Amtrak News
Amtrak to operate qualifying trains for new Norfolk service
Amtrak will begin operating trains to serve as training for locomotive engineers and conductors to learn the tracks and territory between Petersburg and Norfolk, Va.
Amtrak launches free android application
Amtrak now offers a free Android application for passengers to plan and book travel, check train status, show their eTicket, and change reservations instantly from the convenience of any Android device.
Amtrak to operate test trains at 165mph
Amtrak plans to operate high-speed test trains at 165 mph in four areas covering more than 100 miles of the Northeast Corridor.
Amtrak launches history website
Amtrak recently launched a new website, History.Amtrak.com, dedicated to providing a view into its extensive archive and is a place to share in its rich history.
Amtrak covers 85% of operating costs
Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman will appear before a Congressional committee to testify that with record ridership of 30.2 million passengers, Amtrak now covers 85 percent of its operating budget with ticket sales and other revenues, reducing the federal operating need to just 15 percent.
Amtrak maintains strong security posture to keep passengers safe
On the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and to honor those who lost their lives on that tragic day, Amtrak is participated in Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Surging Amtrak ridership sets 11 consecutive monthly records
Amtrak ridership is surging this year with 11 consecutive monthly ridership records. In each month of the current fiscal year, Amtrak has posted the highest ridership total ever for that particular month (i.e., the best October ever, the best November ever, etc.) with the final month of September also expected to be a new record. In addition, July was the single best ridership month in the history of Amtrak.
Amtrak: September designated Rail Safety month in California
According to statistics kept by the Federal Railroad Administration, California holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of trespasser fatalities in the nation. To reduce these tragedies, State legislators passed a bill in 2009 that designated September as “Rail Safety Month.” Each year, intercity passenger rail service and freight rail operators team up to remind the public to always be ‘Track Smart’!
Great Dome car returns to Adirondack Service
Passengers riding the Amtrak Adirondack train north of Albany will once again have the unique opportunity to experience the spectacular view of New York State’s fall foliage season when the historic “Great Dome” rail car makes a special five-week return appearance from September 13 through October 21, 2012.
Amtrak: Virginia to Norfolk to start December
Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Amtrak Virginia’s Northeast Regional service extension to and from Norfolk will start December 12, 2012, providing a same-seat trip from Norfolk to Washington, DC, Baltimore, New York City and as far north as Boston.
Amtrak Texas eagle route podcast now available
Passengers riding on Amtrak Texas Eagle trains between Chicago and San Antonio now can begin their trips by downloading a podcast that provides an interpretive tour of the route’s history, stops and highlights.
Upgraded Seattle Amtrak maintenance facility ready
The completion of Phase I and Phase II of a major upgrade of the Seattle Maintenance Facility is being celebrated by Amtrak and its partners. The facilities support Amtrak operations and maintenance agreements in the Pacific Northwest for the Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, Amtrak Cascades, and Sounder commuter trains.