Monday, Oct. 5, marked the first day that Amtrak’s cuts went into effect across the nation, reducing daily train services on the long-distance rail network from seven to three days a week in response to financial losses due to the pandemic. These reductions are a disappointing loss, as long-distance trains bring in the majority of Amtrak revenue and continue to lead in ridership numbers.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, long-distance trains have lost the least ridership as a percentage compared to other networks. Last week, long-distance trains were down 44%, while state-supported and Northeast Regional trains both dropped 73% and Acela was down 90%. Long-distance passengers clearly rely on these trains more than any other Amtrak service.

Early data also shows that many of the long-distance trains routinely sell out in sleepers, coaches or both—more than other Amtrak segments. It is unclear how Amtrak will adapt to this steady demand with the recently enacted cuts.

The U.S. House of Representatives originally proposed legislation as part of a second stimulus package that included a supplemental appropriation to keep daily service, state-funded corridor routes and commuter rail operating through the end of the fiscal year. That legislation also included funding and a mandate for maintaining daily long-distance service, which provides 53% of Amtrak’s incoming revenue.

However, while Congress passed a continuing resolution Oct. 1 to keep the federal government operating, it failed to address the need for supplemental funding to keep daily trains running or stave off Amtrak staff furloughs. The loss of daily service will limit mobility for millions of travelers who use trains to commute to jobs, health care services and family visits at a time when these connections are needed more than ever to stimulate local economies, especially in rural areas.