Train Service Suspended Through Sunday

Amtrak has canceled Pere Marquette Train 370 and Pere Marquette Train 371 between Grand Rapids and Chicago after heavy rains washed out the ground underneath a portion of the track in Coloma, Michigan.

The cancellation affects two routes that serve West Michigan:

• Pere Marquette Train 370 leaves from Chicago to Grand Rapids, stopping in Benton Harbor, Bangor and Holland, at 6:30 p.m.
• Pere Marquette Train 371 leaves from Grand Rapids the next morning at 6 a.m., taking the same route back to Chicago

Amtrak first announced the cancellation of the 370 route on Saturday afternoon just after 3 p.m., a few hours before its scheduled departure, then cancelled the 371 just before 5 a.m. on Sunday, an hour before its scheduled departure.

Amtrak officials said bus transportation will be provided in place of the train and said online they do not have an estimated time for revival for the route.

On Saturday, three alternate buses were provided:

• Bus 1: Express from Chicago to Grand Rapids
• Bus 2: Express from Chicago to Holland
• Bus 3: Made all stops

In response to a user question online about services on Thursday, Amtrak officials said, "Train 371 (Grand Rapids to Chicago, 6 a.m. departure) is scheduled to run this Thursday. If there are any changes we will provide updates about cancellations and alternate transportation as they become available."

Weather Impact

The washout occurred after heavy rain hit West Michigan over the weekend, causing significant damage to the railroad infrastructure in the Coloma area. The ground underneath the tracks became too unstable to support train traffic.

The Pere Marquette route has been a vital connection for travelers between Chicago and Grand Rapids for decades, with the trains stopping in multiple West Michigan communities including Holland, Bangor, and Benton Harbor.

What Travelers Should Know

Anyone planning to use the Grand Rapids-Chicago train service should check Amtrak Alerts before traveling. The agency will continue to provide updates about cancellations and alternate transportation as they become available.

Travelers who have already booked tickets should contact Amtrak customer service for rebooking options or refunds.

Looking Ahead

Amtrak has not provided an estimated time for when the track will reopen or when train service will resume. The agency is working with railroad contractors to assess the full extent of the damage and develop a plan for repairs.

Communities along the route, particularly in West Michigan, rely on this service for both passenger travel and freight operations. The cancellation has left many residents without their primary transportation option for connecting to Chicago and beyond.

This story is being updated as more information becomes available.