Auto Train passengers report hourslong delays at Sanford Amtrak station

SANFORD, Fla. – Amtrak Auto Train passengers said they waited for hours at the Sanford station Sunday night after delays disrupted travel between Virginia and Central Florida, throwing off schedules for families trying to get home and others preparing to leave.

A long line of cars could be seen outside the Amtrak station in Sanford as passengers waited to board. Some told News 6 they had been there for about seven hours and were still unsure when their train would depart.

Richard Brown said he was frustrated after what he described as another major delay during his first trip on the Auto Train.

“This is not acceptable,” Brown said. “The first experience was 31 hours. Lost the whole day of my vacation. Now you’re starting it over again.”

Brown said the delays were more than an inconvenience for his family.

“I’m actually highly upset because I’m retired. I’m dealing with pain constantly right now. I have chronic regional pain syndrome. My mother is diabetic,” he said.

A passenger on Auto Train 53 contacted the News 6 Neighborhood Network and said their train from Virginia to Sanford was delayed Sunday by around eight hours. News 6 also confirmed the delay through Amtrak’s website.

Another passenger said the delay would affect school and work plans.

“We were supposed to arrive at 9 in the morning tomorrow, but now it’s not going to be till 3 p.m., so my son’s going to miss school. I’m going to miss some work,” Cindy Ina said.

Others said they drove from South Florida to make the train, only to end up waiting in line for hours.

“We drove from South Florida. So we’re hustling to get here. And now we’re sitting in line since 3:30 till 11:30 at night now,” Ina said.

Passengers said they want reimbursement for the delays. Brown said Amtrak previously gave him a full refund after the earlier 31-hour travel issue and questioned why he was facing another delay on the same trip.

“They gave me a full refund for the 31 hours to get down here. So now you’re putting me through the same thing again,” Brown said. “I mean, what kind of welcome is that?”

Passengers onboard said their train made multiple stops because of mechanical issues.

News 6 has reached out to Amtrak for more information about the delays and verify if there were any mechanical issues. We also asked how passengers are being accommodated and whether compensation will be offered. This story will be updated when Amtrak responds.