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The "Three Rivers": Amtrak's 'Broadway Limited' Replacement

Published: July 26, 2024

By: Adam Burns

Amtrak's Three Rivers was a crucial part of the American passenger rail system, serving as a vital link between the Midwest and the Northeast. First launched on September 10, 1995, the train carried on the legacy of its predecessor, the Broadway Limited, continuing to offer essential service between Chicago and New York.

The route stretched approximately 908 miles and passed through several key cities, including Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia.

Its inception was rooted in the necessity to maintain passenger service to various towns and cities that had historically relied on these connections. It ran through regions of great industrial and historical significance, providing both convenience and a scenic travel experience.

Named after Pittsburgh's iconic confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, the Three Rivers was more than just a transportation service; it was a symbol of connectivity and accessibility.

The train offered coach and sleeper car accommodations, catering to a wide range of passenger needs, from daily commuters to long-distance travelers. Additionally, the route included a dining car, ensuring that passengers could enjoy meals while on their journey.

Despite its significance, it faced financial challenges and changes in operational priorities. Amtrak made the difficult decision to discontinue the service on March 7, 2005 following the cancellation of USPS mail contracts.

The loss of the Three Rivers left a void in passenger rail service for many of the smaller communities along its route - particularly west of Pittsburgh - highlighting the ongoing struggle to balance the preservation of historic rail routes with modern economic realities.

While the train is no longer in operation, its legacy endures in the memories of those who relied on its services and the rich history of American rail travel it represents.

Amtrak P42DC #49 leads the westbound "Three Rivers" on the ex-PRR's New York-Chicago main line just west of Pittsburgh in November, 1998. Gary Morris photo.

History

Amtrak inaugurated the Three Rivers on September 10, 1995, to replace the discontinued Broadway Limited. This new service initially operated between New York and Pittsburgh, augmenting a New York–Harrisburg Keystone Service train.

Designated train numbers 46/47, the train facilitated the exchange of mail cars with the Chicago–Washington, D.C. Capitol Limited at Pittsburgh, while passengers bound for through destinations transferred to connecting trains.

On February 1, 1996, through service was introduced by coupling two Three Rivers Amfleet coaches to the Capitol Limited’s Superliner consist. The transition between the single-level and double-level cars was managed by a transition dorm car, enabling seamless passenger movement.

Amtrak opted to cease this switching operation on November 10, 1996, instead extending the Three Rivers as an independent route all the way to Chicago. This decision reinstated the Broadway Limited's former train numbers (40/41), although it did not fully restore the that train's comprehensive dining services or sleeping cars due to equipment constraints and scheduling challenges.

In a bid to enhance passenger amenities, Amtrak added a sleeping car to the Three Rivers on April 1, 1999. Four previously stored Heritage Fleet sleepers were refurbished at a cost of $250,000, filling the gap left by unavailable Viewliners.

These refurbished sleepers—Amtrak's last standard 10-6 models—required a Federal Railroad Administration waiver to operate due to their direct-dump toilets. Upon the waiver's expiration in October 2001, Amtrak retired the Heritage sleepers and replaced them with newly available Viewliners, thus continuing to provide enhanced passenger comfort on the Three Rivers route.

During its operation, the train generally utilized Amfleet coaches and either Amfleet or Horizon dinette cars.

At the peak of Amtrak's foray into mail and express services in the late 1990s, the Three Rivers typically featured 4-6 passenger cars along with an extensive array of up to 25 mail cars, reflecting its dual role in passenger and freight transport.

Cancellation

Following the Three Rivers' discontinuance, the Pennsylvanian picked up the route east of Pittsburgh. However, the section west of Pittsburgh to Hammond-Whiting no longer accommodates passenger trains. Instead, the Capitol Limited continues to connect Pittsburgh and Chicago, albeit via a different route through Cleveland.

Originally launched in 1980, the Pennsylvanian emerged as part of Amtrak's broader strategy to enhance regional connectivity and support the transportation needs of residents and travelers in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States. Covering approximately 444 miles, the train's route includes significant stops at Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Altoona.

Traveling along the historic PRR's Chicago main line, the Pennsylvanian offers passengers scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains, the famed Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, and the picturesque Susquehanna River.

The service is well-regarded for providing a comfortable and convenient travel option, with amenities such as Business Class seating, a Café car, and free Wi-Fi.

One of the unique aspects of the Pennsylvanian is its connection with Amtrak's Keystone Service, which operates between New York City and Harrisburg. The combined service provides multiple daily departures, enhancing flexibility for travelers on the eastern segment of the route.

Additionally, the Pennsylvanian serves as a crucial link for communities in central Pennsylvania.

Despite facing challenges such as changes in ridership patterns and operational funding, the Pennsylvanian remains an essential component of Amtrak's network.