10:17 UPDATE: Train #85 has begun moving towards Richmond.
Virginia (WTVR)–Disgruntled passengers on a southbound Amtrak train, destination Richmond, have been tweeting and contacting CBS 6 after their train abruptly stopped.
Richmond resident and frequent Washington D.C. commuter Chris O’Keefe was on his way back to his home city when he said the train stopped. This happened at approximately 8:20 p.m. Wednesday. The train left Alexandria at 7:23 p.m.
O’Keefe said that passengers were told there was a speedomteter problem and they would proceed in “about 15 or 20 minutes.”
He said that there was no loud noise to indicate a problem but that the train rolled backward for what felt like half a mile.
O’Keefe told CBS 6 that every so often employees say “another 10 minutes.”
CBS 6 reached out to Amtrak media representative by phone and Twitter. A representative responded via email.
“I’m following up on your request for information about Train 85. The train had engine problems, which caused a delay of 30 minutes,” wrote Kimberly Woods, with media relations, at 9:49 p.m., an hour after passengers allege the train stopped.
At 10 p.m. passengers were still on the tracks. The media relations contact has not responded to any further questions. The passengers have been stuck for almost two hours.
Tweets indicate there could be two different Amtrak trains with issues on the tracks. Train number 85 and 97, both originating from Alexandria are both delayed on the tracks.
The train status on Amtrak’s website still optimistically states that train #85 will arrive five minutes early, though the arrival time has passed.
Amtrak’s customer relations number is 1-800-USA-RAIL
