According to the NARP Hotline, Discontinuation notices for the Kentucky Cardinal were sent January 6 by Amtrak to Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. In his letter to employees, David Gunn said that this not a sign of more extensive route cuts coming. Instead, he wrote, "The Kentucky Cardinal is unique, because it was started a few years ago as a single coach service based on the idea that the express business would be profitable." The notice is for 180 days, meaning the last run of the train will be on or about July 9.
The train has been plagued by a number of factors which include the failure of the concept of a rapidly expanding express business, slow running across Indiana (albeit at night), irregular equipment assignments (including long stretches with no sleeping car), and a lack of funding from states necessary to inves in improvement of the route (such as faster running in Indiana or extension to Nashville).
Three Rivers and Pennsylvanian Schedule Change Update
According to the NARP Hotline, the Three Rivers and Pennsylvanian won't change schedules on January 27, 2003. Talks between Amtrak and Norfolk Southern, owner of the tracks between Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg, could not be completed on time for the schedule change. Talks are still continuing.
