Amtrak is extending the suspension of one its two daily round trips between St. Louis and Kansas City because of continued flooding along the Missouri River.
The suspension took effect July 2 and had been scheduled to expire at midweek. But the passenger train service said Wednesday the change remains in effect at least through Saturday.
Amtrak has halted its westbound morning train from St. Louis and the eastbound afternoon train from Kansas City. Those are trains 311 and 316 of a route called the Missouri River Runner.
The adjustments are needed to accommodate Union Pacific trains that use some of the same track, which is owned by Union Pacific.
Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari says there are other options for the Missouri River Runner passengers.
"We have chartered motor coaches to represent the morning train from St. Louis and the afternoon train from Kansas City and we’ve super-sized the remaining trains to absorb some of that business, and we have," Magliari said.
The morning 313 train from Kansas City and the afternoon 314 train from St. Louis remain in service.
The earliest the trains will be back in service is Sunday, although Magliari says that’s not guaranteed.
Passengers are encouraged to call 800-USA-RAIL or visit www.Amtrak.com.
