Amtrak begins tweeting out train delays

Folks waiting for an MIA Amtrak can now follow @AmtrakNEC on Twitter to get the latest on delays along the Northeast Corridor.

Amtrak today began Tweeting out major service disruptions that cause long delays or stoppages. Trains covered include Acela Express and Northeast Regional and other Amtrak trains between Washington, D.C., and Boston; Keystone Service trains between Harrisburg, Pa.; and New York City, via Philadelphia and Shuttle trains between Springfield, Mass., and New Haven, Conn. No Tweet will be sent for single trains that experience delays.

The Tweets will also be linked to from Amtrak.com. Train status information will continue to be available through the tools on both the standard and mobile versions of Amtrak.com, calls to 800-USA-RAIL and on information display systems at stations.

If the program is a success, Amtrak will continue it and possibly expand it. If few people use it, the service will be discontinued. Sounds familiar, Amtrak.