Amtrak train service has been restored between Philadelphia and New York in the wake of the May 12 derailment of Northeast Regional Train 188 that killed eight people and injured more than 200 others.
According to the Associated Press, the rail operator resumed service in the Northeast Corridor between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. ET on Monday. A pair of trains, one southbound from New York and another northbound from Philadelphia, arrived at their destinations early Monday morning about a half an hour behind schedule.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter was on hand to watch the northbound train, carrying roughly three dozen passengers, depart not far from where last week's tragedy occurred.
The resumed service comes a day after Amtrak president Joseph Boardman announced the company would return to service in "complete compliance" with federal safety orders and offer a "safer service."
Amtrak is in the process of installing Positive Train Control to enhance safety. The technology provides more information regarding the route and speed limits to help prevent accidents. Investigators have released several details surrounding last week's crash, including that the train was traveling 106 mph when it entered the 50 mph sharp curve where it derailed.
In addition to loss of life, last week's derailment had a massive impact on travel in the region, with many who rely heavily on the rail service stuck. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schultz referred to the Northeast Corridor "an economic engine here on the East Coast."
More than a dozen of those injured in last week's derailment remained hospitalized, per the AP. Fortunately, all are expected to survive their injuries.
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