(The following story by Mary MacDonald appeared on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution website on August 31.)
ATLANTA — Amtrak has suspended its passenger service from Atlanta to New Orleans, including the Crescent, in preparation for the expected landing of Hurricane Gustav.
Amtrak trains already in New Orleans have been made available to federal and state authorities to assist in the evacuation of the city, according to a notice on the Amtrak web site, www.amtrak.com.
Lines leaving daily from Atlanta that are affected by the service disruption include the Crescent and the City of New Orleans. The service change is expected to extend through Tuesday.
Service is continuing from Atlanta to points north on the Crescent line, according to Vickie Waller, a ticket agent for Amtrak in Atlanta.
Passengers with travel plans are urged to call Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL.
Passengers with telephone contact information in their reservations are being called by Amtrak and offered options including future travel dates.
Ticketed passengers affected by this service suspension will be eligible for refunds.