HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – Amtrak’s Pere Marquette line that travels from Grand Rapids to Chicago and makes a stop in Holland Michigan, could be shut down at the end of the year.
The rail line which is owned by CSX, has yet to make upgrades needed for what they call positive train control. It’s up to Congress to extend the deadline from December 31st of this year to the end of 2020 for railways. Lawmakers could make a decision as early as next week.
Positive Train Control or PTC is a system designed to prevent human-caused train accidents by monitoring where all the trains are, their speeds, and other conditions. The Pere Marquette line has not been upgraded yet.
In other Amtrack news, they are now charging passengers who have more then teo carry-on bags. Passengers are now limited to two carry-on bags and two personal items. There are charges for going over the limit and now fees for overweight bags. Carry-on bags now have a 50-pound limit and personal items like laptops and purses have a 25-pound limit.
– Mary Ellen Murphy
