Amtrak Plans to Compensate for 11-Hour Delayed Train

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Passengers on an Amtrak train that was 11 hours late can expect to be compensated.

The Amtrak train departed from Chicago and was set to arrive in Grand Rapids late Sunday. But the train had to stop for a number of reasons, from weather to rail repairs. It stopped one more time in Holland to change up employees. An Amtrak spokesperson says it's because of work rules which do not allow employees to work beyond a 12-hour shift.

Many of the passengers say they didn't know what was going on. They say the train's crew weren't communicating with them. A spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Transportation sent a letter to Amtrak asking them to explain the delay. She says MDOT understands the weather probably held things up. But they want to know about the communication breakdown.

Newschannel 3 spoke with an Amtrak spokesperson who says anyone on that train is encouraged to call 1-800-USA RAIL (872-7245). Vouchers or reimbursement is an option but Amtrak handles it case by case.