By Justin Franz

Amtrak’s Acela will resume operation on the Northeast Corridor June 1, with a modified schedule to meet increasing demands, the passenger railroad announced on Friday. The high-speed train will make three roundtrips between Boston and Washington D.C. Monday through Friday. Amtrak will also be increasing the number of Northeast Regional runs from eight to 10 a day. Amtrak first suspended Acela service back in March when the coronavirus quickly began to spread throughout the United States.

“We are dedicated to doing everything possible to return service safely,” said President and CEO William Flynn. “We want everyone to feel comfortable as they navigate this new normal.”

Amtrak also announced a new requirement that all passengers wear face masks while in stations or on trains. The masks do not have to be worn while in a private sleeping car room or when sitting alone. The move is similar to one made by many airlines recently. Amtrak began making all employees wear masks when working with the public in early April. 

Amtrak has taken a number of steps to try and safeguard both employees and passengers from the virus. In mid-April, the railroad suspended traditional dining car service on all long-distance trains west of Chicago and it has reduced the number of seats it sells aboard trains to encourage social distancing. Since the pandemic began in early March, ridership on Amtrak has plummeted by approximately 95 percent.