spokesperson for the company said, "The health and safety of our riders and crew continues to be our number one priority. If the tests go well, METRO may add the purification to the rest of the fleet.For the buses, ridership is down about 60% from pre-pandemic levels.METRO launched a joint website with regional transit systems to provide information to riders about safety protocols.This summer, expect lots of open windows on the buses too to add extra ventilation, officials said.That, this summer -- and even heading into colder months -- may be the key, according to Dr. Arnot:"Fundamentally you've got to have clean outdoor air, indoors and where could you possibly have better air than the state of Maine. Something to consider when weighing the pros and cons of booking a private room they all come with free meals, including select soft drinks and your first alcoholic drink, plus you have the option of eating off the dining car menu or going with something more casual in the caf car. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Amtrak is issuing travel guidelines that aim to reassure customers that several added cleanliness and convenience measures have been implemented on their trains as the country begins to reopen during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The doctors say the upper limit of any building you would want to be in would be around 800 PPM, measured by CO2 meters that are available online and in most home improvement stores for around $100. An airplane cabin is probably one of the most secure conditions you can be in, says Sebastian Hoehl of the Institute for Medical Virology at Goethe University Frankfurt in Germany, who has co-authored two papers on COVID-19 transmission on specific flights, which were published in JAMA Network Open and the New England Journal of Medicine, respectfully. Travel tips you can trust. If the lawmakers see it Amtraks way, many more travelers may ride the rails for reasons other than COVID-19 concerns. A representative is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide information regarding railroad operating matters. But if you are seated relatively far from others, and everyone is wearing a mask, your risk is probably fairly low. Companies have also implemented rigorous cleaning procedures between flights. Some Maine schools, like in Gorham, have used federal relief bill money to install upgrade their ventilation systems. DOI: 10.1186 . Our 50th year as a company is certainly a milestone, and we launched several hallmark initiatives as we embark on a new era for passenger rail, said Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia. It is worth noting that masks are not mandatory in the dining car when seated for meals, nor are passengers required to wear masks elsewhere while they are eating or drinking. AND WHERE COULD YOU POSSIBLY HAVE BETTER AIR THAN THE STATE OF MAINE -- YOU OUGHT TO BE SELLING IT (LAUGHS) 18:13 (BOTTARI LL TAG) WHILE I'M NOT SURE HOW MUCH MAINE AIR WOULD SELL FOR, I DO KNOW, THOSE CO2 METERS COST ABOUT 100 DOLLARS FOR A HANDHELD ONE. App users will also receive boarding gate and track information at select stations so they can head directly to their train. The folding lounge bench and viewing seat were made of a fabric similar to what youd find on an airplane. The most important thing we can do to keep passengers and employees safe is the use of face coverings, says Amtraks Kuhnen. multi-million-dollar and multi-year project, Amtrak Recognized as One of Americas Best Large Employers. All the others have people right next to you, she said. Texas Eagle Train 21 which departed Chicago (CHI) on 2/27, is currently being delayed in Taylor (TAY) due to law enforcement activity ahead. Most of these flights occurred early on in the pandemic, however, and in the case of the March 1 flight, masks were likely not worn, the researchers wrote. As the sun set on my first day, I was ready to call it a night. Youre in car 31 thats my car! In a letter dated Jan. 22, Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn, who took the top job last spring, sent a letter to each member of Congress, citing Amtraks 50th anniversary this year. In fact, a recent MIT study found the risk of being exposed to the coronavirus could be as great whether a person is 6 feet or 60 feet away if the air is mixed. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. "We have been waylaid by the CDC with 'wash all this stuff,'" Dr. Arnot said. A looming question is whether once most Americans are vaccinated and people begin to return to flying, can Amtrak maintain its momentum and rebuild its ridership to pre-pandemic levels, then keep it growing. "And that has really been something that I think has given people a sense of comfort. They were very serious about having people wear masks. 00:31) (CG: DR. BOB ARNOT, INFECTIOUS DISEASE EXPERT) 10:25 THE REASON WE STILL HAVE HUNDREDS TO THOUSANDS OF CASES EVERY SINGLE DAY IT'S AS IF PEOPLE WERE WALKING INTO BURNING BUILDINGS AND WE DIDN'T HAVE SMOKE DETECTORS DR. BO ARNOT IS A LONGTIME MEDICAL JOURNALIST AND AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE EXPERT, WHO TREATED EBOLA PATIENTS IN AFRICA. Travel on Amtrak to Virginia Wine Expo at the Main Street Station in Richmond, Va. Windows, as well as open ceiling vents, allow fresh air to enter the vehicle. "We're investing in some additional CO2 sensors, we're setting those CO2 sensors to the lowest possible level, which is ensuring that out systems are exchanging air, at the fastest possible rate," Superintendent Heather Perry said in our report on schools last August.PUBLIC TRANSIT ADAPTSPublic transit systems have also been focusing on the ventilation component.Amtrak put out a video highlighting its air filtration system, citing numbers that it cycles air through the train cars on average 44 times an hour, replacing with fresh air about every 5 minutes. When thinking about the risk of transmission, I like to use a rhyme that was coined by Bill Miller, an epidemiologist at The Ohio State University: people, place, time, and space, says Eleanor J. Murray, ScD, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Boston University School of Public Health. Before the pandemic, many people would not think twice about ordering a ride-share car or hailing a taxi. Our customers trust Amtraks commitment to safety and are responding positively to the investments and improvements we are making, said Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn. 09:30 PLUS YOU KNOW THE TRAIN STOPS, THE DOORS OPEN. MERV-13 filters are less efficient than HEPA filters, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends them for reducing the number of airborne viral particles. This will hopefully avoid clusters of people in aisles and at doorways. The 14 Most Scenic Train Rides in the U.S. 31 Romantic Weekend Getaways to Book on a Budget, From Oprah Daily for Orangetheory Fitness, safest way to travel is via your own two feet, Bill Miller, an epidemiologist at The Ohio State University, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Limiting rides to short trips may also be helpful. Theres not enough data on either to say which is safer, but the same risk factors are at play. Every other table had a sign on it, instructing passengers to leave the booth empty in order to maintain social distancing. This article was published more than2 years ago. Also, Magliari said: We have significantly more spacing (than airlines and buses) between our seats. Preliminary results for fiscal year 2021 (Oct. 2020 Sept. 2021) include: Amtrak highlights in fiscal year 2021 include: Amtrak Contact Amtrak will restore traditional dining car service on six western routes and the Auto Train on June 23. This finding assumes the infected passenger is wearing a surgical mask, however, and it does not account for the dangers involved in removing the mask for meals or talking or in moving about on the plane. A September report by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) examined the coronaviruss spread in cities around the globe that had robust public transit systems. 2023 Scientific American, a Division of Springer Nature America, Inc. Bring disinfectant wipes to clean the surfaces in your area, like the armrests and tray tables. Public transit systems have also been focusing on the ventilation component. "Youll have much more control over your environment and you can go a long way without being in contact with other people. Our timing was impeccable and lined up with the sunset. On pure reflex, I shot to the window to watch as we rode over the Willamette River. 00:27 THESE ARE OUR MOST SOPHISTICATED INTERIOR SYSTEMS, AND THERE DESIGNED TO CYCLE AIR ON AVERAGE 44 TIMES AN HOUR 00:3 AMTRAK EVEN PUT OUT THIS VIDEO -- HIGHLIGHTING THEIR SYSTEM -- SOMETHING THE DOWNEASTER SAYS HAS BEEN HELPFUL FOR RIDERS. In Michigan, a clear example is a batch of recently upgraded locomotives and soon-to-arrive, new passenger cars. There are a lot of bottlenecks at the airport that make it hard to practice good social distancing, like the ticket counter, the baggage check, security checkpoints, and the boarding queue, says Eric Lofgren, PhD, assistant professor of epidemiology at Washington State University. Despite the risk, many people are likely to travel using various forms of transportation that will inevitably put them in relatively close contact with others. Nationwide, Amtrak was on time only 60% to 70% of the time in many states in 2019. Amtrak will reduce its service between Friday and Jan. 6 as it grapples with a rising number of COVID-19 cases among workers and poor weather conditions, according to The Washington Post. Although no mode of public transportation is completely safe, there are some concrete ways to reduce risk, whether on an airplane, train or busor even in a shared car. Despite the setback of the pandemic, riders can climb aboard not only what Amtrak touts as a safer mode of travel, but also one thats improving. Amtrak officials documented the late arrivals with detailed records of freight train interference, showing a chronic problem of passenger trains being forced to wait while freight trains crawled ahead. One of the things thats most concerning to health experts about trainsand planesisnt what happens on the vehicle (although thats extremely important), but how we get on and off them. The APTA report suggested that commuters should reduce risk by wearing a mask and staying six feet apart and that train cars should be well ventilated. ", Shop Our Favorite February Amazon Deals Before the Sales End, The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros, 14 TikTok-Famous Cleaning Products That Actually Work, According to Our Experts, 14 Best Healthier Candy Alternatives of 2023, According to Taste Tests. Since then, ridership crept partway back to its. As soon as I stepped into the boarding line at Portlands Union Station, I noticed signs of the times: masks and markers on the floor, instructing people where to stand. With announcements of our largest order for new trains in decades, the opening of new stations, the addition of new customer services and amenities, and our proposals for new corridor service in up to 160 communities, Amtrak put in motion key initiatives to support an enhanced national rail network capable of serving more people in more places with better service. When their recirculation systems are operating, most commercial passenger jets bring in outside air in a top-to-bottom direction about 20 to 30 times per hours. "I think Maine is very well positioned," Quinn said. Passengers traveling by Amtrak also must submit a health questionnaire, answering questions such as whether they have experienced COVID-19 symptoms within 24 hours of departure. For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel, and building for the future. "And that has really been something that I think has given people a sense of comfort.". And at any given meal time, I found that only three out of five tables were ever occupied. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Our editors handpick the products that we feature. "There is a lot of exchange," said Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, which operates the Downeaster. Una buena ventilacin, . However, Amtrak doesnt allow passengers to open windows any longer because of safety regulations and the central air conditioning. But more money, to buy faster locomotives and sleek new cars on upgraded track, cant do much for train travelers if a poky freight train blocks their way. Media members should contact the Media Relations Office for their region (see the map and listings here). METRO has partnered with the University of Southern Maine to carry out the tests on those devices. National Railroad Passenger Corporation. Since then, that number has climbed north of 30% as the calendar moved closer to summer. In lieu of offering everyone private rooms, Murray says that assigned (spaced-out) seating is a smart step for Amtrak to take to protect passengers and allow for social distancing. While this reserved seating option doesn't apply to your local, commuter train, you can follow the same best practices. Those numbers suggest there could be another travel bump in the next few weeks around Christmas. We now understand that smaller airborne particles can spread this virus, so employees are wearing face coverings, and were asking passengers to do so, too.. Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away. Yet, Amtrak mandated masks for all passengers and employees beginning last spring. COVID-19 risk calculator: The safest and most dangerous things to do this holiday season; Updated number of COVID-19 deaths, cases in Bay Area; COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources . I grabbed a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and put in my order for lunch. The company requires customers over 2 years old and employees to wear face coverings while onboard and in stations unless they are actively eating or drinking or in their own private room with the door closed. (The results were published this month in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.) We reached my room and I was immediately impressed. The collision occurred at an unguarded rail crossing on a section of Quarry Road that only serves . Despite these rules, the woman directly behind me left her nose poking out over the top of her mask as she carried on an animated conversation with her traveler partner. Initially some researchers blamed the metropoliss bustling subwaywhich carried 5.5 million commuters on a typical pre-COVID weekdayfor making it the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S. Book travel, and building for the buses, ridership crept partway back to its tests on devices! Others that exceeded them and I was ready to call it a night without being contact..., commuter train, you can follow the same Best practices calendar moved closer to.. Last spring track information at select stations so they can head directly to their train minutes at a.! Coffee, and everyone is wearing a mask, your risk is probably fairly low Should contact the Relations... 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