Amtrak

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, better known as Amtrak, is the quasi-governmental corporation (QGC) incorporated in May 1971 to provide interstate and regional passenger train service in the United States.

At 7:45 a.m. ET, on April 29, 2009, Amtrak suspended all train service, including MARC Penn Line trains, between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. Service was halted due to a major water main break between BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Station and Baltimore Penn Station.Amtrak: Amtrak and MARC Penn Line Suspended (April 29, 2009) MARC Train offered shuttle bus service between Baltimore and Odenton. Service is expected to be restored later in the afternoon.MTA MD: MARC Train Emergency News & Service Update (April 29, 2009)

Amtrak has service to 46 of 48 U.S. states in its service area. Hawaii, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and Alaska, separated from the lower 48 by Canada, are not considered serviceable. The route system encompasses more that 20,000 miles of track and more than 98% is owned and maintained by the nation's fright railroads.

As a quasi-governmental corporation all the company's class "A" shares, those are the preferred shares, are owned by the U.S. Government, the company's boards of directors are appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The class "B" shares, the common shares, where issued to railroads in exchange for contributed capital, equipment and other assets.

• For train status updates and additional information, call 800-USA-RAIL, Amtrak.com or MTAMaryland.comAmtrak: Amtrak and MARC Penn Line Suspended (April 29, 2009)
• Service is not expected to be restored before 3 p.m. ET on April 29, 2009Washington Post: Commuter Alert: Amtrak, MARC Train Penn Line Service Disrupted (April 29, 2009)
• Penn Line Commuters Metro will honor MARC tickets due to the April 29, 2009 delay in serviceMTA MD: MARC Train Emergency News & Service Update (April 29, 2009)
• Amtrak did not offer alternate service and travelers were urged to delay their travel plansAmtrak: Amtrak and MARC Penn Line Suspended (April 29, 2009)
• A 36-inch water main broke in the Halethorpe area, the tracks were covered with mud and trees and as a result, service would not be restored until the debris is clearedAmtrak: Amtrak and MARC Penn Line Suspended (April 29, 2009)