Statement on Amtrak San Joaquins’ Precautions Against Coronavirus

(STOCKTON, Calif.) – March 13, 2020 – The health and safety of Amtrak San Joaquins passengers and staff is the number one priority of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA). As such, SJJPA staff is closely monitoring the status of coronavirus (COVID-19) and is working closely with our Amtrak partners to ensure appropriate precautionary steps are taken in response to the coronavirus.

Please see the following precautions and policy changes Amtrak is taking to ensure the health of travelers and manage the changing travel environment. For additional information about the Coronavirus, visit the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website.

Keeping you healthy aboard our trains and thruway busses: cleaning policies

To reduce risk, Amtrak is:

Enhancing cleaning protocols:Amtrak has increased the frequency of cleaning service on our trains and at our stations to multiple times a day, and in some cases, on an hourly basis. We have increased the use of disinfectants to wipe down handrails, doorknobs, handles, and surfaces.
Increasing supplies of disinfecting products:Amtrak has increased the quantity of sanitizers and disinfectant wipes available for customers and employees throughout our trains and stations.
Reinforcing good hygiene practices:Amtrak is regularly sharing best practices with employees and customers on ways to protect against communicable diseases.

Preventing the spread of illness: personal safety recommendations

To prevent the spread and transmission of illnesses, including the common cold and flu, we urge travelers to take personal precautions aboard our trains and Thruway busses. To most effectively ensure your personal health against viral illnesses, including COVID-19, we recommend following the precautions outlined on the CDC’s website, which includes frequently washing hands for at least 20 seconds, covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

We have your back: change and cancellation fee policies

Currently, Amtrak is waiving change fees on all existing or new reservations made before April 30, 2020. Simply log in to your account or go to Modify Trip on Amtrak.com, or find your reservation from your account on the home screen in the Amtrak app. If you want to cancel your reservation, call 1-800-USA-RAIL. Please note, a fare difference may apply to your new itinerary.

We will continue to monitor and make changes to our procedures, policies, and operations as necessary. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the health of our community!