Departure time for CZ Tuesday 7/28 from Chicago

[eblkheart]

I got a phone call from Amtrak today telling me that instead of a 2pm departure time from Chicago for the Zephyr, it's now 12pm. Anyone know the reason why? I have never heard of this. I did see that the train is completely sold out as well.

 

[Slasharoo]

Monday's train was changed to noon as well. I am assuming to get a head start on the delays they have been experiencing this summer. I wonder if it will be permanent like the Empire Builder.

 

[MikefromCrete]

It could be to get the train through some kind of maintenance window with a minimum of delays.

 

[Cma]

I just received an email advising that the Sunday CZ will depart Chicago at noon. Does anyone know if they will serve lunch?

 

[ParanoidAndroid]

What's up with '1005' California Zephyr? Never heard of that . . .

 

[ParanoidAndroid]

OK I see it left CHI at 12 noon, not 2pm. But still, why?

 

[Anderson]

"10xx" trains are, most of the time, used for either a "normal" train that has its schedule shifted so that two days' trains would show up somewhere during the same day or for trains that get "split" (e.g. the Eagle running over two separate sections of its route but with a bus bridge in the middle). For example, train 5 is due into Lincoln, NE just after midnight. When the train gets bumped two hours early, you'd end up with a train 5 due in at 0008 and one due in at 2208...and Arrow does not like that, so 1005 is used in lieu so as to make Arrow happy. You'll often see it on one day or the other surrounding a schedule shift (either temporary or permanent).

I think 1000-series trains also get used for Thanksgiving extras on the NEC, usually numbered for the extra sections they're running as part of.

 

[CHamilton]

California Zephyr Train 5 Operates Two Hours Earlier From Chicago to Denver

Effective through July 28, 2015

Through July 28, 2015, Train 5 will depart Chicago two hours earlier than the times shown in Amtrak printed timetables, and operate two hours earlier at all stations through its arrival at Denver the following day. At Denver the train will resume its normal schedule.

 

[chakk]

The train is scheduled two hrs early from Chicago to Denver for a few days in late July. But will dwell longer in denver and depart from there at its regularly scheduled time.

 

[PRR 60]

This is to accommodate BNSF trackwork in Denver.

 

[andersone]

In a month I need to catch the CZ..... did the altered schedule end yesterday?

 

[eblkheart]

Looks like it. My trip was flawless, except for the small delays due to weather in Iowa. After getting in early to Denver, I have to say I was hoping they would do this schedule more often. Very smooth sailing with a bit of buffer in case of issues weather, rail or what ever else Amtrak has to deal with.